Indian Patents. 223844:MEDICINE TRIAL PRODUCTION SUPPORTING SYSTEM

Title of Invention	MEDICINE TRIAL PRODUCTION SUPPORTING SYSTEM
Abstract	A computer system (100), an ingredient manufacturer system (200), and composition manufacturers can be connected online, and a system of the ingredient manufacturer obtains composition information from a system (300) , and provides it for the system (100) . At this time, an estimated product property and production cost can be provided.

Full Text	TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a medicine prototype support system and method for supporting product information and ingredient transaction between a product manufacturer and an ingredient manufacturer, for example, a medicine prototype support system and method for supporting a transaction between a product manufacturer of a composition formed by one main active and other ingredients, such as health food, other food, cosmetics, etc. especially medicines and a manufacturer of an ingredient forming part of a composition. BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a composition product manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as a product manufacturer, for example, a pharmaceutical company) is mainly engaged in manufacturing the main ingredient (for example, an efficacy ingredient) of the composition, and requests a composition ingredient manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as an ingredient manufacturer) to manufacture and provide other composition ingredients (for example, an excipient for forming a tablet appropriate for the efficacy ingredient) appropriate for the main ingredient. In this case, it is rare that a user is informed of the optimum composition ingredient for a predetermined efficacy ingredient from the beginning, and a product manufacturer selects the optimum composition ingredient based on the manufacture of a sample product and its evaluation from a combination of a plurality of composition ingredients regarded as candidates. However, it is necessary to accumulate the knowledge of various composition ingredients and a composition manufacturing method using them for the combination of the optimum main ingredient with other composition ingredients, and it is not always easy for a product manufacturer. For example, the contents of a process of exchanging information among a product manufacturer, an ingredient manufacturer, and a contract composition manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as a composition manufacturer) are practically explained below by referring to Figure 1. When a product manufacturer manufactures a new medicine, the manufacturer asks the ingredient manufacturer about the information about the properties, etc. of the necessary composition ingredients a, b, c, ... for the manufacture. The ingredient manufacturer checks the information about the asked composition ingredient, and presents (returns as an answer) the information to the product manufacturer. The product manufacturer prepares a sample, and evaluates it. When a better evaluation cannot be obtained, the processes to are repeated. The finally determined ingredient is indicated as a composition ingredient to be purchased to the ingredient manufacturer. The ingredient manufacturer sells the indicated ingredient to the product manufacturer. The product manufacturer delivers the purchased ingredient to the composition manufacturer, discloses the prescription, and commits production of the product. The composition manufacturer performs contract manufacture. A manufactured product is supplied to the product manufacturer. A product manufacturer has to repeatedly exchange information with an ingredient manufacturer and a composition manufacturer, and it has been the problem to be solved that a laborious job is to be performed in exchanging information for manufacture of a product. Especially, when a new medicine is developed, it has been difficult to request an external organization to develop it while maintaining the security of the main ingredient (important ingredient) of the medicine to be developed. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention directs to provide a medicine prototype support system and method capable of supporting a product manufacturer detecting the optimum other composition ingredients for a main ingredient and combinations of them in cooperation with the ingredient manufacturer or the composition manufacturer, and realizing a quick transaction between a product manufacturer and a related manufacturer. According to the first embodiment of the present invention includes: a first system which includes input means for inputting information, output means for outputting information, and communications means for transmitting information input from the input means and receiving information to be output by the output means, and is used by a product manufacturer; a second system which includes input means for inputting an information, output means for outputting information, and communications means for transmitting information input from the input means and receiving information to be output by the output means, and is used by an ingredient manufacturer; and a third system which accumulates composition information relating to a composition of a product, can provides the output means of the second system with composition information at a retrieval request transmitted from the second system, and is used by a composition manufacturer, wherein main ingredient information relating to a main ingredient of a product composition is input from the input means of the first system, the main ingredient information is output to the output means of the second system through the communications means of the first system and the second system, ingredient information about a product composition ingredient and a retrieval request are input from the input means of the second system, accumulated composition information about the ingredient information is obtained from the third system and output from the output means of the second system, estimated product property information and estimated product production cost information determined according to the output accumulated information are input from the input means of the second system and transferred through the communications means of the first system and the second system, and output from the output means of the first system. The second embodiment of the invention is based on the medicine prototype support system of the first embodiment, wherein after the estimated product property information and estimated product production cost information are output from the output means of the first system, a prototype manufacture request input from the first system is output from the output means of the second system through the communications means of the first system and the second system, the information about at least the properties of the prototype is input from the input means of the second system as the information about the manufacture of a product, and the input information about the manufacture is output from the output means of the first system through the communications means of the first system and the second system. The second embodiment of the present invention is a medicine prototype supporting method used among a first system which is capable of inputting and outputting information, has communications capabilities, and is used by a product manufacturer, a second system which is capable of inputting and outputting information, has communications capabilities, and is used by an ingredient manufacturer, and a third system which accumulates composition information about the composition of a product, can provide the second system with composition information according to a retrieval request transmitted from the second system, and is used by a composition manufacturer wherein main ingredient information relating to a main ingredient of a product composition is input from the first system, the main ingredient information is transferred and output to the second system through the communications capabilities of the first system and the second system, ingredient information about a product composition ingredient and a retrieval request are input from the second system, accumulated composition information about the ingredient information is obtained from the third system and output from the second system, estimated product property information and estimated product production cost information determined according to the output accumulated information are input from the second system and transferred through the communications capabilities of the first system and the second system, and output from the first system. The fourth embodiment of the invention is based on the medicine prototype supporting method of the third embodiment, wherein after the estimated product property information and estimated product production cost information are output from the first system, a prototype manufacture request input from the first system is output from the second system through the communications means of the second system, the information about at least the properties of the prototype is input from the second system as the information about the manufacture of a product, and the input information about the manufacture is output from the first system through the communications capabilities of the first system and the second system. The fifth embodiment of the invention includes : a first system which has input means for inputting information, output means for output ting information, and communications means for transmitting the information input from the input means and receiving information to be output by the output means, and is used by a product manufacturer; and a second system which accumulates composition information about the composition of a product, has input means for inputting information, output means for outputting information, and communications means for transmitting information input from the input means and receiving information to be output by the output means, and is used by an ingredient manufacturer, wherein main ingredient information relating to the main ingredient of a product composition is input from the input means of the first system, the main ingredient information is output to the output means of the second system through the communications means of the first system and the second system, ingredient information about composition ingredient and a retrieval request are input from the input means of the second system, accumulated composition information about the ingredient information is obtained from the second system at the retrieval request and output from the output means of the second system, and estimated product property information and estimated product production cost information determined according to the output accumulated information are input from the input means of the second system, transferred through the communications means of the first system and the second system, and output from the output means of the f irst system. The sixth embodiment of the invention is a medicine prototype support system for an ingredient manufacturer developing medicines at a request of a product manufacturer which includes a product manufacturer system of the product manufacturer, an ingredient manufacturer system of the ingredient manufacturer, and a plurality of composition manufacturer systems of composition manufacturers which the ingredient manufacturer requests to manufacture a composition connected through communications means, wherein the product manufacturer system has transmission means for transmitting at least main ingredient information about a medical product to the ingredient manufacturer system, the ingredient manufacturer system has a database storing main ingredient information and composition ingredient information, composition ingredient determination means for determining composition ingredient information about a medical product to be developed according to the main ingredient information from the product manufacturer system based on the database, and transmission means for transmitting resultant composition ingredient information from the composition ingredient determination means to the plurality of composition manufacturer systems, and the plurality of composition manufacturer systems has transmission means for transmitting composition manufacture information about the manufacture of a part of a manufacture process of the medical product to the ingredient manufacturer system. The seventh embodiment of the invention is based on the medicine prototype support system sixth embodiment, wherein the main ingredient information about the database of the ingredient manufacturer system is ranked depending on the security level, and when main ingredient information at a high security level is transmitted to the composition manufacturer system, the information is transmitted after being at least once converted by information conversion means. The eighth embodiment of the invention is based on the medicine prototype support system of the sixth embodiment, and further includes information conversion means for conversion from main ingredient information to another type of information which does not allow the main ingredient information to be estimated in a database of the ingredient manufacturer system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an explanatory view of the conventional flow of information; Figure 2 is a block diagram of the configuration of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is an explanatory view of the flow of information according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a diagram showing the relationship of Figure 4A and 4B; Figure 4A is a block diagram of the configuration of the system according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4B is a block diagram of the configuration of the system according to another embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The embodiments of the present invention are described below in detail by referring to the attached drawings. Figure 2 shows the entire configuration of the medicine prototype support system applicable to the embodiment described later. In Figure 2, a computer system 100 (hereinafter referred to simply as a system) used by a product manufacturer and has a communications server 101 and one or more clients 102 LAN-connected to the communications server 101. The communications server 101 transfers the information transmitted from the client 102 to the ingredient manufacturer system 200. The client 102 can use a personal computer, etc. , and is loaded with software for electronic mail and a browser for browsing a home page (an HTML document, etc.). The client 102 inputs the information to be transmitted to the client of another system described later, and displays the information received from another system. An ingredient manufacturer system 200 has a communications server 201 and a plurality of clients 202 LAN-connected to the communications server 201. The functions of the communications server 201 and the clients 202 can be considered to be the same as those of the above-mentioned communications server 101 and the client 102. The communications server 201 stores in the internal storage device, for example, in the hard disk storage device the information (generally called property information) to be presented to the product manufacturer including properties, etc. depending on the type of a composition ingredient. Furthermore, the communications server 201 is loaded with an estimating program for calculation of a manufacture price and a manufacture condition according to the information about the type and amount, etc. of a composition ingredient. Furthermore, the communications server 201 is loaded with a program for a read of the accumulated information accumulated in the communications server (described later) of a composition manufacturer. In an estimating program, a calculating expression for a manufacture cost using the quantity as a parameter is predetermined for each type of composition ingredient. By the calculating expression, a manufacture cost can be calculated in the program. Since a program for remotely reading accumulated information (what is called data of a database) is marketed, a commonly marketed program can be used. A composition manufacturer system 300 has a communications server 301 and a plurality of clients 302 LAN-connected to the communications server 301. The functions of the communications server 301 and the clients 302 can be considered to be similar to those of the communications server 101 and the client 102. However, the storage device of the composition manufacturer system 300 is loaded with a well-known database management program for offering accumulated information at an inquiry of accumulated information, that is, a query (retrieval request) from the ingredient manufacturer system 200 . The accumulated information refers to the information relating to the properties of the composition (possibly including the entire product) obtained by combining a plurality of composition ingredients and the manufacture condition (the above two pieces of information can be generally called composition information). A communications network 400 is a communications network which can be connected to the systems 100 to 300. For example, any well-known communications network can be used regardless of a dedicated telephone line called the Internet, wireless, or cable. (First Embodiment) The procedure of the first embodiment is explained by referring to Figure 3. (process 1) The staff of product manufacture of a product manufacturer inputs a written request from the client 102, that is, a written request ( shown in Figure 3) for providing a product composition to attain the desired properties of the product X including a manufactured main ingredient X1 and a manufacturing method, and transmits it to the ingredient manufacturer system 200. A request item from the product manufacturer can be the designation of the main ingredient X1, a desired item and value of a product, and also product style, a desired product cost, the restrictions on the manufacture condition, the restrictions on a used ingredient, etc. When the main ingredient X1 is generally difficult to acquire, it is necessary for a product manufacturer to provide the main ingredient XI for an ingredient manufacturer. In some cases, a substance similar to the main ingredient X1 is provided, (process 2) A sales staff of an ingredient manufacturer receives a written request at the clients 202 through the communications server 201. The sales staff inputs uses the clients 202 and inputs a retrieval request about the composition ingredient relating to the main ingredient described in the written request ( shown in Figure 3) and acquires the information (composition information) about the main ingredient XI accumulated in the communications server 301 of the composition manufacturer system 300 or various product composition formed by the ingredient similar in properties to it, and the properties and the manufacture condition attained by them ( shown in Figure 3). Furthermore, the product composition containing the composition ingredient X2 manufactured by the ingredient manufacturer and the manufacture condition are obtained according to the accumulated information in the communications server 301. Additionally, the information about the properties, etc. of a product is obtained from the accumulated information in its own communications server 201 or the communications server 301 of the composition manufacturer system 300 of the composition manufacturer. Thus, the properties of an estimated product are determined. Then, the sales staff inputs information (information about composition ingredient, quantity, etc. ) for estimation from the clients 202 , uses an estimating program of the communications server 201, and calculates the manufacture cost, and the product cost. When the product has legal restrictions on a substance available as a composition ingredient as medicines, the composition and the production cost should be determined within the range of the restrictions, (process 3) The information about the determined estimated product property and production cost is input from the clients 202, and transmitted to the client 102 of the staff of product manufacture of the product manufacturer through the communications servers 201 and 101 ( shown in Figure 3). (process 4) The staff of product manufacture considers the transmitted estimated product property and sales cost to prepare a written request for prototype manufacture. A written request for prototype manufacture ( shown in Fig.3) is input from the client 102, and transmitted to the clients 202 of the sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer through the communications servers 101 and 201. The sales staff transfers a written request for prototype manufacture to the clients 302 through the communications servers 201 and 301. At this time, the ingredient manufacturer discloses the product composition and the manufacture condition to the composition manufacturer. For example, the ingredient manufacturer provides the information about the main ingredient XI and another composition ingredient X2 for the composition manufacturer. Thus, when the ingredient manufacturer requests the composition manufacturer to manufacture a prototype, it is desired that a confidential contract is made between the ingredient manufacturer and the composition manufacturer on the product composition, the manufacture condition, etc. Furthermore, when an ingredient manufacturer can manufacture a prototype, the manufacture department, etc. belonging to the ingredient manufacturer has the function of the composition manufacturer in figure 3. (process 5) The composition manufacturer receives a request to manufacture a prototype, manufactures it, and delivers it to the ingredient manufacturer (refer to the dotted line shown in Figure 3). (process 6) The ingredient manufacturer measures the properties of the prototype. In some cases, the composition manufacturer measures the property values of the prototype, and can deliver the prototype including the information. The process 6 in this case is performed by the composition manufacturer. (process 7) The ingredient manufacturer provides a prototype for a product manufacturer (refer to the dotted line shown in Figure 3. ) . The information ( shown in Figure 3) about the (measured) properties of the prototype is transmitted from the clients 202 of the sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer to the client 102 of the product manufacturer. At this time, it is noticeable that the information about the composition and the manufacturing method are not disclosed. If a prototype is analyzed, and the composition and the manufacture condition are easily estimated, it is necessary to take action like a contract etc. not to analyze the product composition between the product manufacturer and the ingredient manufacturer, (process 8) The product manufacturer measures the properties of the provided prototype, and determines whether or not the disclosure of the information about the composition and manufacture condition of prototype is required (the disclosure of the information about the composition and the manufacture condition of a prototype is requested). Then, the result is transmitted to the clients 202 as a sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer (refer to shown in Figure 3). (process 9) When the ingredient manufacturer receives a notification from the manufacture staff of the product manufacturer that the information is to be disclosed, the sales staff discloses the information by transmitting the information about the product composition and the manufacture condition of a prototype from the clients 202 to the client 102. When the product manufacturer manufactures a product, the order (manufacture request as indicated by shown in Figure 3) of the composition ingredient X2 sold by the ingredient manufacturer is made from the client 102 of the manufacture staff to the clients 202 as the sales staff. The ingredient manufacturer receives the order, and manufactures the composition ingredient X2, or sells it when there is the ingredient in stock. When the product manufacturer does not manufacture the product, it can be committed on the composition manufacturer. The commission can be performed through an online operation. The prototype is provided and the payment and the reception of the price for the related information, etc. occur at any time depending on each style. For example, before starting the manufacture of a prototype, an estimated property value and a sales cost are presented to the product manufacturer, and the payment and reception of the price for the preparation of a prototype can occur. Furthermore, when the property information and manufacturing method information are to be purchased after presenting a prototype, the payment and reception of the price also occur. Additionally it is natural that the exchange of the price for the manufacture of a prototype occurs between the product manufacturer and the ingredient manufacturer. These prices can be processed online (that is, accounting process). Practically, the communications server 101 of the product manufacturer system performs the process of transferring the amount set in advance to the bank account of the ingredient manufacturer each time necessary information is received from the ingredient manufacturer system 200. The payment of a fund can be performed by a bank transfer or using electronic money, etc. The practical communications method according to the first embodiment is briefly explained below. Various communicating means such as electronic mail, file transfer (FTP), etc. can be used for the communications of the information among the staffs of the product manufacturer, the ingredient manufacturer, and the composition manufacturer. It is not necessary that the above-mentioned staffs are the same persons, but can be any appropriate persons in the sales, development, manufacture, and other departments as proxy agent. The information input means of the clients 102 and 202 can be a keyboard, a floppy disk (registered trademark), other storage devices, communications devices for inputting information from other devices through communications, etc. The information output means of the clients 102 and 202 can be a printer, a floppy disk (registered trademark) , other storage devices, communications devices for outputting information through communications, etc. (Second Embodiment) The above-mentioned first embodiment has the novelty in an ingredient manufacturer obtaining the accumulated information about the system of the composition manufacturer, and providing the product manufacturer with the information desired by the product manufacturer. While the load of the product manufacturer is reduced, the information inputting operation of the ingredient manufacturer increases. Therefore, the manual operation of the ingredient manufacturer can be automated in the second embodiment as described below. In this embodiment, an HTML document for display of the screen for input on the product manufacturer side to the communications server 201 of the ingredient manufacturer and the screen (information output screen) for display of the information received from the ingredient manufacturer is stored. The client 102 on the product manufacturer side uses a browser and displays the HTML document (information input screen) on the display screen of the client 102. On the information input screen, the main ingredient and the ingredient information about other composition ingredients shown in Figure 3 (), the prototype manufacture request (), a request to disclose the prototype manufacture condition, etc. (), and a manufacture request () are input. The staff of the ingredient manufacturer uses the browser of the clients 202 and displays the input screen to confirm the input information on the product manufacturer side. Upon receipt of the main ingredient and the ingredient information about other composition ingredient, the communications server 201 automatically activates an estimating program, estimates a sales cost, and displays the result on the information output screen. The process of retrieving necessary information from the accumulated information of the composition manufacturer system 300 can also be automatically performed by a database retrieval program. The estimated product property can be generated by a dedicated program by combining the information obtained from the composition manufacturer system 300 with the accumulated information about the ingredient manufacturer system 200, processing the result, and displaying it on the information output screen. Furthermore, the accumulated information accumulated in the composition manufacturer system 300 and the information relating to the composition accumulated by the ingredient manufacturer can be accumulated in the accumulation means in the ingredient manufacturer system 200 of the ingredient manufacturer, for example, in a hard disk so that the information relating to the composition can be retrieved from the accumulation means and used (corresponding to the invention according to claim 5). In the composition manufacturer system ingredient manufacturer system 200 in the embodiment above, the information about the properties of the composition ingredient is accumulated, but the main ingredient information or other composition ingredient information or both of them can be used as a query for retrieval of the accumulated information. The above-mentioned program can be easily prepared by those skilled in the art based on the explanation of the specifications. In the concepts of the product manufacturer, the ingredient manufacturer, the composition manufacturer, a proxy agent, for example, a trading company can be included. The third embodiment of the present invention is explained below by referring to the attached drawings. Figure 4 shows the entire configuration of the medicine (pharmaceutical) prototype support system applicable to the embodiment described later. In Figure 4, the computer system 100 used by a product manufacturer (hereinafter referred to simply as a product manufacturer system), and includes main ingredient information about medicines so that new medicines can be developed. Normally, the product composition contained in the medicines contains the important ingredient having efficacy (main ingredient) and composition ingredient having no efficacy but required in preparing and designing medicines. The product manufacturer system has a communications server 101 and one or more client 102 LAN-connected to the communications server 101. The communications server 101 transfers the information transmitted from the client 102 to the ingredient manufacturer system 200. The client 102 can use a personal computer, etc. , and is loaded with a browser for browsing electronic mail software, a home page (HTML document, etc.). The client 102 inputs information to be transmitted to the client of other systems described later, and displays the information received from other systems. The ingredient manufacturer system 200 is an ingredient manufacturer system used by an ingredient manufacturer, and comprises a communications server 201 and a plurality of clients 202 LANN-connected to the communications server 201. The functions of the communications server 201 and the clients 202 are considered to be similar to those of the communications server 101 and the 102. In the communications server 201, the internal storage device such as a hard disk storage device stores the information (generally referred to as property information) to be provided for the product manufacturer such as the properties depending on the type of composition ingredient and the manufacturing method (product process information) of the composition manufacturer, the information relating to the incompatibility between the main ingredient and the composition ingredient, and the information about the optimum composition ingredient for the product process information as a database (composition ingredient determination means, information conversion means). The communications server 201 is loaded with an estimating program for calculation of the manufacture price and manufacture condition according to the information about the type and amount of composition ingredient, etc. An estimating program can be designed to calculate the manufacture cost by the calculation expression obtained by predetermining a calculation expression for the manufacture cost using the quantity as a parameter for each type of composition ingredient. Systems 310, 320, 330, . . . are used by a plurality of composition manufacturers, and comprise communications servers 311, 321, 331, . . . , and a plurality of clients 312 , 322, 332 LAN-connected to the communications servers 311, 321, 331, .... The functions of the communications servers 311, 321, and 331 and the clients 312, 322, and 332 are similar to those of the communications server 101 and the client 102. A communications network 400 capable of connecting the systems 100 to 330, and can use a well-known communications network for example, a dedicated telephone line called the Internet and regardless of wireless or cable. (Third Embodiment) The procedure according to the third embodiment is explained by referring to Figure 4. (process 1) The staff of product manufacture of a product manufacturer inputs a written request from the client 102, that is, a written request ( shown in Figure 4) for providing a product composition to attain the desired properties of the product X including a manufactured main ingredient XI and a manufacturing method, and transmits it to the ingredient manufacturer system 200 through the server 101. A request item from the product manufacturer can be the designation of the main ingredient X1, a desired Item and value of a product, and also product style, a desired product cost, the restrictions on the manufacture condition, the restrictions on a used ingredient, etc. When it is generally hard for an ingredient manufacturer to obtain the main ingredient XI, it is necessary for a product manufacturer to provide the main ingredient XI for an ingredient manufacturer. When it is impossible to externally offer an ingredient under a development stage, a substance similar in properties to the main ingredient XI is provided, or the property information necessary in designing medicines can be provided although designation of the main ingredient XI cannot be specified. Furthermore, a request for a style (placebo) in which preparation and design can be performed only using the composition ingredient excluding the main ingredient XI from the medicines X. They are different in request cost relating to the manufacture of a prototype because they are related to the disclosure of confidential information, difficulty in preparation and design, and the development speed, (process 2) A sales staff of an ingredient manufacturer receives a written request at the clients 202 through the communications server 201. The sales staff inputs uses the clients 202 and inputs a retrieval request about the composition ingredient relating to the medicine X described in the written request for the communications server 201 ( shown in Figure 4). The composition information database in the communications server 201 of the ingredient manufacturer system 200 stores the main ingredient XI and the main ingredient X11 similar to the main ingredient XI, various composition manufacture information including the composition ingredient X2 manufactured by the ingredient manufacturer, and information (composition information) relating to the preparing manufacture condition using the properties attained by them, the main ingredient XI and X11 ( shown in Figure 4) . Then, the optimum composition ingredient X2 related to the XI information can be detected. Thus, the properties of an estimated product are determined. Then, the sales staff inputs information (information about composition ingredient, quantity, etc. ) for estimation from the clients 202, uses an estimating program of the communications server 201, and calculates the prototype manufacture cost, and the product cost. To calculate the cost, a cost calculation database is prepared depending on the prototype development speed, the difficulty in pharmaceutical designing, and the security of the main ingredient. When the product has legal restrictions on a substance available as a composition ingredient as medicines, the composition and the production cost should be determined within the range of the restrictions. (process 3) The information about the determined estimated product properties, the prototype product cost, and the production cost is input from the clients 202, and transmitted to the client 102 of the staff of product manufacture of the product manufacturer through the communications servers 201 and 101 ( shown in Figure 4). (process 4) The staff of product manufacture considers the transmitted estimated product property and sales cost to prepare a written request for prototype manufacture. A written request for prototype manufacture ( shown in Fig.4) is input from the client 102, and transmitted to the clients 202 of the sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer through the communications servers 101 and 201. (process 5) The sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer appropriately divides the prototype manufacture process, and generates a written request for prototype manufacture for each of the divided processes, assigns the written request for prototype manufacture to a plurality of composition manufacturers, and transmits the written request for prototype manufactures to the clients 312 , 322, and 332 of the staffs of the composition manufacturers through the communications servers 201, 311, 321, and 331 ( shown in Figure 4). At this time, the ingredient manufacturer discloses a necessary product composition and its manufacture condition for each process. The important point is that the information about the main ingredient XI is not disclosed, but the main ingredient X'l is disclosed depending on the confidential rank and the main ingredient X"l obtained by information converting the main ingredient XI or the main ingredient X' 1 obtained by the information conversion means can be disclosed. The information conversion means is contained in the system of the ingredient manufacturer, and the main ingredient XI information cannot be estimated from the main ingredient XI information whose confidentiality to be maintained, or there is a database (information conversion database) for conversion into hardly estimated main ingredient X'l and main ingredient X" 1. An example of the conversion can be, in the preparation development using a verapamil hydrochloride (XI) which is a vasoconstrictor, dilazep hydrochloride (X'l) is selected. The dilazep hydrochloride as well as verapamil hydrochloride is a vasoconstrictor, and is selected because it indicates a similar solubility level "sparingly soluble" . From the similarity in solubility which is the main factor affecting the particle-generating process in the preparing process, the acetaminophen (X"l) which is an antifebrile is selected. It is impossible to estimate the development of the verapamil hydrochloride from the acetaminophen. For example, the ingredient manufacturer offers the information about other composition ingredients including the main ingredient X'l and composition ingredient X2 for the composition manufacturer including the communications server 311. The ingredient manufacturer discloses to the composition manufacturer having the communications server 321 the properties (does not disclose the information about the main ingredient X'1) required in the manufacturing process of the process 2 prototype X requested by the composition manufacturer having the communications server 321 relating to the process 1 prototype X prepared from other composition ingredients including the main ingredient X'l and the composition ingredient X2. Furthermore, the ingredient manufacturer discloses the information about the process 2 prototype X and requests the composition manufacturer having the 331 to manufacture a prototype X. The servers 311, 321, and 331 perform a monitoring operation not to make double requests to generate a prototype in the same process. For example, assume that a particle is generated using the main ingredient X'l and other composition ingredients containing the composition ingredient X2, and a process 1 prototype X is obtained. Using the process 1 prototype X, a tablet is generated as a process 2 prototype X. The coated tablet obtained by coating the process 2 prototype X is a process 3 prototype X. When the ingredient manufacturer requests the composition manufacturer to manufacture a prototype, it is desired that the ingredient manufacturer makes a security contract in advance relating to the product composition, manufacture condition, etc. with the composition manufacturer although it is guaranteed that the information related to the main ingredient XI can be protected against disclosure to the composition manufacturer. Furthermore, an ingredient manufacturer can also manufacture a prototype. In this case, the manufacturing department, etc. belonging to the ingredient manufacturer functions as a composition manufacturer as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the costs for generating a process 1 prototype X, a process 2 prototype X, and a process 3 prototype X are determined, (process 6) The composition manufacturer receives a request to manufacture a prototype, manufactures it, and delivers it to the ingredient manufacturer (refer to the dotted lines a, b, and c shown in Figure 4). (process 7) The ingredient manufacturer measures the properties of the prototypes (process 1 prototype X, process 2 prototype X, and process 3 prototype X). In some cases, the composition manufacturer measures the property values of the prototype, and can deliver the prototype including the information. The process 6 in this case is performed by the composition manufacturer, (process 8) The ingredient manufacturer provides a prototype for a product manufacturer (refer to the dotted line shown in Figure 4. ) . The information ( shown in Figure 4) about the (measured) properties of the prototype is transmitted from the clients 202 of the sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer to the client 102 of the product manufacturer. At this time, it is noticeable that the information about the composition and the manufacturing method are not disclosed. If a prototype is analyzed, and the composition and the manufacture condition are easily estimated, it is necessary to take action like a contract etc. not to analyze the product composition between the product manufacturer and the ingredient manufacturer, (process 9) The product manufacturer measures the properties of the provided prototype, and determines whether or not the disclosure of the information about the composition and manufacture condition of prototype is required (the disclosure of the information about the composition and the manufacture condition of a prototype is requested). Then, the result is transmitted to the clients 202 as a sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer (refer to shown in Figure 4). (process 10) When the ingredient manufacturer receives a notification from the manufacture staff of the product manufacturer that the information is to be disclosed, the sales staff discloses the information by transmitting the information about the product composition and the manufacture condition of a prototype from the clients 202 to the client 102. When the product manufacturer manufactures a product, the order (manufacture request as indicated by shown in Figure 4) of the composition ingredient X2 sold by the ingredient manufacturer is made from the client 102 of the manufacture staff to the clients 202 as the sales staff. The ingredient manufacturer receives the order, and manufactures the composition ingredient X2, or sells it when there is the ingredient in stock. When the product manufacturer does not manufacture the product, it can be committed on the composition manufacturer. The commission can be performed through an online operation. The prototype is provided and the payment and the reception of the price for the related information, etc. occur at any time depending on each style. For example, before starting the manufacture of a prototype, the estimated property value and a sales cost are presented to the product manufacturer, and the payment and reception of the price for the preparation of a prototype can occur. Furthermore, when the property information and manufacturing method information are to be purchased after presenting a prototype, the payment and reception of the price also occur. Additionally it is natural that the exchange of the price for the manufacture of a prototype occurs between the product manufacturer and the ingredient manufacturer. These prices can be processed online (that is, accounting process). Practically, the communications server 101 of the product manufacturer system performs the process of transferring the amount set in advance to the bank account of the ingredient manufacturer each time necessary information is received from the ingredient manufacturer system 200. The payment of a fund can be performed by a bank transfer or using electronic money, etc. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the present invention, the composition manufacturer can efficiently obtain necessary information for manufacturing a new product by cooperating with other manufacturers. Therefore, the transactions among the manufacturers can be quickly performed. Furthermore, the product manufacturer discloses the main ingredient only to the ingredient manufacturer, and the ingredient manufacturer can manufacture the final product without disclosing it to a composition manufacturer by dividing the product into plural pieces, thereby maintaining the security for the product manufacturer. We claim: 1. A medicine prototype support system for an ingredient manufacturer developing medical product at a request of a product manufacturer, comprising a product manufacturer system of the product manufacturer, an ingredient manufacturer system of the ingredient manufacturer, and a plurality of composition manufacturer systems of compositions manufacturers which the ingredient manufacturer requests to manufacture a composition, which are connected through communications means, wherein the product manufacturer system comprises transmission means for transmitting at least main ingredient information about a medical product to the ingredient manufacturer system; the ingredient manufacturer system comprises; a database comprising confidential first main ingredient information and second main ingredient information after information conversion corresponding to the first main ingredient information; composition ingredient determination means for determining composition ingredient information for each process of medicines developed according to the main ingredient information; information conversion means for information conversion from the main ingredient information to second main ingredient information corresponding to the main ingredient information using the database when the main ingredient information is confidential first main ingredient information; and transmission means for transmitting to the plurality of composition manufacturer systems second main ingredient information converted by the information conversion means and the composition ingredient information for each process of medicines determination means, wherein the plurality of composition manufacturer systems comprise transmission means for transmitting composition manufacture information about the manufacture of a part of a manufacture process of the medical product to the ingredient manufacturer system. A computer system (100), an ingredient manufacturer system (200), and composition manufacturers can be connected online, and a system of the ingredient manufacturer obtains composition information from a system (300) , and provides it for the system (100) . At this time, an estimated product property and production cost can be provided.

Full Text

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a medicine prototype
support system and method for supporting product
information and ingredient transaction between a product
manufacturer and an ingredient manufacturer, for example,
a medicine prototype support system and method for
supporting a transaction between a product manufacturer
of a composition formed by one main active and other
ingredients, such as health food, other food, cosmetics,
etc. especially medicines and a manufacturer of an
ingredient forming part of a composition.
BACKGROUND ART
Conventionally, a composition product manufacturer
(hereinafter referred to as a product manufacturer, for
example, a pharmaceutical company) is mainly engaged in
manufacturing the main ingredient (for example, an efficacy
ingredient) of the composition, and requests a composition
ingredient manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as an
ingredient manufacturer) to manufacture and provide other
composition ingredients (for example, an excipient for
forming a tablet appropriate for the efficacy ingredient)
appropriate for the main ingredient.
In this case, it is rare that a user is informed of
the optimum composition ingredient for a predetermined
efficacy ingredient from the beginning, and a product
manufacturer selects the optimum composition ingredient
based on the manufacture of a sample product and its
evaluation from a combination of a plurality of composition
ingredients regarded as candidates. However, it is
necessary to accumulate the knowledge of various
composition ingredients and a composition manufacturing
method using them for the combination of the optimum main
ingredient with other composition ingredients, and it is
not always easy for a product manufacturer.
For example, the contents of a process of exchanging
information among a product manufacturer, an ingredient
manufacturer, and a contract composition manufacturer
(hereinafter referred to as a composition manufacturer)
are practically explained below by referring to Figure 1.
When a product manufacturer manufactures a new
medicine, the manufacturer asks the ingredient manufacturer
about the information about the properties, etc. of the
necessary composition ingredients a, b, c, ... for the
manufacture.
The ingredient manufacturer checks the
information about the asked composition ingredient, and
presents (returns as an answer) the information to the
product manufacturer.
The product manufacturer prepares a sample, and
evaluates it. When a better evaluation cannot be obtained,
the processes to are repeated.
The finally determined ingredient is indicated
as a composition ingredient to be purchased to the ingredient
manufacturer.
The ingredient manufacturer sells the indicated
ingredient to the product manufacturer.
The product manufacturer delivers the purchased
ingredient to the composition manufacturer, discloses the
prescription, and commits production of the product.
The composition manufacturer performs contract
manufacture.
A manufactured product is supplied to the product
manufacturer.
A product manufacturer has to repeatedly exchange
information with an ingredient manufacturer and a
composition manufacturer, and it has been the problem to
be solved that a laborious job is to be performed in
exchanging information for manufacture of a product.
Especially, when a new medicine is developed, it has been
difficult to request an external organization to develop
it while maintaining the security of the main ingredient
(important ingredient) of the medicine to be developed.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention directs to provide a medicine
prototype support system and method capable of supporting
a product manufacturer detecting the optimum other
composition ingredients for a main ingredient and
combinations of them in cooperation with the ingredient
manufacturer or the composition manufacturer, and realizing
a quick transaction between a product manufacturer and a
related manufacturer.
According to the first embodiment of the present
invention includes: a first system which includes input
means for inputting information, output means for
outputting information, and communications means for
transmitting information input from the input means and
receiving information to be output by the output means,
and is used by a product manufacturer; a second system which
includes input means for inputting an information, output
means for outputting information, and communications means
for transmitting information input from the input means
and receiving information to be output by the output means,
and is used by an ingredient manufacturer; and a third system
which accumulates composition information relating to a
composition of a product, can provides the output means
of the second system with composition information at a
retrieval request transmitted from the second system, and
is used by a composition manufacturer, wherein main
ingredient information relating to a main ingredient of
a product composition is input from the input means of the
first system, the main ingredient information is output
to the output means of the second system through the
communications means of the first system and the second
system, ingredient information about a product composition
ingredient and a retrieval request are input from the input
means of the second system, accumulated composition
information about the ingredient information is obtained
from the third system and output from the output means of
the second system, estimated product property information
and estimated product production cost information
determined according to the output accumulated information
are input from the input means of the second system and
transferred through the communications means of the first
system and the second system, and output from the output
means of the first system.
The second embodiment of the invention is based on the
medicine prototype support system of the first embodiment,
wherein after the estimated product property information
and estimated product production cost information are
output from the output means of the first system, a prototype
manufacture request input from the first system is output
from the output means of the second system through the
communications means of the first system and the second
system, the information about at least the properties of
the prototype is input from the input means of the second
system as the information about the manufacture of a product,
and the input information about the manufacture is output
from the output means of the first system through the
communications means of the first system and the second
system.
The second embodiment of the present invention is a
medicine prototype supporting method used among a first
system which is capable of inputting and outputting
information, has communications capabilities, and is used
by a product manufacturer, a second system which is capable
of inputting and outputting information, has communications
capabilities, and is used by an ingredient manufacturer,
and a third system which accumulates composition
information about the composition of a product, can provide
the second system with composition information according
to a retrieval request transmitted from the second system,
and is used by a composition manufacturer wherein main
ingredient information relating to a main ingredient of
a product composition is input from the first system, the
main ingredient information is transferred and output to
the second system through the communications capabilities
of the first system and the second system, ingredient
information about a product composition ingredient and a
retrieval request are input from the second system,
accumulated composition information about the ingredient
information is obtained from the third system and output
from the second system, estimated product property
information and estimated product production cost
information determined according to the output accumulated
information are input from the second system and transferred
through the communications capabilities of the first system
and the second system, and output from the first system.
The fourth embodiment of the invention is based on the
medicine prototype supporting method of the third
embodiment, wherein after the estimated product property
information and estimated product production cost
information are output from the first system, a prototype
manufacture request input from the first system is output
from the second system through the communications means
of the second system, the information about at least the
properties of the prototype is input from the second system
as the information about the manufacture of a product, and
the input information about the manufacture is output from
the first system through the communications capabilities
of the first system and the second system.
The fifth embodiment of the invention includes : a first
system which has input means for inputting information,
output means for output ting information, and communications
means for transmitting the information input from the input
means and receiving information to be output by the output
means, and is used by a product manufacturer; and a second
system which accumulates composition information about the
composition of a product, has input means for inputting
information, output means for outputting information, and
communications means for transmitting information input
from the input means and receiving information to be output
by the output means, and is used by an ingredient manufacturer,
wherein main ingredient information relating to the main
ingredient of a product composition is input from the input
means of the first system, the main ingredient information
is output to the output means of the second system through
the communications means of the first system and the second
system, ingredient information about composition
ingredient and a retrieval request are input from the input
means of the second system, accumulated composition
information about the ingredient information is obtained
from the second system at the retrieval request and output
from the output means of the second system, and estimated
product property information and estimated product
production cost information determined according to the
output accumulated information are input from the input
means of the second system, transferred through the
communications means of the first system and the second
system, and output from the output means of the f irst system.
The sixth embodiment of the invention is a medicine
prototype support system for an ingredient manufacturer
developing medicines at a request of a product manufacturer
which includes a product manufacturer system of the product
manufacturer, an ingredient manufacturer system of the
ingredient manufacturer, and a plurality of composition
manufacturer systems of composition manufacturers which
the ingredient manufacturer requests to manufacture a
composition connected through communications means,
wherein the product manufacturer system has transmission
means for transmitting at least main ingredient information
about a medical product to the ingredient manufacturer
system, the ingredient manufacturer system has a database
storing main ingredient information and composition
ingredient information, composition ingredient
determination means for determining composition ingredient
information about a medical product to be developed
according to the main ingredient information from the
product manufacturer system based on the database, and
transmission means for transmitting resultant composition
ingredient information from the composition ingredient
determination means to the plurality of composition
manufacturer systems, and the plurality of composition
manufacturer systems has transmission means for
transmitting composition manufacture information about the
manufacture of a part of a manufacture process of the medical
product to the ingredient manufacturer system.
The seventh embodiment of the invention is based on
the medicine prototype support system sixth embodiment,
wherein the main ingredient information about the database
of the ingredient manufacturer system is ranked depending
on the security level, and when main ingredient information
at a high security level is transmitted to the composition
manufacturer system, the information is transmitted after
being at least once converted by information conversion
means.
The eighth embodiment of the invention is based on the
medicine prototype support system of the sixth embodiment,
and further includes information conversion means for
conversion from main ingredient information to another type
of information which does not allow the main ingredient
information to be estimated in a database of the ingredient
manufacturer system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an explanatory view of the conventional
flow of information;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the configuration of
the system according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 3 is an explanatory view of the flow of
information according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
Figure 4 is a diagram showing the relationship of Figure
4A and 4B;
Figure 4A is a block diagram of the configuration of
the system according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 4B is a block diagram of the configuration of
the system according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The embodiments of the present invention are described
below in detail by referring to the attached drawings.
Figure 2 shows the entire configuration of the medicine
prototype support system applicable to the embodiment
described later. In Figure 2, a computer system 100
(hereinafter referred to simply as a system) used by a product
manufacturer and has a communications server 101 and one
or more clients 102 LAN-connected to the communications
server 101. The communications server 101 transfers the
information transmitted from the client 102 to the
ingredient manufacturer system 200. The client 102 can
use a personal computer, etc. , and is loaded with software
for electronic mail and a browser for browsing a home page
(an HTML document, etc.). The client 102 inputs the
information to be transmitted to the client of another system
described later, and displays the information received from
another system.
An ingredient manufacturer system 200 has a
communications server 201 and a plurality of clients 202
LAN-connected to the communications server 201. The
functions of the communications server 201 and the clients
202 can be considered to be the same as those of the
above-mentioned communications server 101 and the client
102. The communications server 201 stores in the internal
storage device, for example, in the hard disk storage device
the information (generally called property information)
to be presented to the product manufacturer including
properties, etc. depending on the type of a composition
ingredient.
Furthermore, the communications server 201 is loaded
with an estimating program for calculation of a manufacture
price and a manufacture condition according to the
information about the type and amount, etc. of a composition
ingredient. Furthermore, the communications server 201
is loaded with a program for a read of the accumulated
information accumulated in the communications server
(described later) of a composition manufacturer.
In an estimating program, a calculating expression for
a manufacture cost using the quantity as a parameter is
predetermined for each type of composition ingredient. By
the calculating expression, a manufacture cost can be
calculated in the program. Since a program for remotely
reading accumulated information (what is called data of
a database) is marketed, a commonly marketed program can
be used.
A composition manufacturer system 300 has a
communications server 301 and a plurality of clients 302
LAN-connected to the communications server 301. The
functions of the communications server 301 and the clients
302 can be considered to be similar to those of the
communications server 101 and the client 102. However,
the storage device of the composition manufacturer system
300 is loaded with a well-known database management program
for offering accumulated information at an inquiry of
accumulated information, that is, a query (retrieval
request) from the ingredient manufacturer system 200 . The
accumulated information refers to the information relating
to the properties of the composition (possibly including
the entire product) obtained by combining a plurality of
composition ingredients and the manufacture condition (the
above two pieces of information can be generally called
composition information).
A communications network 400 is a communications
network which can be connected to the systems 100 to 300.
For example, any well-known communications network can be
used regardless of a dedicated telephone line called the
Internet, wireless, or cable.
(First Embodiment)
The procedure of the first embodiment is explained by
referring to Figure 3.
(process 1)
The staff of product manufacture of a product
manufacturer inputs a written request from the client 102,
that is, a written request ( shown in Figure 3) for
providing a product composition to attain the desired
properties of the product X including a manufactured main
ingredient X1 and a manufacturing method, and transmits
it to the ingredient manufacturer system 200. A request
item from the product manufacturer can be the designation
of the main ingredient X1, a desired item and value of a
product, and also product style, a desired product cost,
the restrictions on the manufacture condition, the
restrictions on a used ingredient, etc.
When the main ingredient X1 is generally difficult to
acquire, it is necessary for a product manufacturer to
provide the main ingredient XI for an ingredient
manufacturer. In some cases, a substance similar to the
main ingredient X1 is provided,
(process 2)
A sales staff of an ingredient manufacturer receives
a written request at the clients 202 through the
communications server 201. The sales staff inputs uses
the clients 202 and inputs a retrieval request about the
composition ingredient relating to the main ingredient
described in the written request ( shown in Figure 3)
and acquires the information (composition information)
about the main ingredient XI accumulated in the
communications server 301 of the composition manufacturer
system 300 or various product composition formed by the
ingredient similar in properties to it, and the properties
and the manufacture condition attained by them ( shown
in Figure 3). Furthermore, the product composition
containing the composition ingredient X2 manufactured by
the ingredient manufacturer and the manufacture condition
are obtained according to the accumulated information in
the communications server 301. Additionally, the
information about the properties, etc. of a product is
obtained from the accumulated information in its own
communications server 201 or the communications server 301
of the composition manufacturer system 300 of the
composition manufacturer. Thus, the properties of an
estimated product are determined. Then, the sales staff
inputs information (information about composition
ingredient, quantity, etc. ) for estimation from the clients
202 , uses an estimating program of the communications server
201, and calculates the manufacture cost, and the product
cost. When the product has legal restrictions on a
substance available as a composition ingredient as
medicines, the composition and the production cost should
be determined within the range of the restrictions,
(process 3)
The information about the determined estimated product
property and production cost is input from the clients 202,
and transmitted to the client 102 of the staff of product
manufacture of the product manufacturer through the
communications servers 201 and 101 ( shown in Figure
3).
(process 4)
The staff of product manufacture considers the
transmitted estimated product property and sales cost to
prepare a written request for prototype manufacture. A
written request for prototype manufacture ( shown in
Fig.3) is input from the client 102, and transmitted to
the clients 202 of the sales staff of the ingredient
manufacturer through the communications servers 101 and
201. The sales staff transfers a written request for
prototype manufacture to the clients 302 through the
communications servers 201 and 301.
At this time, the ingredient manufacturer discloses
the product composition and the manufacture condition to
the composition manufacturer. For example, the ingredient
manufacturer provides the information about the main
ingredient XI and another composition ingredient X2 for
the composition manufacturer. Thus, when the ingredient
manufacturer requests the composition manufacturer to
manufacture a prototype, it is desired that a confidential
contract is made between the ingredient manufacturer and
the composition manufacturer on the product composition,
the manufacture condition, etc. Furthermore, when an
ingredient manufacturer can manufacture a prototype, the
manufacture department, etc. belonging to the ingredient
manufacturer has the function of the composition
manufacturer in figure 3.
(process 5)
The composition manufacturer receives a request to
manufacture a prototype, manufactures it, and delivers it
to the ingredient manufacturer (refer to the dotted line
shown in Figure 3).
(process 6)
The ingredient manufacturer measures the properties
of the prototype. In some cases, the composition
manufacturer measures the property values of the prototype,
and can deliver the prototype including the information.
The process 6 in this case is performed by the composition
manufacturer.
(process 7)
The ingredient manufacturer provides a prototype for
a product manufacturer (refer to the dotted line shown in
Figure 3. ) . The information ( shown in Figure 3) about
the (measured) properties of the prototype is transmitted
from the clients 202 of the sales staff of the ingredient
manufacturer to the client 102 of the product manufacturer.
At this time, it is noticeable that the information about
the composition and the manufacturing method are not
disclosed. If a prototype is analyzed, and the composition
and the manufacture condition are easily estimated, it is
necessary to take action like a contract etc. not to analyze
the product composition between the product manufacturer
and the ingredient manufacturer,
(process 8)
The product manufacturer measures the properties of
the provided prototype, and determines whether or not the
disclosure of the information about the composition and
manufacture condition of prototype is required (the
disclosure of the information about the composition and
the manufacture condition of a prototype is requested).
Then, the result is transmitted to the clients 202 as a
sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer (refer to
shown in Figure 3).
(process 9)
When the ingredient manufacturer receives a
notification from the manufacture staff of the product
manufacturer that the information is to be disclosed, the
sales staff discloses the information by transmitting the
information about the product composition and the
manufacture condition of a prototype from the clients 202
to the client 102.
When the product manufacturer manufactures a product,
the order (manufacture request as indicated by shown
in Figure 3) of the composition ingredient X2 sold by the
ingredient manufacturer is made from the client 102 of the
manufacture staff to the clients 202 as the sales staff.
The ingredient manufacturer receives the order, and
manufactures the composition ingredient X2, or sells it
when there is the ingredient in stock. When the product
manufacturer does not manufacture the product, it can be
committed on the composition manufacturer. The commission
can be performed through an online operation.
The prototype is provided and the payment and the
reception of the price for the related information, etc.
occur at any time depending on each style. For example,
before starting the manufacture of a prototype, an estimated
property value and a sales cost are presented to the product
manufacturer, and the payment and reception of the price
for the preparation of a prototype can occur. Furthermore,
when the property information and manufacturing method
information are to be purchased after presenting a prototype,
the payment and reception of the price also occur.
Additionally it is natural that the exchange of the price
for the manufacture of a prototype occurs between the product
manufacturer and the ingredient manufacturer.
These prices can be processed online (that is,
accounting process). Practically, the communications
server 101 of the product manufacturer system performs the
process of transferring the amount set in advance to the
bank account of the ingredient manufacturer each time
necessary information is received from the ingredient
manufacturer system 200. The payment of a fund can be
performed by a bank transfer or using electronic money,
etc.
The practical communications method according to the
first embodiment is briefly explained below.
Various communicating means such as electronic mail,
file transfer (FTP), etc. can be used for the communications
of the information among the staffs of the product
manufacturer, the ingredient manufacturer, and the
composition manufacturer.
It is not necessary that the above-mentioned staffs
are the same persons, but can be any appropriate persons
in the sales, development, manufacture, and other
departments as proxy agent.
The information input means of the clients 102 and 202
can be a keyboard, a floppy disk (registered trademark),
other storage devices, communications devices for inputting
information from other devices through communications, etc.
The information output means of the clients 102 and
202 can be a printer, a floppy disk (registered trademark) ,
other storage devices, communications devices for
outputting information through communications, etc.
(Second Embodiment)
The above-mentioned first embodiment has the novelty
in an ingredient manufacturer obtaining the accumulated
information about the system of the composition
manufacturer, and providing the product manufacturer with
the information desired by the product manufacturer. While
the load of the product manufacturer is reduced, the
information inputting operation of the ingredient
manufacturer increases. Therefore, the manual operation
of the ingredient manufacturer can be automated in the second
embodiment as described below.
In this embodiment, an HTML document for display of
the screen for input on the product manufacturer side to
the communications server 201 of the ingredient
manufacturer and the screen (information output screen)
for display of the information received from the ingredient
manufacturer is stored. The client 102 on the product
manufacturer side uses a browser and displays the HTML
document (information input screen) on the display screen
of the client 102. On the information input screen, the
main ingredient and the ingredient information about other
composition ingredients shown in Figure 3 (), the
prototype manufacture request (), a request to disclose
the prototype manufacture condition, etc. (), and a
manufacture request () are input.
The staff of the ingredient manufacturer uses the
browser of the clients 202 and displays the input screen
to confirm the input information on the product manufacturer
side. Upon receipt of the main ingredient and the
ingredient information about other composition ingredient,
the communications server 201 automatically activates an
estimating program, estimates a sales cost, and displays
the result on the information output screen.
The process of retrieving necessary information from
the accumulated information of the composition manufacturer
system 300 can also be automatically performed by a database
retrieval program.
The estimated product property can be generated by a
dedicated program by combining the information obtained
from the composition manufacturer system 300 with the
accumulated information about the ingredient manufacturer
system 200, processing the result, and displaying it on
the information output screen.
Furthermore, the accumulated information accumulated
in the composition manufacturer system 300 and the
information relating to the composition accumulated by the
ingredient manufacturer can be accumulated in the
accumulation means in the ingredient manufacturer system
200 of the ingredient manufacturer, for example, in a hard
disk so that the information relating to the composition
can be retrieved from the accumulation means and used
(corresponding to the invention according to claim 5).
In the composition manufacturer system ingredient
manufacturer system 200 in the embodiment above, the
information about the properties of the composition
ingredient is accumulated, but the main ingredient
information or other composition ingredient information
or both of them can be used as a query for retrieval of
the accumulated information.
The above-mentioned program can be easily prepared by
those skilled in the art based on the explanation of the
specifications.
In the concepts of the product manufacturer, the
ingredient manufacturer, the composition manufacturer, a
proxy agent, for example, a trading company can be included.
The third embodiment of the present invention is
explained below by referring to the attached drawings.
Figure 4 shows the entire configuration of the medicine
(pharmaceutical) prototype support system applicable to
the embodiment described later. In Figure 4, the computer
system 100 used by a product manufacturer (hereinafter
referred to simply as a product manufacturer system), and
includes main ingredient information about medicines so
that new medicines can be developed. Normally, the product
composition contained in the medicines contains the
important ingredient having efficacy (main ingredient) and
composition ingredient having no efficacy but required in
preparing and designing medicines. The product
manufacturer system has a communications server 101 and
one or more client 102 LAN-connected to the communications
server 101. The communications server 101 transfers the
information transmitted from the client 102 to the
ingredient manufacturer system 200. The client 102 can
use a personal computer, etc. , and is loaded with a browser
for browsing electronic mail software, a home page (HTML
document, etc.). The client 102 inputs information to be
transmitted to the client of other systems described later,
and displays the information received from other systems.
The ingredient manufacturer system 200 is an ingredient
manufacturer system used by an ingredient manufacturer,
and comprises a communications server 201 and a plurality
of clients 202 LANN-connected to the communications server
201. The functions of the communications server 201 and
the clients 202 are considered to be similar to those of
the communications server 101 and the 102. In the
communications server 201, the internal storage device such
as a hard disk storage device stores the information
(generally referred to as property information) to be
provided for the product manufacturer such as the properties
depending on the type of composition ingredient and the
manufacturing method (product process information) of the
composition manufacturer, the information relating to the
incompatibility between the main ingredient and the
composition ingredient, and the information about the
optimum composition ingredient for the product process
information as a database (composition ingredient
determination means, information conversion means).
The communications server 201 is loaded with an
estimating program for calculation of the manufacture price
and manufacture condition according to the information
about the type and amount of composition ingredient, etc.
An estimating program can be designed to calculate the
manufacture cost by the calculation expression obtained
by predetermining a calculation expression for the
manufacture cost using the quantity as a parameter for each
type of composition ingredient.
Systems 310, 320, 330, . . . are used by a plurality of
composition manufacturers, and comprise communications
servers 311, 321, 331, . . . , and a plurality of clients 312 ,
322, 332 LAN-connected to the communications servers 311,
321, 331, .... The functions of the communications servers
311, 321, and 331 and the clients 312, 322, and 332 are
similar to those of the communications server 101 and the
client 102.
A communications network 400 capable of connecting the
systems 100 to 330, and can use a well-known communications
network for example, a dedicated telephone line called the
Internet and regardless of wireless or cable.
(Third Embodiment)
The procedure according to the third embodiment is
explained by referring to Figure 4.
(process 1)
The staff of product manufacture of a product
manufacturer inputs a written request from the client 102,
that is, a written request ( shown in Figure 4) for
providing a product composition to attain the desired
properties of the product X including a manufactured main
ingredient XI and a manufacturing method, and transmits
it to the ingredient manufacturer system 200 through the
server 101. A request item from the product manufacturer
can be the designation of the main ingredient X1, a desired
Item and value of a product, and also product style, a desired
product cost, the restrictions on the manufacture condition,
the restrictions on a used ingredient, etc.
When it is generally hard for an ingredient manufacturer
to obtain the main ingredient XI, it is necessary for a
product manufacturer to provide the main ingredient XI for
an ingredient manufacturer. When it is impossible to
externally offer an ingredient under a development stage,
a substance similar in properties to the main ingredient
XI is provided, or the property information necessary in
designing medicines can be provided although designation
of the main ingredient XI cannot be specified. Furthermore,
a request for a style (placebo) in which preparation and
design can be performed only using the composition
ingredient excluding the main ingredient XI from the
medicines X. They are different in request cost relating
to the manufacture of a prototype because they are related
to the disclosure of confidential information, difficulty
in preparation and design, and the development speed,
(process 2)
A sales staff of an ingredient manufacturer receives
a written request at the clients 202 through the
communications server 201. The sales staff inputs uses
the clients 202 and inputs a retrieval request about the
composition ingredient relating to the medicine X described
in the written request for the communications server 201
( shown in Figure 4). The composition information
database in the communications server 201 of the ingredient
manufacturer system 200 stores the main ingredient XI and
the main ingredient X11 similar to the main ingredient XI,
various composition manufacture information including the
composition ingredient X2 manufactured by the ingredient
manufacturer, and information (composition information)
relating to the preparing manufacture condition using the
properties attained by them, the main ingredient XI and
X11 ( shown in Figure 4) . Then, the optimum composition
ingredient X2 related to the XI information can be detected.
Thus, the properties of an estimated product are determined.
Then, the sales staff inputs information (information about
composition ingredient, quantity, etc. ) for estimation from
the clients 202, uses an estimating program of the
communications server 201, and calculates the prototype
manufacture cost, and the product cost. To calculate the
cost, a cost calculation database is prepared depending
on the prototype development speed, the difficulty in
pharmaceutical designing, and the security of the main
ingredient. When the product has legal restrictions on
a substance available as a composition ingredient as
medicines, the composition and the production cost should
be determined within the range of the restrictions.
(process 3)
The information about the determined estimated product
properties, the prototype product cost, and the production
cost is input from the clients 202, and transmitted to the
client 102 of the staff of product manufacture of the product
manufacturer through the communications servers 201 and
101 ( shown in Figure 4).
(process 4)
The staff of product manufacture considers the
transmitted estimated product property and sales cost to
prepare a written request for prototype manufacture. A
written request for prototype manufacture ( shown in
Fig.4) is input from the client 102, and transmitted to
the clients 202 of the sales staff of the ingredient
manufacturer through the communications servers 101 and
201.
(process 5)
The sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer
appropriately divides the prototype manufacture process,
and generates a written request for prototype manufacture
for each of the divided processes, assigns the written
request for prototype manufacture to a plurality of
composition manufacturers, and transmits the written
request for prototype manufactures to the clients 312 , 322,
and 332 of the staffs of the composition manufacturers
through the communications servers 201, 311, 321, and 331
( shown in Figure 4).
At this time, the ingredient manufacturer discloses
a necessary product composition and its manufacture
condition for each process. The important point is that
the information about the main ingredient XI is not disclosed,
but the main ingredient X'l is disclosed depending on the
confidential rank and the main ingredient X"l obtained by
information converting the main ingredient XI or the main
ingredient X' 1 obtained by the information conversion means
can be disclosed. The information conversion means is
contained in the system of the ingredient manufacturer,
and the main ingredient XI information cannot be estimated
from the main ingredient XI information whose
confidentiality to be maintained, or there is a database
(information conversion database) for conversion into
hardly estimated main ingredient X'l and main ingredient
X" 1. An example of the conversion can be, in the preparation
development using a verapamil hydrochloride (XI) which is
a vasoconstrictor, dilazep hydrochloride (X'l) is selected.
The dilazep hydrochloride as well as verapamil
hydrochloride is a vasoconstrictor, and is selected because
it indicates a similar solubility level "sparingly soluble" .
From the similarity in solubility which is the main factor
affecting the particle-generating process in the preparing
process, the acetaminophen (X"l) which is an antifebrile
is selected. It is impossible to estimate the development
of the verapamil hydrochloride from the acetaminophen.
For example, the ingredient manufacturer offers the
information about other composition ingredients including
the main ingredient X'l and composition ingredient X2 for
the composition manufacturer including the communications
server 311. The ingredient manufacturer discloses to the
composition manufacturer having the communications server
321 the properties (does not disclose the information about
the main ingredient X'1) required in the manufacturing
process of the process 2 prototype X requested by the
composition manufacturer having the communications server
321 relating to the process 1 prototype X prepared from
other composition ingredients including the main ingredient
X'l and the composition ingredient X2. Furthermore, the
ingredient manufacturer discloses the information about
the process 2 prototype X and requests the composition
manufacturer having the 331 to manufacture a prototype X.
The servers 311, 321, and 331 perform a monitoring operation
not to make double requests to generate a prototype in the
same process. For example, assume that a particle is
generated using the main ingredient X'l and other
composition ingredients containing the composition
ingredient X2, and a process 1 prototype X is obtained.
Using the process 1 prototype X, a tablet is generated as
a process 2 prototype X. The coated tablet obtained by
coating the process 2 prototype X is a process 3 prototype
X.
When the ingredient manufacturer requests the
composition manufacturer to manufacture a prototype, it
is desired that the ingredient manufacturer makes a security
contract in advance relating to the product composition,
manufacture condition, etc. with the composition
manufacturer although it is guaranteed that the information
related to the main ingredient XI can be protected against
disclosure to the composition manufacturer. Furthermore,
an ingredient manufacturer can also manufacture a prototype.
In this case, the manufacturing department, etc. belonging
to the ingredient manufacturer functions as a composition
manufacturer as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the costs
for generating a process 1 prototype X, a process 2 prototype
X, and a process 3 prototype X are determined,
(process 6)
The composition manufacturer receives a request to
manufacture a prototype, manufactures it, and delivers it
to the ingredient manufacturer (refer to the dotted lines
a, b, and c shown in Figure 4).
(process 7)
The ingredient manufacturer measures the properties
of the prototypes (process 1 prototype X, process 2 prototype
X, and process 3 prototype X). In some cases, the
composition manufacturer measures the property values of
the prototype, and can deliver the prototype including the
information. The process 6 in this case is performed by
the composition manufacturer,
(process 8)
The ingredient manufacturer provides a prototype for
a product manufacturer (refer to the dotted line shown in
Figure 4. ) . The information ( shown in Figure 4) about
the (measured) properties of the prototype is transmitted
from the clients 202 of the sales staff of the ingredient
manufacturer to the client 102 of the product manufacturer.
At this time, it is noticeable that the information about
the composition and the manufacturing method are not
disclosed. If a prototype is analyzed, and the composition
and the manufacture condition are easily estimated, it is
necessary to take action like a contract etc. not to analyze
the product composition between the product manufacturer
and the ingredient manufacturer,
(process 9)
The product manufacturer measures the properties of
the provided prototype, and determines whether or not the
disclosure of the information about the composition and
manufacture condition of prototype is required (the
disclosure of the information about the composition and
the manufacture condition of a prototype is requested).
Then, the result is transmitted to the clients 202 as a
sales staff of the ingredient manufacturer (refer to
shown in Figure 4).
(process 10)
When the ingredient manufacturer receives a
notification from the manufacture staff of the product
manufacturer that the information is to be disclosed, the
sales staff discloses the information by transmitting the
information about the product composition and the
manufacture condition of a prototype from the clients 202
to the client 102.
When the product manufacturer manufactures a product,
the order (manufacture request as indicated by shown
in Figure 4) of the composition ingredient X2 sold by the
ingredient manufacturer is made from the client 102 of the
manufacture staff to the clients 202 as the sales staff.
The ingredient manufacturer receives the order, and
manufactures the composition ingredient X2, or sells it
when there is the ingredient in stock. When the product
manufacturer does not manufacture the product, it can be
committed on the composition manufacturer. The commission
can be performed through an online operation.
The prototype is provided and the payment and the
reception of the price for the related information, etc.
occur at any time depending on each style. For example,
before starting the manufacture of a prototype, the
estimated property value and a sales cost are presented
to the product manufacturer, and the payment and reception
of the price for the preparation of a prototype can occur.
Furthermore, when the property information and
manufacturing method information are to be purchased after
presenting a prototype, the payment and reception of the
price also occur. Additionally it is natural that the
exchange of the price for the manufacture of a prototype
occurs between the product manufacturer and the ingredient
manufacturer.
These prices can be processed online (that is,
accounting process). Practically, the communications
server 101 of the product manufacturer system performs the
process of transferring the amount set in advance to the
bank account of the ingredient manufacturer each time
necessary information is received from the ingredient
manufacturer system 200. The payment of a fund can be
performed by a bank transfer or using electronic money,
etc.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
As described above, according to the present invention,
the composition manufacturer can efficiently obtain
necessary information for manufacturing a new product by
cooperating with other manufacturers. Therefore, the
transactions among the manufacturers can be quickly
performed. Furthermore, the product manufacturer
discloses the main ingredient only to the ingredient
manufacturer, and the ingredient manufacturer can
manufacture the final product without disclosing it to a
composition manufacturer by dividing the product into
plural pieces, thereby maintaining the security for the
product manufacturer.
We claim:
1. A medicine prototype support system for an ingredient manufacturer
developing medical product at a request of a product manufacturer,
comprising
a product manufacturer system of the product manufacturer, an
ingredient manufacturer system of the ingredient manufacturer, and a
plurality of composition manufacturer systems of compositions
manufacturers which the ingredient manufacturer requests to
manufacture a composition, which are connected through
communications means, wherein
the product manufacturer system comprises transmission means
for transmitting at least main ingredient information about a medical
product to the ingredient manufacturer system;
the ingredient manufacturer system comprises;
a database comprising confidential first main ingredient
information and second main ingredient information after information
conversion corresponding to the first main ingredient information;
composition ingredient determination means for determining
composition ingredient information for each process of medicines
developed according to the main ingredient information;
information conversion means for information conversion from the
main ingredient information to second main ingredient information
corresponding to the main ingredient information using the database
when the main ingredient information is confidential first main
ingredient information; and
transmission means for transmitting to the plurality of composition
manufacturer systems second main ingredient information converted by
the information conversion means and the composition ingredient
information for each process of medicines determination means, wherein
the plurality of composition manufacturer systems comprise
transmission means for transmitting composition manufacture
information about the manufacture of a part of a manufacture process of
the medical product to the ingredient manufacturer system.
A computer system (100), an ingredient manufacturer
system (200), and composition manufacturers can be
connected online, and a system of the ingredient
manufacturer obtains composition information from a system
(300) , and provides it for the system (100) . At this time,
an estimated product property and production cost can be
provided.

Documents:

1869-KOLNP-2004-FORM-27.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-abstract.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-claims.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-correspondence.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-description (complete).pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-drawings.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-examination report.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-form 1.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-form 13.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-form 18.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-form 2.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-form 3.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-form 5.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-gpa.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-pa.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-specification.pdf

1869-kolnp-2004-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

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Patent Number

223844

Indian Patent Application Number

1869/KOLNP/2004

PG Journal Number

39/2008

Publication Date

26-Sep-2008

Grant Date

23-Sep-2008

Date of Filing

07-Dec-2004

Name of Patentee

ASAHI KASEI CHEMICALS CORPORATION

Applicant Address

1-2, YURAKU-CHO 1-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	KANEKO NOBUYA	1-25-23-1002, TAKASAGO, KATSUSHIKA-KU, TOKYO 125-0054
2	GOMI SHUNICHI	NO. 7-712, HIGASHIASAHI-APART, 36, SAKURAZONOMACHI, NOBEOKA-SHI, MIYAZAKI 882-0036

PCT International Classification Number

G06F 17/60

PCT International Application Number

PCT/JP03/07497

PCT International Filing date

2003-06-12

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2002-172006	2002-06-12	Japan