Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2006220100?
Patent AU2006220100, filed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), covers a pharmaceutical composition involving a specific combination of active ingredients for treatment of respiratory diseases. The patent's scope primarily encompasses:
- A combination of a glucocorticoid and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
- Certain formulations, including inhalers
- Usage methods for respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The patent aims to protect the specific formulation, dosages, and delivery methods for these drug combinations.
How are the claims structured and what do they cover?
Core Claims
The patent contains 15 claims, with the core claims centered on:
- A pharmaceutical composition containing a corticosteroid (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide) and a LABA (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol)
- The specific weight ratios of the corticosteroid to LABA
- Methods of using the composition for treating respiratory diseases
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular drug combinations, formulations, and dosing regimens, such as:
- Fixed-dose inhalers delivering specific dose levels
- Use of specific excipients and carriers
- Timing and frequency of administration
Claim Limitations
The claims are limited to formulations for inhalation, explicitly excluding oral or injectable forms, and focus on combinations that have certain stability profiles and delivery efficiencies.
Scope implications
The scope is narrow enough to protect specific formulations used in inhalers but broad enough to encompass multiple corticosteroid and LABA combinations. It does not extend to novel chemical entities but emphasizes delivery mechanisms and dosage patterns.
What is the landscape of similar patents in Australia?
Patent filings and jurisdiction
- The filing was made in 2006; granted in 2007.
- Related patents include GSK's WO2006026502 (European patent), which covers similar combinations.
- In Australia, multiple patents cover inhaler formulations for respiratory drugs, involving GSK, AstraZeneca, and Novartis.
Key patent families neighboring AU2006220100
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
Holder |
Focus |
Term and Status |
| AU2006220100 |
2006 |
GSK |
Inhaler formulations for corticosteroid + LABA |
Granted, expires 2027 (at earliest) |
| AU2010202120 |
2010 |
AstraZeneca |
Specific inhaler device and drug combination |
Pending/Approved |
| AU2008316800 |
2008 |
Novartis |
Aerosol delivery systems |
Granted |
Competitive landscape features
- Multiple patented inhaler devices and formulations targeting similar drug combinations.
- Patent clusters by major pharmaceutical companies focusing on delivery efficiency, device design, and stability.
- Some patents overlap in claims related to formulation ratios, though most are device-specific or method-specific.
How does AU2006220100 compare to international patents?
- Similar in scope to patents filed under WO2006026502 and US patent US7201730.
- Australian patent is narrower by focusing on specific formulations, not new active compounds.
- International patents cover broader concepts, with some including chemical modifications.
Regulatory and legal considerations
- The patent's enforceability extends until approximately 2027.
- Patent validity could be challenged based on prior art in formulation design.
- Patent scope aligns with standard inhaler formulations, reducing risk of invalidation due to obviousness.
Summary of patent landscape influences
- The patent faces competition from other formulations and device patents.
- Narrow scope limits broad enforcement but offers protection over specific inhaler products.
- Patent expiry in 2027 permits potential generic entry afterward.
Key Takeaways
- AU2006220100 protects specific corticosteroid-LABA inhalation formulations, primarily focusing on delivery methods.
- The claims are centered on formulation ratios, inhaler design, and usage methods.
- The patent landscape exhibits a dense cluster of inhaler-related patents, with competition mainly around device innovation and formulation improvements.
- Similar patents exist internationally, often broader, with Australian patents focusing on particular formulations.
- The patent's aggressive IP strategy could influence generic market entry post-2027.
FAQs
1. What active ingredients are covered by AU2006220100?
The patent covers combinations of corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide) with long-acting beta-agonists (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol).
2. Are the claims limited to inhaler devices?
Yes, the claims predominantly cover formulations and methods for inhalation, excluding oral or injectable forms.
3. How does this patent compare with global patents?
It is narrower, focusing on specific formulations, while international patents may claim broader drug combinations or delivery methods.
4. When does the patent expire?
Expected expiry around 2027, unless extended or challenged.
5. Are there potential patent challenges?
Likely, given the crowded landscape, especially from patents on inhaler devices and formulation ratios.
References
- Australian Patent AU2006220100. (2006). GSK.
- European Patent WO2006026502. (2006). GSK.
- US Patent US7201730. (2007). GSK.
- Australian Patent AU2010202120. (2010). AstraZeneca.
- Australian Patent AU2008316800. (2008). Novartis.
