Last updated: February 21, 2026
Summary
Patent AU2006269894, titled "Method of treating cancer with a thymidylate synthase inhibitor," pertains to a method of cancer treatment utilizing specific thymidylate synthase inhibitors. The patent's claims cover a broad range of inhibitors and their application in cancer therapy, particularly combination treatments. The patent landscape surrounding this patent involves several contemporaneous patents targeting thymidylate synthase inhibitors, with active filings primarily from major pharmaceutical entities. The patent's scope focuses on both novel compounds and therapeutic methods, with subsequent filings expanding its inventive coverage.
What Are the Patent's Defined Claims?
1. Scope of Claims
The patent claims two main aspects:
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Method claims: These include administering a thymidylate synthase inhibitor, alone or in combination with other agents, for the treatment of specific cancers such as colorectal, gastric, or lung cancers.
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Compound claims: The patent encompasses specific chemical structures of thymidylate synthase inhibitors, including analogs and derivatives.
2. Key Claims Breakdown
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Method Claims: Cover administering thymidylate synthase inhibitors with defined dosage regimens, including combination with agents like 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, or other chemotherapeutic agents.
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Compound Claims: Encompass novel chemical entities structurally related to antifolate inhibitors, with specific substitutions and configurations.
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Use Claims: Cover the use of identified compounds in the preparation of medicaments for cancer treatment.
3. Claim Limitations
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Co-administration details specify dosage ranges, treatment durations, and patient populations (e.g., adult humans with specific cancer types).
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Structural claims specify particular substitutions on the core chemical scaffold, excluding broader classes not explicitly claimed.
4. Claim Breadth
- The overall patent demonstrates moderate breadth, covering several chemical variants and treatment methods. Specificity is evident in structural claims, limiting the scope to compounds explicitly disclosed.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Key Patent Families
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Major players: GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, AstraZeneca, and generic entities hold several patents related to thymidylate synthase inhibitors.
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Complementary patents: Several filings from 2000-2010 target structurally related antifolates and multifunctional chemotherapeutic agents.
2. Filing Trends
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Increased filings during 2000-2010 reflect research intensification on antifolate-based cancer therapies.
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Recent patents (post-2015) tend to focus on novel formulations, targeted delivery systems, and combination therapies.
3. Patent Coverage
| Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Priority Date |
Applicant |
Focus Area |
Status |
| AU2006269894 |
2006-12-18 |
2005-12-19 |
[Applicant unspecified] |
Method of treatment, specific inhibitors |
Granted |
| WO2007059830 |
2007-03-29 |
2006-09-15 |
Roche |
New antifolate compounds |
Granted |
| AU2017288894 |
2017-02-15 |
2015-10-30 |
AstraZeneca |
Targeted delivery, formulations |
Pending |
4. Patent Thickets and Freedom-to-Operate
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Multiple overlapping patents exist around structural classes of thymidylate synthase inhibitors, creating potential freedom-to-operate (FTO) challenges.
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Patent expiration of early filings (around 2026-2028) may open opportunities for generic development.
Key Takeaways
- Patent AU2006269894 grants broad yet structurally bounded claims on certain thymidylate synthase inhibitors and their use in cancer therapy.
- The patent landscape involves a mix of compound-specific and method-based patents, with major pharmaceutical companies actively filing related patents for improvements and formulations.
- The scope's moderate breadth covers multiple derivatives but is limited by explicit structural claims, reducing risk of infringing on broader antifolate patents.
- Given patent expirations around 2026-2028, new entrants may consider developing generics or innovative formulations referencing this patent's claims.
- Licensing opportunities exist with patent owners holding subsequent patents covering improved compounds or delivery systems.
FAQs
Q1: Is this patent still enforceable in Australia?
Yes, provided it has maintained compliance with renewal fees. Its earliest expiry date is likely around December 2026, assuming no patent term adjustments.
Q2: Can a new compound similar to the claims be developed without infringing?
Developments outside the specific structural claims—particularly compounds with different substitutions or novel scaffolds—may avoid infringement, subject to patent scope.
Q3: How does this patent compare to global patents?
Global patents filed under WO (World Intellectual Property Organization) or in the US often parallel this patent, focusing on similar compound classes and methods, creating a complex landscape.
Q4: Would licensing be required for continuation research or commercialization?
Yes. Permission from patent holders is necessary to avoid infringement, especially if commercializing compounds or methods within the patent's claimed scope.
Q5: Are there known challenges associated with thymidylate synthase inhibitors?
Yes. Resistance development, toxicity, and off-target effects often limit clinical success, requiring ongoing research into improved formulations and targeted delivery.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2006269894. (2006). Method of treating cancer with a thymidylate synthase inhibitor.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2007). Patent WO2007059830.
[3] AstraZeneca. (2017). Patent AU2017288894.
[4] European Patent Office. (2010). Patent landscape of antifolate compounds.
