Last updated: February 19, 2026
This report details the Australian patent AU2005215775, focusing on its granted claims, technological scope, and the competitive patent landscape. The patent, titled "PEPTIDE FRAGMENTS OF PROTEIN D AND THEIR USE," was filed by Genzyme Corporation.
What are the granted claims of AU2005215775?
Patent AU2005215775, granted on November 27, 2008, claims specific peptide fragments derived from Protein D. These fragments are characterized by their amino acid sequences and their ability to elicit an immune response.
Key Claim Elements:
- Claim 1: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 1 is defined as the sequence of a specific Protein D fragment.
- Claim 2: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 2 represents another specific Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 3: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 3 is a third defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 4: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 4 is a fourth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 5: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 5 is a fifth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 6: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 6 is a sixth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 7: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 7 is a seventh defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 8: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 8 is an eighth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 9: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 9 is a ninth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 10: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 10 is a tenth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 11: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 11 is an eleventh defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 12: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 12 is a twelfth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 13: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 13 is a thirteenth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 14: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 14 is a fourteenth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 15: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 15 is a fifteenth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 16: A peptide fragment of Protein D, wherein the peptide fragment comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 [1]. SEQ ID NO: 16 is a sixteenth defined Protein D fragment sequence.
- Claim 17: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide fragment of claim 1-16 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier [1]. This claim broadens the application to include compositions for therapeutic use.
- Claim 18: The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, wherein the peptide fragment is conjugated to a carrier molecule [1]. This claim specifies a formulation enhancement.
- Claim 19: The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein the carrier molecule is a protein or polysaccharide [1]. This defines the type of carrier molecule.
- Claim 20: A method of treating a subject, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition of claim 17 [1]. This claim covers the therapeutic application of the patented peptides.
- Claim 21: The method of claim 20, wherein the subject is a human [1]. This specifies the target population for treatment.
- Claim 22: The method of claim 20, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered to induce an immune response [1]. This indicates the intended biological effect.
The claims are highly specific, defining particular amino acid sequences (SEQ ID NOs: 1-16) that constitute the core invention. The patent then extends to pharmaceutical compositions containing these fragments and methods of treating subjects using these compositions, specifically for inducing an immune response.
What is the technological scope of AU2005215775?
The technological scope of AU2005215775 is within the field of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, specifically focusing on the development of therapeutic agents derived from Protein D. Protein D is a surface protein of Haemophilus influenzae, a bacterium commonly associated with respiratory tract infections.
Key Technological Areas Covered:
- Bacterial Antigens: The invention utilizes a specific bacterial protein (Protein D) as a source for its active components. This positions the patent within the realm of bacterial vaccine development or therapies targeting bacterial infections.
- Peptide Therapeutics: The core of the invention lies in specific peptide fragments of Protein D. This indicates a focus on peptide-based drugs, which can offer advantages such as targeted delivery and reduced immunogenicity compared to full-length proteins.
- Immunology and Vaccine Development: The claims related to inducing an immune response and pharmaceutical compositions for treatment strongly suggest applications in vaccine development or immunomodulatory therapies. By isolating specific fragments of Protein D, the patent aims to create components that can effectively prime the immune system against Haemophilus influenzae.
- Drug Formulation: The inclusion of claims covering pharmaceutical compositions, including conjugation to carrier molecules, highlights the technological scope related to drug delivery and formulation for enhanced efficacy and stability.
- Therapeutic Applications: The patent is directed towards methods of treating subjects, implying potential applications in preventing or treating diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae, such as otitis media and meningitis.
The patent's scope is defined by the specific sequences and their intended use as immunogenic agents or therapeutic components. It does not broadly claim all fragments of Protein D but rather those defined by the listed SEQ ID numbers and their pharmaceutical applications.
What is the patent landscape for AU2005215775?
The patent landscape surrounding AU2005215775 is primarily characterized by patents related to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines and other bacterial protein-based therapeutics. Genzyme Corporation, the assignee of AU2005215775, has a history of developing treatments for rare diseases, including those involving metabolic disorders and genetic diseases. However, their involvement with bacterial antigens like Protein D suggests an expansion into infectious disease areas or a strategic acquisition of relevant intellectual property.
Key Players and Patent Categories:
- Genzyme Corporation (now part of Sanofi): As the assignee, Genzyme is the primary holder of this patent. Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company, acquired Genzyme in 2011. Therefore, any commercial activity or licensing related to this patent would likely involve Sanofi. Sanofi itself has a significant portfolio in vaccines, including those for Haemophilus influenzae.
- Competitors in Hib Vaccines: The most direct competitive space for a patent on Protein D fragments would be companies developing vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae. Key players in the vaccine market, such as GSK, Merck & Co., and Pfizer, hold numerous patents related to Hib vaccines and their components. These patents may cover different antigens, conjugation methods, or formulations.
- Broader Bacterial Antigen Patents: Companies involved in developing vaccines for other bacterial pathogens might hold broader patents on bacterial protein fragments, immunogenicity, or conjugation technologies that could potentially overlap or be challenged by AU2005215775.
- Antigen Discovery and Characterization Patents: The patent landscape includes patents focused on the discovery, isolation, and characterization of immunogenic bacterial proteins and their fragments. These patents might cover methods of identifying suitable antigens or optimizing their immunogenic properties.
Patent Filing Trends and Geographic Distribution:
- Global Filing: Patents related to Haemophilus influenzae vaccines are filed globally, reflecting the widespread use and importance of these vaccines. Major markets include the United States, Europe, Japan, and emerging markets where infectious diseases are prevalent.
- Focus on Conjugate Vaccines: The development of Haemophilus influenzae vaccines has largely shifted to conjugate vaccines, where bacterial polysaccharides are covalently linked to carrier proteins to enhance immunogenicity, especially in infants. While AU2005215775 focuses on peptide fragments of a protein antigen, the underlying principle of eliciting an immune response remains relevant to the broader vaccine landscape.
- Evolution of Protein D Use: Protein D itself has been identified as an antigen in vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae. For instance, certain combination vaccines have incorporated Protein D. Patents in this area would likely cover specific Protein D sequences, modified versions, or its use in combination with other antigens.
Potential for Infringement and Licensing:
- Direct Infringement: Any entity developing or marketing a vaccine or therapeutic agent comprising one of the specific peptide fragments recited in claims 1-16 of AU2005215775, or a pharmaceutical composition containing them, without a license from Sanofi (as the successor to Genzyme) would be at risk of direct infringement.
- Indirect Infringement: If a third party provides components or instructions that facilitate the infringement of the patented claims, they could be liable for indirect infringement.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations: Companies developing new Haemophilus influenzae vaccines or related immunotherapies would need to conduct thorough FTO analyses to ensure their products do not infringe on existing patents like AU2005215775, as well as other related intellectual property.
- Licensing Opportunities: For companies seeking to utilize the technology covered by AU2005215775, licensing discussions with Sanofi would be necessary. The terms of such licenses would depend on the intended application, market, and duration.
The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment for Haemophilus influenzae related immunotherapeutics. AU2005215775 specifically protects Genzyme's (and subsequently Sanofi's) intellectual property concerning defined peptide fragments of Protein D and their therapeutic use, requiring careful consideration by any party operating in this therapeutic space.
Key Takeaways
- Australian patent AU2005215775 grants exclusive rights to Genzyme Corporation (now Sanofi) for specific peptide fragments of Protein D, identified by SEQ ID NOs: 1-16.
- The patent's scope encompasses the peptide fragments themselves, pharmaceutical compositions containing these fragments (including conjugated forms), and methods for treating subjects by inducing an immune response.
- The primary technological areas covered are bacterial antigens, peptide therapeutics, immunology, vaccine development, and drug formulation.
- The patent landscape is characterized by significant activity in Haemophilus influenzae vaccines, with major vaccine manufacturers like GSK, Merck, and Pfizer holding related intellectual property.
- Companies developing Haemophilus influenzae-related immunotherapies must conduct thorough freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid potential infringement of AU2005215775 and related patents.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What specific bacterial species is Protein D derived from in AU2005215775?
Protein D, as referenced in AU2005215775, is derived from Haemophilus influenzae [1].
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Are there any claims in AU2005215775 related to the full-length Protein D molecule?
No, AU2005215775 specifically claims "peptide fragments of Protein D" as defined by the listed SEQ ID numbers, not the full-length protein [1].
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Who is the current patent holder for AU2005215775?
The original assignee was Genzyme Corporation. Sanofi acquired Genzyme Corporation, making Sanofi the effective current patent holder for AU2005215775 [2].
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What is the primary therapeutic application suggested by the claims of AU2005215775?
The primary therapeutic application suggested by the claims is the treatment of subjects by inducing an immune response, indicative of use in vaccines or immunotherapies against Haemophilus influenzae infections [1].
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Does AU2005215775 cover diagnostic uses of Protein D fragments?
The claims of AU2005215775 are directed towards peptide fragments, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment. Diagnostic uses are not explicitly claimed [1].
Citations
[1] Genzyme Corporation. (2005). PEPTIDE FRAGMENTS OF PROTEIN D AND THEIR USE. Australian Patent AU2005215775.
[2] Sanofi Pasteur. (n.d.). Our history. Retrieved from https://www.sanofipasteur.com/our-company/our-history
