US4761429A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Enkephalinase and endorphinase inhibitors as anti-craving compositions
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-07-22
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Granted: 1988-08-02
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Expires: 2005-07-22
Abstract
Abstract A new class of anti-craving compositions is provided by substances which inhibit breakdown of endogenous substances such as enkephalins and/or endorphins. An anti-alcohol craving effect is observed with an enkephalin breakdown inhibitor. Specifically, D-phenylalanine, DL-phenylalanine, D-leucine, DL-leucine, and hydrocinnamic acid, each an encephalin breakdown inhibitor, significantly lowered alcohol intake in animals and humans. The anti-alcohol desire effect is observed in animals genetically prone to choose alcohol over water solutions.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth Blum
- 👤 Arthur H. Briggs
- 👤 Jack E. Wallace
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 20:05
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61K; A61K31/00; A61K31/185; A61K31/19; A61K31/195
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
39 words
A method for reducing the craving of a human or animal for alcohol by administering to said subject, at least one substance which inhibits the destruction of neuropeptidyl opiates in an amount sufficient to reduce the craving for alcohol.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
39 words
A method for reducing the craving of a human or animal for alcohol by administering to said subject, at least one substance which inhibits the destruction of neuropeptidyl opiates in an amount sufficient to reduce the craving for alcohol.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the substance is D-phenylalanine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the daily dosage range of D-phenylalanine is 16-5000 mg.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the substance is DL-plenylalanine.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the daily dosage range of DL-phenylalanine is 32-10000 mg.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the substance is hydrocinnamic acid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the daily dosage range of hydrocinnamic acid is 1-100 mg.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the substance administered is an effective amount of a combination of amino acids selected from the group that consists of D-phenylalanine, DL-phenylalanine, D-leucine, DL-leucine, and hydrocinnamic acid.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4439452A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-08-02 | 1992-02-01 | 1992-08-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-08-02 | 1996-02-01 | 1996-08-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-08-02 | 2000-02-01 | 2000-08-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |