Last updated: February 19, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2009244130?
Patent AU2009244130 relates to a pharmaceutical invention filed by Novartis AG, titled "Chimeric or humanized monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to the human VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2)." It aims to protect monoclonal antibodies designed for inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, used in cancer and eye disease treatments.
Key features:
- Focus on antibodies with specific binding affinity to VEGFR-2.
- Includes both chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibody variants.
- Covers compositions comprising these antibodies.
- Encompasses methods of use, particularly in inhibition of angiogenesis in diseases.
The scope encompasses both the molecular structures of antibodies and methods of their application for therapeutic purposes, particularly in oncology and ophthalmology.
What are the main claims of AU2009244130?
The patent's claims define the legal protection boundaries, focusing on antibody compositions and their use. The core claims are:
| Claim Type |
Details |
Limitations |
| Composition Claims |
Monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to VEGFR-2 |
| - Specific binding affinity |
To human VEGFR-2 |
| - Antibody structures |
Chimeric, fully humanized, or human antibodies |
| - Specific sequences |
Certain heavy and light chain variable regions (e.g., SEQ ID NOs) |
| Method Claims |
Use of these antibodies |
| - Therapeutic applications |
Treatment of cancers, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy |
| - Administration methods |
Parenteral delivery |
| Manufacturing Claims |
Processes for producing the antibodies |
| - Cell lines |
Stable cell lines expressing the antibodies |
| - Purification processes |
Methods of isolating and purifying the antibodies |
Notable exclusions: The claims do not extend to antibodies targeting VEGFR-1 or other VEGF family members unrelated to VEGFR-2, nor do they specify particular formulations beyond general compositions.
How does this patent fit within the patent landscape?
Patent family and priority
- Filed in Australia on November 4, 2009.
- Priority claimed from original applications filed in the United States and Europe, dating back to 2008.
- The patent family includes counterparts in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and other jurisdictions, forming part of a broad anti-VEGFR-2 patent portfolio.
Patent landscapes and competitors
- Multiple competitors, including Genentech, Amgen, and Eli Lilly, hold patents for VEGF and VEGFR-directed therapies, notably bevacizumab (Avastin) and ramucirumab (Cyramza).
- Ramucirumab (Cyramza): U.S. patent 8,967,140 and European patent EP2,363,350 protect anti-VEGFR-2 antibodies, similar to AU2009244130.
- Novartis Patent Position: Intends to secure exclusive rights on specific antibody sequences and methods of use for VEGFR-2-specific antibodies, competing directly with ramucirumab.
Patent validity considerations
- Claims specify well-defined antibody sequences, with some claims covering a broad range of variable regions.
- Prior art includes earlier anti-VEGFR-2 antibodies and general monoclonal antibody patents, which could challenge novelty or inventive step.
- The scope of claims around specific sequences might withstand validity challenges due to their specificity.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
- Filing date: 2009.
- Patent term expiration date likely around 2029, assuming full 20-year term from filing, subject to terminal disclaimers and patent term adjustments.
- Continuation applications and related patents may extend proprietary rights or broaden coverage.
Summary of key legal and commercial considerations
- The patent covers antibodies with specific sequences targeting VEGFR-2, particularly for cancer and eye disease treatments.
- It competes with existing VEGFR-related patents, notably ramucirumab.
- Its validity depends on the novelty of the sequences and methods, with potential challenges from prior art.
- Commercialization rights are aligned with global patent family coverage, facilitating international market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- AU2009244130 protects a narrow set of monoclonal antibodies with specific sequences binding to VEGFR-2.
- Its scope includes compositions and therapeutic methods for various diseases.
- Competes with established VEGFR-2 targeting therapies, notably ramucirumab.
- Patent life extends into the late 2020s, with potential extensions through related filings.
- Validity depends on the absence of prior art disclosing identical sequences or methods.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in AU2009244130?
They are specific to certain antibody sequences and their compositions, limiting scope to those exact or similar antibody variants.
2. Can competitors develop VEGFR-2 antibodies outside this patent’s scope?
Yes, if they use different sequences, structures, or target epitopes not covered by claims.
3. What is the commercial significance of this patent?
It provides exclusivity over specific anti-VEGFR-2 antibodies, offering competitive advantage in oncology and ophthalmology markets.
4. How does this patent relate to ramucirumab?
It covers different antibody sequences; ramucirumab's patents focus on similar therapeutic targets but involve distinct molecular structures.
5. Are there ongoing legal challenges to this patent?
Public records do not indicate active litigations, but validity may face challenges based on prior art references.
References
[1] Novartis AG. (2009). Patent AU2009244130. "Chimeric or humanized monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to the human VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2)."
[2] U.S. Patent No. 8,967,140. (2018). Ramucirumab patent.
[3] European Patent EP2363350 B1. (2014). Anti-VEGFR-2 antibodies.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape analysis for anti-VEGF/VEGFR antibodies.
