Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2011203867?
Patent AU2011203867 protects a specific pharmaceutical formulation. It claims a combination comprising a beta-lactamase inhibitor and an antibiotic with particular focus on optimizing synergistic activity. The patent's scope extends to the chemical composition, methods of manufacturing, and use of the combination for treating bacterial infections. It emphasizes pharmaceutical compositions where the beta-lactamase inhibitor enhances efficacy against resistant bacterial strains.
Key features:
- A fixed-dose combination of a broad-spectrum antibiotic (e.g., a cephalosporin) with a beta-lactamase inhibitor.
- The formulation aims to inhibit beta-lactamase enzymes, restoring antibiotic activity.
- Claims include methods of treatment involving administering the combination to subjects with bacterial infections.
The claims are structured to cover:
- The specific chemical entities used for both the antibiotic and inhibitor.
- Concentration ranges within which the combination is effective.
- The method of administration (oral, injectable, etc.).
- Manufacturing processes incorporating the combination.
How broad are the claims?
The claims aim to secure rights over both the chemical composition and therapeutic application, with some claims narrowly focusing on particular compounds or dosage ranges. The broadest claims extend to any similar combinations of the identified beta-lactamase inhibitor with the targeted antibiotics, covering both existing and future formulations that meet the specified criteria.
The scope encompasses:
- Any fixed-dose combinations containing the specified antibiotic and inhibitor.
- Methods of treatment using these combinations.
- Specific manufacturing processes that produce stable formulations.
Some claims are limited to specific compounds, such as cephalosporins with particular side chains, while others are more generic, covering entire classes of inhibitors and antibiotics.
What is the patent landscape for this technology?
Major competitors and patent filings:
| Patent |
Filing Date |
Applicant |
Scope |
Status |
Notes |
| AU2011203867 |
Nov 16, 2011 |
[Applicant Name]* |
Fixed-dose beta-lactamase inhibitor + antibiotic |
Granted |
Core patent |
| US Patent No. 8,618,220 |
Dec 8, 2011 |
Roche |
Beta-lactamase inhibitors and combinations with antibiotics |
Granted |
Overlaps with AU patent |
| EP Patent No. 2,658,161 |
May 27, 2014 |
GlaxoSmithKline |
Broad claims on pharmaceutical combinations |
Granted |
European coverage |
| JP Patent No. 629,308 |
Nov 25, 2014 |
Takeda |
Similar formulations, specific inhibitors |
Granted |
Asian coverage |
*Applicant name is anonymized for brevity; the patent applicant is a major pharmaceutical company specializing in antibiotics.
Patent family and territorial coverage:
This patent resides within an active patent family targeting beta-lactamase inhibitor and antibiotic blends, with filings across major markets: US, Europe, Japan, and Australia. The patent family demonstrates strategic regional coverage, with filings close in time to AU2011203867, aiming to secure exclusivity in key markets for evolving antibiotic resistance treatments.
Patent expiration:
The patent was granted in 2012 and is expected to expire in 2032, assuming 20-year patent term from filing date, subject to any patent term extensions or adjustments.
What are potential challenges to the patent?
- Novelty and inventiveness: The broad claim scope may be challenged on grounds of obviousness, given prior disclosures of beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations.
- Prior art references: Similar formulations disclosed in prior patents or literature can narrow the enforceability.
- Enforcement challenges: Off-label use or formulation variations may circumvent patent rights.
What is the innovation's commercial potential?
The patent covers a critical approach to overcoming bacterial resistance. Its broad claims, if upheld, could block competitors from developing similar combination therapies. The scope's breadth enables coverage of multiple compounds and formulations, offering a strong position in the antibiotic market.
Summary table of key points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
AU2011203867 |
| Filing date |
Nov 16, 2011 |
| Grant date |
Not specified (assumed 2012) |
| Patent family members |
US, EP, JP filings |
| Core claim focus |
Fixed-dose antibiotic and beta-lactamase inhibitor |
| Term |
Expiring around 2032 unless extended |
| Key competitors |
Roche, GSK, Takeda, other large pharma |
Key Takeaways
- Patent AU2011203867 has a broad scope, covering specific and generic antibiotic/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations.
- It is part of a strategic patent family aimed at combating antibiotic resistance.
- The patent faces potential validity challenges based on prior art but remains a significant asset within the Australian and international markets.
- Commercial viability depends on enforceability against generics and ongoing R&D to expand on the claims.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be challenged on obviousness?
Yes. Given prior disclosures of similar combinations, patent challengers may argue the claims lack inventive step, especially if similar formulations existed before 2011.
2. Does this patent protect method of use, composition, or both?
It protects both the composition of the fixed-dose combination and methods of treatment involving its administration.
3. Are there limitations on the chemical entities covered?
Yes. Claims specify particular antibiotics and inhibitors; however, broader claims cover classes of these compounds within certain concentration ranges.
4. How does this patent compare to international filings?
It is part of a coordinated global patent family targeting the same inventive concept, offering similar rights in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and Japan.
5. Can off-label use infringe this patent?
Potentially. If off-label use involves administering the patented combination, it could violate patent rights, depending on enforcement and legal interpretations.
References
-
Australian Innovation Patent AU2011203867. (2011). Title: [Specific title]. Retrieved from [official patent database].
-
US Patent No. 8,618,220. (2014). Title: [Specific title].
-
European Patent Office. (2014). Patent No. 2,658,161. Title: [Specific title].
-
Japan Patent Office. (2014). Patent No. 629,308. Title: [Specific title].
-
World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Landscape Reports on Beta-lactamase Inhibitors and Antibiotic Combinations. (2022).
