Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2007346018?
Patent AU2007346018 was filed by Eli Lilly and Company, published on February 28, 2008. It relates to specific monoclonal antibodies used for treating diseases, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Patent’s subject matter
- The patent covers antibody molecules that bind to the interleukin-23 (IL-23) p19 subunit.
- It includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies.
- Methods of using these antibodies in treating autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Categorization and classification
- International Patent Classification (IPC): C07K 16/00 (antibodies) and A61K 39/00 (medicinal preparations containing antibodies).
- Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC): A61K 39/01 (antibodies characterized by binding to a particular antigen).
Scope limit
- The patent emphasizes specific variable regions of the antibodies, particular amino acid sequences, and their binding affinities.
- It encompasses both native and monoclonal forms, including antibody fragments like Fab and scFv.
- Claims extend to methods of producing these antibodies and their uses in therapy.
How broad or narrow are the claims?
Claim overview
- Claims 1-15: Define isolated anti-IL-23 p19 antibodies with specific binding characteristics and amino acid sequences (variable regions).
- Claims 16-20: Cover pharmaceutical compositions including these antibodies.
- Claims 21-25: Describe methods to produce the antibodies.
- Claims 26-30: Include therapeutic uses, specifically for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Breadth analysis
- Claims focus on particular amino acid sequences (e.g., specific variable regions) rather than general antibody classes, limiting scope to specific antibody molecules.
- The patent claims are narrow in regard to the precise sequences but broader in covering multiple antibody formats and their uses.
- Some claims extend to antibody variants with minor modifications, providing a degree of scope flexibility for derivative antibodies.
What does the patent landscape look like for IL-23 p19 inhibitors?
Key related patents
- The patent covers antibodies similar to guselkumab (Mondal et al., 2017), which also target IL-23 p19.
- Multiple patents exist from other pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie), targeting the same cytokine but with different antibody sequences.
- Patent filings from Biogen, Novartis, and UCB also claim IL-23 inhibitors, indicating competitive patent activity.
Patent filing trends
- Increasing activity from 2005 to 2015 aligns with the development of IL-23 inhibitors for psoriasis and Crohn's.
- Major filings often include claims to specific monoclonal antibodies, their fragments, and related methods.
- Many patents aim to cover incremental antibody sequence modifications to extend patent life.
Geographic patent landscape
- Patent filings cover key markets: US, Europe, Japan, China, and Australia.
- Australian patent AU2007346018 fits within a broader global patent strategy focused on autoimmune indications.
Status and lifecycle
- The patent was granted and is active until January 2028, with potential extensions.
- Pending or family patents are filed in multiple jurisdictions, aiming to safeguard the core antibody technology.
Summary of claims and landscape implications
| Aspect |
Details |
| Claim specificity |
Focused on particular amino acid sequences and antibody formats |
| Patent scope |
Narrow in sequence but broad in therapeutic application |
| Competitor patents |
Several patents targeting IL-23 p19 across jurisdictions |
| Patent activities |
Uptrend before and after 2010, tied to immunology therapeutics |
| Patent lifecycle |
Active until 2028, with ongoing patent family applications |
Key Considerations for Stakeholders
- The patent's claim scope limits infringement risks mainly to antibodies with similar amino acid sequences.
- If designing novel IL-23 inhibitors, avoid sequences claimed in AU2007346018, or seek license options.
- The patent landscape evidences significant investment from pharmaceutical companies, indicating high competition.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers specific monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-23 p19, with patent claims emphasizing sequences and binding properties.
- Claims are narrow in amino acid sequences but broadly cover antibody formats and therapeutic applications.
- The patent is part of a competitive landscape with multiple filings globally, particularly in major markets.
- The patent will expire in 2028, but comparable patents might be filed or granted thereafter.
FAQs
1. What is protected by patent AU2007346018?
It protects specific monoclonal antibodies against IL-23 p19, including their sequences, production methods, and therapeutic uses.
2. Can other companies develop IL-23 inhibitors?
Yes; patents from other entities cover different sequences and antibody formats, providing room for alternative inventions.
3. What are the key limitations of the patent claims?
The claims are narrowly tailored to particular amino acid sequences, limiting coverage of antibodies with different sequences or formats.
4. How does the patent landscape influence drug development?
It establishes a competitive environment where innovations must navigate existing patents or seek licenses.
5. When will the patent’s protection expire?
The patent will expire in January 2028, unless extended through legal or regulatory processes.
References
- Eli Lilly and Company. (2007). Patent AU2007346018. Patent documentation.
- Mondal, S., et al. (2017). Structural studies of IL-23 p19 targeted monoclonal antibodies. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 292(44), 18015-18025.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports on IL-23 inhibitors.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent filings related to IL-23 inhibitors.
