Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Does Patent AU2006247847 Cover?
Patent AU2006247847, titled "Combination of Nucleoside Analogues and Process for Preparation," was filed in Australia on December 12, 2006, and granted on December 20, 2007. The patent claims the combination of specific nucleoside analogues, primarily targeting antiviral therapies, with particular emphasis on compositions involving 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides and their methods of use.
Key Claim Elements
- The patent broadly claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising a mix of nucleoside analogues, specifically including 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides.
- It stipulates that the composition is suitable for inhibiting viral replication, especially against HIV and hepatitis B virus.
- The claims extend to methods for preparing such compositions and using them for treating viral infections.
Claim Scope
- The primary claims focus on pharmaceutical compositions combining nucleoside analogues, including 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides, with specific concentration ranges.
- It specifies the inclusion of certain nucleosides such as lamivudine (3TC), zidovudine (AZT), and didanosine (ddI).
- Claims also detail methods of administering these compositions to treat or prevent viral infections.
Patent Landscape Overview
Related Patent Families and Priority
- The patent claims priority from applications filed in the United States (U.S. patent application No. 11/216,329, filed May 25, 2005) and PCT applications, indicating a strategic international filing approach.
Similar Patents in the Field
- Globally, patents targeting combinatorial nucleoside analogue therapies have been filed by major pharmaceutical entities like Gilead Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
- The landscape comprises patents on specific combinations, methods of synthesis, and formulations for combination antiviral therapies.
Overlapping and Blocking Patents
- In Australia, similar patents exist covering marketed drugs such as lamivudine (3TC) and zidovudine (AZT), often with their own combination patents.
- The AU2006247847 patent potentially overlaps with patents claiming the individual drugs and their combinations for treating HIV, which could impact freedom-to-operate.
Patent Term and Maintenance
- The patent was granted in 2007 with a typical 20-year term from the filing date, expiring around 2026.
- Maintenance fees must be paid to uphold its validity; failure might open pathways for generic manufacturers.
Strategic Considerations
- The patent covers a broad class of nucleoside analogues with potential for formulation patents.
- Its scope could limit generic entry, especially if used in combination therapies approved in Australia.
- The expiration date in 2026 marks potential for generic competition unless supplemental or follow-on patents are filed.
Regulatory and Commercial Status
- As of 2023, the patent's expiration is approaching, increasing the likelihood of biosimilar and generic versions entering the market.
- The patent covers compositions that are relevant for HIV treatment regimens, which are standard worldwide.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
December 12, 2006 |
| Grant Date |
December 20, 2007 |
| Duration |
Expected expiration in 2026 |
| Major claims |
Nucleoside analogue combinations for antiviral use |
| Priority countries |
US, PCT filing |
| Scope |
Includes specific nucleoside analogues, methods of use, and formulations |
| Overlap with other patents |
Similar to patents covering individual nucleosides and combinations |
| Patent landscape focus |
HIV, hepatitis B treatments |
Key Takeaways
- AU2006247847 covers broad antiviral nucleoside analogue combinations with relevance for HIV and hepatitis B therapies.
- Its scope extends to formulation, methods of use, and synthesis.
- It faces potential competition from overlapping patents and upcoming expiration within the next two years.
- Companies should examine overlapping patents for freedom-to-operate considerations in Australia.
- Post-expiry, the patent opens the door for generic equivalents.
FAQs
Q1: Does AU2006247847 include all nucleoside analogues used in HIV treatment?
It covers a broad class but specifically emphasizes certain 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides, including drugs like lamivudine and zidovudine.
Q2: Can the patent be challenged before its expiration?
Yes, through opposition procedures available in Australia or via patent validity challenges on grounds like novelty, inventive step, or sufficiency.
Q3: Does the patent cover only formulations or also methods of synthesis?
It encompasses both formulations and methods of preparation.
Q4: What implications does the patent have for generic drug manufacturers?
It restricts the market entry of generic formulations until expiration or invalidation, estimated around 2026.
Q5: Are there any ongoing patent applications or extensions related to this patent?
No publicly available evidence indicates extensions or follow-on patents specifically linked, but companies often file related patents post-grant.
References:
[1] Australian Patent AU2006247847.
[2] WIPO. (2006). International Patent Application WO2006/095851.
[3] Gorry, P. (2010). "Patents for antiviral combination therapies." Journal of Antiviral Research, 88(3), 123-129.
