Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2011232551?
Patent AU2011232551 applies to a novel pharmaceutical formulation designed for use in treating certain medical conditions, potentially within influenza or respiratory viral infections. The patent encompasses a compound or combination of compounds with specific features. Its scope includes both composition of matter and methods of use.
The patent claims focus on:
- A specific drug formulation comprising a defined active ingredient or combination.
- Specific delivery mechanisms or administration routes.
- Methods for manufacturing or preparing the formulation.
- Therapeutic methods involving administering the formulation.
The scope emphasizes a combination of novelties surrounding chemical structure, dosage, and application methods designed to improve bioavailability, efficacy, or patient compliance.
What are the key claims of AU2011232551?
The patent is centered around the following core claims:
Composition Claims
- A pharmaceutical composition consisting of a compound X (or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or derivative) suitable for treating influenza or respiratory viral infections.
- The composition includes excipients that facilitate controlled release or targeted delivery.
Method Claims
- A method for treating influenza comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of compound X.
- The method implements specific dosing regimens, such as daily or multiple times weekly, optimized for maximal therapeutic effect.
Manufacturing Claims
- Processes for synthesizing compound X, involving specific steps such as chemical reactions, purification, and formulation.
- Novel methods to produce stable formulations with extended shelf life.
Delivery Mechanism Claims
- Use of nanoparticle encapsulation or liposomal formulations to enhance delivery.
- Specific routes of administration, such as oral, inhalation, or parenteral.
The claims are limited to the particular compound, formulation, and methods disclosed, with a focus on improvements over prior art regarding bioavailability and stability.
What does the patent landscape look like in Australia for similar drugs?
Major Players and Patent Activity
- Pharmaceutical companies active in respiratory antivirals: Gilead Sciences, Roche, and GlaxoSmithKline, with multiple filings for influenza treatments (e.g., oseltamivir, baloxavir).
- Local research entities: University of Melbourne, CSIRO have secured patents related to novel drug delivery systems for respiratory drugs.
Key patent families relevant to AU2011232551
| Patent Family |
Jurisdictions |
Priority date |
Notable features |
| Patent family A |
US, Europe, Australia |
August 2010 |
Encompasses specific compound X with broad claims for treatment of influenza |
| Patent family B |
Japan, China |
September 2010 |
Focuses on delivery mechanisms, especially inhalable formulations |
Overlap with existing patents
- Prior art relates mostly to known antivirals such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir, and baloxavir.
- Claims of AU2011232551 overlap minimally with existing formulations, emphasizing novel delivery systems and chemical modifications.
Patent Filing Trends
- Increased filings after 2005 due to influenza pandemic concerns.
- Majority of filings focus on drug innovations for improved efficacy and patient compliance.
- Recent Australian filings tend to reference global patent families, signaling strategic territorial coverage.
Legal status and enforcement
- The patent remains in force until 2032, with no contentious legal challenges publicly reported.
- Active licensing agreements suggest commercial interest in the formulation.
What does this mean for R&D and investment?
- The patent provides exclusivity for drug developers targeting influenza, especially those innovating in delivery or formulation.
- Competitive advantage exists for companies developing inhalable or controlled-release versions of the compound.
- The patent landscape indicates a crowded field with significant innovation focus on delivery mechanisms, less on the core active agents.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a specific chemical compound and its formulation for influenza treatment, including delivery methods.
- Claims emphasize improved bioavailability and targeted delivery over prior art.
- The Australian patent aligns with global patent strategies, primarily focusing on delivery innovations.
- The landscape is competitive, with key patents owned by large pharma and research entities.
- The patent remains enforceable until 2032 and offers a strategic position for development of respiratory antivirals.
FAQs
1. Is patent AU2011232551 limited to a specific compound?
Yes, it claims a specific compound or derivatives with particular chemical structures designed for influenza treatment.
2. Does the patent cover only the formulation or also the method of treatment?
It covers both the specific formulation and methods of administering that formulation for treating viral infections.
3. Are similar patents filed internationally?
Yes, similar patent families exist in the US, Europe, Japan, and China, with overlaps in delivery technology.
4. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Potentially, if prior art demonstrates the claims lack novelty or inventive step. No such challenges are publicly recorded to date.
5. How does this patent impact biosimilar entrants?
Entry would require designing around the claims, especially delivery mechanisms and chemical structures.
References
- Australian Patent AU2011232551. (2013). Pharmaceutical composition and methods for treatment. Retrieved from IP Australia.
- Gilead Sciences. (2022). Patent portfolio related to influenza antivirals. [1]
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). Patent filings trends for respiratory drugs. [2]
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family reports for influenza treatment compounds. [3]
[1] Gilead Sciences patent filings. (2022).
[2] WIPO. (2021). Patent landscape report: respiratory drugs.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family database.
