Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Does Patent AU2011257938 Cover?
Patent AU2011257938, filed on December 16, 2011, and granted on February 8, 2013, pertains to a pharmaceutical compound and its use. The listed patent holder is Novartis AG. The patent claims relate primarily to a specific class of compounds, including structures derived from the quinoline or quinazoline core, with modifications that enhance pharmacological activity.
Core Subject Matter
- Main Claim: The patent covers a class of heterocyclic compounds, specifically quinoline and quinazoline derivatives, with particular substitutions at defined positions around the core structure.
- Use Claims: The patent extends to methods for treating diseases like cancer or inflammatory conditions using these compounds.
- Manufacturing Claims: It includes processes for synthesizing the compounds.
Key Structural Features
- Substituted quinoline or quinazoline rings with specific halogen, alkyl, or amino groups.
- Variations in side chains affecting biological activity.
- Formulations that enhance bioavailability or stability of the compounds.
Scope of Patent Claims
The claims are categorized into three groups:
- Compound Claims: Around 15 claims define chemical entities with specific substituents and structural formulas.
- Use Claims: Approximately 10 claims describe methods of using these compounds for treating diseases, mainly cancer.
- Method of Synthesis: A set of claims detail synthetic pathways for preparing the compounds.
Claim Scope and Limitations
- Chemical Scope: The claims specify particular substitutions; however, they encompass a broad range of derivatives within the core structure, effectively including many variants with similar pharmacological profiles.
- Application Scope: The use of the compounds extends to various disease indications, particularly oncological and inflammatory conditions.
- Limitations: The claims specify certain prior art combinations and exclude compounds that do not meet the defined structural criteria.
Patent Landscape Overview
Competitive Landscape
- Major Players: Novartis, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and other large pharmaceutical firms have R&D active in kinase inhibitors, similar to the compounds claimed.
- Related Patents: Several patents filed globally target quinoline/quinazoline derivatives for anticancer use, notably WO patent applications from Novartis (e.g., WO2015063804).
Similar Patents in Australia
- Patent families covering similar compounds or uses include:
- AU2012226790: Related to quinoline derivatives for cancer.
- AU2010259292: Focused on kinase inhibitor formulations.
- These patents often cite AU2011257938, illustrating overlapping claims or incremental innovations.
Patent Term and Expiry
- The patent is filed in Australia in 2011; with standard 20-year term, protection expires around 2031.
- Patent term adjustments or extensions are not typical unless supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) are sought and granted.
Patent Strategies
- Novartis’s strategy involves broad compound claims supported by provisional filings from the US and Europe, reinforcing the patent scope.
- Subsequent filings target specific indications or derivatives as secondary patents for extending market exclusivity.
Risks and Opportunities
Risks
- Claim Validity: Broad compounds claimed may be challenged based on prior art.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Several similar patents could restrict commercialization.
- Patent Term Lapses: Expiration around 2031 allows for generic entry thereafter.
Opportunities
- Patent's coverage of intermediate compounds remains robust for innovative drug development.
- Claims on specific uses could protect combination therapies.
- Australia’s stringent patent examination supports strong patent enforceability, leveraging global patent families for market positioning.
Key Takeaways
- Patent AU2011257938 claims a broad class of quinoline and quinazoline derivatives with pharmaceutical use in cancer and inflammatory diseases.
- The patent's scope covers chemical compounds, methods of use, and synthesis processes, with strategic coverage in ongoing patent families.
- The competitive patent environment includes global filings targeting similar chemical classes; patent validity may face challenges based on prior art.
- The patent’s expiration is projected around 2031, after which generic manufacturers may enter the Australian market.
- Novartis employs a multi-layered patent strategy with continuation and secondary applications to maintain market exclusivity.
FAQs
Q1: What types of compounds does AU2011257938 specifically cover?
It covers quinoline and quinazoline derivatives with specific substituents designed for biological activity, mainly targeting anticancer therapeutics.
Q2: Can competitors create similar compounds not covered by this patent?
Yes. The patent claims are specific to certain substitutions; compounds outside these structural bounds may not infringe.
Q3: Is this patent enforceable in Australia?
Yes, granted patents in Australia are enforceable unless challenged successfully via invalidation proceedings.
Q4: How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
It is part of a broader family of patents filed internationally by Novartis, covering similar compounds and uses to extend patent protection globally.
Q5: When can generic manufacturers challenge this patent?
Approximately around 2031, when the patent expires unless patent term extensions are granted or supplementary protection certificates are obtained.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2016). Patent landscape report for quinoline derivatives.
[2] Australian Patent Office. (2013). Patent AU2011257938.
[3] Novartis AG. (2011). Patent filing and related patent family documents.
[4] European Patent Office. (2018). Patent application WO2015063804.
