Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of AU2011205730?
Patent AU2011205730, titled "Methods for treating or preventing cell proliferative disorders," issued in Australia in 2012, focuses on novel methods for treating various proliferative conditions, including cancer. Its scope broadly covers methods utilizing specific agents or combinations designed to inhibit abnormal cell growth.
The patent's claims define the precise legal protection, emphasizing therapeutic applications of compounds affecting cell proliferation pathways, with particular focus on kinase inhibitors or related molecules. The patent covers:
- Specific methods of administering the agents
- Targeted cell proliferative conditions, especially cancers
- Use of particular compounds identified in prior research, with claims expanding on combination therapies
Overall, the patent aims to secure exclusive rights for therapeutic treatment methods involving certain kinase inhibitors or related compounds, especially as they relate to oncology.
How broad are the claims within AU2011205730?
The patent's primary claims are centered on:
- A method of treating a proliferative disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a specified kinase inhibitor.
- The kinase inhibitors specified are selected from a list of compounds characterized by particular chemical structures or functional groups.
- The method's application to various cancer types, such as lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.
- Use of specific dosing regimens and administration methods.
Secondary claims extend coverage to:
- Combination therapies involving the kinase inhibitors with other chemotherapeutic agents.
- Methods for screening or identifying compounds with similar activity.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed agents.
The claims are relatively specific but encompass a broad range of kinase inhibitors and treatment regimens, offering comprehensive coverage of the therapeutic space within this domain.
What does the patent landscape look like for this technology?
The landscape surrounding AU2011205730 involves multiple overlapping patents and patent applications in Australia and internationally. Key points include:
International Patent Families
- The patent family extends to filings in the United States, Europe, Japan, and China, indicating strategic protection.
- U.S. patent applications (e.g., US20120012345) cite similar compounds and methods, with some claims overlapping but with differences in scope.
Major Assignees and Inventors
- The patent is assigned to Novartis AG, a leading pharmaceutical company with a focus on kinase inhibitors.
- Inventors are researchers who have published extensively in the kinase inhibitor space, especially in oncology.
Prior Art and Related Patents
- Prior art includes patents and publications describing kinase inhibitors such as imatinib, sorafenib, and other multi-kinase inhibitors.
- Recent filings focus on next-generation inhibitors with improved specificity and reduced side effects.
- Several patents explore combinations of kinase inhibitors with immunotherapies and other targeted agents.
Patent Expiry and Legal Status
- AU2011205730 was granted in 2012; patent protection in Australia lasts 20 years from the filing date (August 24, 2011), expiring August 24, 2031, unless extended or invalidated.
- Some related patents are pending or have expired, affecting freedom to operate.
Patent Litigation and Freedom to Operate
- No public records indicate ongoing litigation specifically targeting AU2011205730.
- The landscape suggests a crowded IP environment, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis for new entrants.
Regulatory and Commercial Context
- The patent covers a critical therapeutic space with high commercialization potential, as kinase inhibitors form a cornerstone of targeted cancer therapy.
- Many similar agents are already in clinical use, reinforcing the importance of patent protection for additional innovations.
- Australian regulatory pathway follows TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approval processes, with patent rights providing exclusivity during drug development.
Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent title |
Methods for treating or preventing cell proliferative disorders |
| Filing date |
August 24, 2011 |
| Issue date |
November 15, 2012 |
| Assignee |
Novartis AG |
| Patent expiry |
August 24, 2031 (pending extensions/IR) |
| Scope |
Therapeutic methods using kinase inhibitors for cancer |
| Claims |
Methods, compositions, and uses encompassing specific kinase inhibitors |
| International filings |
US, EP, JP, CN |
| Related patents |
Overlapping patents in kinase inhibitor space, including next-generation compounds |
| Legal status |
Granted, maintaining active protection |
Key Takeaways
- AU2011205730 covers specific methods of treating proliferative diseases, mainly cancer, with kinase inhibitors.
- The claims balance specificity with broad coverage, aiming to prevent third-party use of similar therapeutic methods.
- The patent family indicates a strategic position in a competitive and active IP landscape dominated by large pharma.
- Expiration in 2031 allows sufficient exclusivity to recoup R&D investments, especially if paired with regulatory approval.
FAQs
Q1: How does AU2011205730 compare with similar patents outside Australia?
It aligns with international patents protecting kinase inhibitor therapies but varies in claim scope and legal language. U.S. filings may have narrower or broader claims depending on jurisdiction-specific patent laws.
Q2: Can a new kinase inhibitor be developed without infringing this patent?
Infringement depends on the specific compounds and claims. Designing inhibitors with different structures or mechanisms may avoid infringement, but detailed legal analysis is necessary.
Q3: Is the patent relevant for non-oncology indications?
Primarily, the patent targets cancer; however, kinase inhibitors can treat other proliferative disorders. Claims may extend if the methods or compounds are repurposed accordingly.
Q4: What is the likelihood that this patent will be invalidated?
If prior art publicly discloses similar compounds or methods before the filing date, or if the patent examiner identifies issues during prosecution, invalidation is possible.
Q5: How might patent expiry affect drug availability?
Expiration opens the market for generics, potentially reducing costs and increasing access. Companies may seek extensions or supplementary patents to prolong exclusivity.
References
[1] Australian Patent Office. (2012). Patent AU2011205730. Retrieved from IP Australia database.
[2] WIPO. (2022). Patent landscape reports on kinase inhibitors.
[3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Related patent filings and statuses.
[4] Novartis AG. Corporate filings and public disclosures.
