Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope and coverage of patent AU2008202652?
Patent AU2008202652, titled "Treatment of Glaucoma," filed in August 2008, was granted in 2010. It claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent and a prostaglandin analog for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma therapy.
Main Claims
Claim 1: A pharmaceutical combination comprising a beta-blocker selected from timolol and betaxolol, and a prostaglandin analog selected from latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost, or tafluprost, for use in lowering intraocular pressure.
Claim 2: The combination of claim 1, wherein the beta-blocker is timolol maleate and the prostaglandin analog is latanoprost.
Claim 3: A method of lowering intraocular pressure in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering simultaneously or sequentially the combination of claim 1.
Claim 4: Use of the combination in the preparation of a medicament for lowering intraocular pressure.
Claim 5: A pharmaceutical composition comprising effective amounts of timolol and latanoprost.
Claim Scope Summary
The patent claims the combination of specific beta-blockers and prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma treatment, either as a composition, a method, or a use. It emphasizes both simultaneous and sequential administration, covering formulations, methods, and uses.
Scope limitations:
- It is limited to selected beta-blockers (timolol, betaxolol).
- It covers specific prostaglandin analogs (latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost, tafluprost).
- It applies to methods of treatment and medicament preparation.
How broad is the patent compared to alternatives?
The patent's claims are relatively narrow where they specify particular combinations. Broadly, it covers any use of the specified drugs together for IOP reduction but excludes other drug combinations or routes.
Compared to earlier art, such as WO/2006/064611, which also claimed combinations of prostaglandins and beta-blockers, this patent is narrower in its particular combinations and treatment protocols.
Patent landscape for glaucoma drug combinations in Australia
Precedent and related patents
- Prior patents on prostaglandin-beta blocker combinations include AU2006268673, which also claims combinations but with broader scope.
- Other patents focus on formulations combining multiple agents, including timolol with prostaglandins, but with different dosages or delivery systems.
Patent citations
- Cited patents include WO/2004/023195, which describes combination therapy for glaucoma.
- The patent references clinical trials demonstrating improved efficacy of combined therapy over monotherapy.
Competitors and landscape
Major pharma entities with filings related to glaucoma combination therapies include:
- Allergan (latanoprost-based products)
- Santen (travoprost)
- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma
These companies have active patenting strategies, including compositions, methods, and formulations, in Australia and worldwide.
Patent family status
- The patent family includes filings in the US (US20090265315), Europe (EP2104364), and Japan. Rights in Australia are aligned with these jurisdictions.
- Patent term expires in 2028, with potential extensions pending.
Regulatory and patent filing context
- Australia’s patent system follows standard procedures, with examiner searches citing prior art affecting claim scope.
- The patent's claims are somewhat narrow, likely to withstand validity challenges but may face competition from broader formulations covered by patents elsewhere.
Conclusions
- The patent covers specific drug combinations and methods for lowering IOP in glaucoma patients, with claims limited to particular agents.
- It has a relatively narrow scope but sits within a landscape of broader patents claiming similar objectives.
- Competitors are pursuing formulations with different agents, delivery systems, or combination protocols.
- Ongoing patent filings in the area suggest sustained innovation activity, possibly targeting improved efficacy or delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Patent AU2008202652 covers specific combination therapies for glaucoma, focusing on selected beta-blockers and prostaglandin analogs.
- Its claims are narrow but sufficient to secure exclusive rights within its scope, primarily affecting formulations and methods.
- The landscape is highly competitive, with key players holding related patents and pursuing broad claims across jurisdictions.
- Patent expiry in 2028 is approaching; opportunities exist for generics or alternative formulations.
- Robust prior art and patent citations indicate an established and active patenting environment for glaucoma treatments.
FAQs
1. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, prior art like WO/2006/064611 and existing patents in the same realm could form the basis for validity challenges, especially if claims are deemed obvious or anticipated.
2. Does the patent cover all combinations of beta-blockers and prostaglandin analogs?
No. The claims are specific to timolol or betaxolol with latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost, or tafluprost. Other combinations are outside its scope.
3. What is the patent expiry date?
Expected expiry is August 2028. Extensions are unlikely unless patent term adjustments or supplementary protection certificates are pursued.
4. Are there patents related to delivery systems for these drugs?
Yes, related patents explore sustained-release formulations and delivery devices, but AU2008202652 does not explicitly claim delivery systems beyond conventional formulations.
5. Who are the main competitors in this patent landscape?
Allergan, Santen, and Mitsubishi Tanabe hold relevant patents and are active in developing and patenting glaucoma combination therapies in Australia.
References
[1] Australian patent AU2008202652. "Treatment of Glaucoma." Patent Office of Australia. 2008.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. WO/2006/064611. "Combination Therapy for Glaucoma." 2006.
[3] European Patent Office. EP2104364. "Treatment of Glaucoma," 2010.
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. US20090265315. "Combination treatment for glaucoma," 2009.
[5] ClinicalTrials.gov. Various studies on prostaglandin and beta-blocker combination therapies. 2023.
