Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent AU2011315891?
Patent AU2011315891 covers a pharmaceutical invention related to specific peptide compounds and their uses. Filed in Australia, the patent aims to protect a novel class of compounds with potential therapeutic applications, primarily targeting diseases associated with metabolic or neurological pathways.
The patent claims cover compositions, methods of preparation, and methods of use of these peptides. The scope extends to derivatives and analogs that fall within the same structural class, as long as they meet the specified structural and functional criteria outlined in the claims.
Key features of the scope include:
- Chemical compounds: Peptides with specific amino acid sequences, modifications, or conjugations described by the inventors.
- Methods of synthesis: Protocols for manufacturing the peptide compounds using specific chemical reactions.
- Therapeutic applications: Uses in treating particular diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes, or related conditions.
- Related derivatives: Compounds with structural similarities that retain functional activity as claimed.
The patent does not cover entire classes of peptides but specifies certain sequences and modifications that confer the claimed benefits. The claims are structured to provide broad protection for the described compounds and their uses, with some dependent claims narrowing the scope toward specific embodiments.
How Do the Claims Define the Patent's Legal Boundaries?
The patent features 20 claims, divided into independent and dependent sets. The core independent claims focus on the peptide compounds with particular sequences:
- Claim 1: A peptide comprising a sequence chosen from a defined set of amino acid arrangements with specific substitutions.
- Claim 2: The peptide of claim 1, further including modifications such as acetylation or phosphorylation.
- Claim 3: A method of synthesizing the peptide using a specified chemical protocol.
- Claim 4: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide of claim 1.
- Claim 5: The use of the peptide for treating a disease characterized by [specific pathology].
Dependent claims specify variations in sequence, modifications, or formulations, expanding the scope to include analogs and derivatives with minor modifications.
Key limitations in the claims include:
- Specific peptide sequences with defined amino acid arrangements.
- Certain chemical modifications (e.g., phosphorylation).
- Synthesis methods involving particular reagents and steps.
- Indications for specific diseases.
The claims do not explicitly cover all peptide sequences within the molecular class; protection hinges on the specific sequences and modifications disclosed.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Filing and Grant Status
- Filing date: August 3, 2011.
- Priority date: August 3, 2010 (priority from a provisional application).
- Grant date: February 26, 2014.
- The patent is currently granted and enforceable in Australia.
Related Patent Family and International Filings
- The patent is part of an international family with equivalents filed in the US (US20140013579), Europe (EP2595414), and other jurisdictions.
- The family includes patents and applications covering similar peptide compounds and uses, with varying scope.
Patent Landscape Features
- The active patent family focuses on peptide molecules for neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and related therapeutics.
- Other patents in this landscape consider peptide modification techniques, delivery systems, or target-specific applications.
- The landscape reveals significant patenting activity around peptide therapeutics, especially those with modifications enhancing stability or activity.
Competitor Positioning
- Major players include biotech firms and university research groups specializing in peptide-based drug development.
- Companies often file broad claims but face challenges in non-obviousness and inventive step, especially regarding specific sequences and modifications.
- The patent's broad claim scope provides competitive advantages but faces potential validity challenges if prior art discloses similar sequences.
Legal and Technical Challenges
- Patentability considerations: Due to the peptide class's extensive prior art, patent claims must demonstrate novelty and inventive step, particularly around specific sequences or modifications.
- Enforcement: The scope is sufficiently specific to prevent easy design-around but requires constant monitoring for competing patents and disclosures.
Summary Table: Patent Details and Landscape Insights
| Aspect |
Details |
Notes |
| Patent number |
AU2011315891 |
Granted 2014 |
| Filing date |
August 3, 2011 |
Priority from August 3, 2010 |
| Patent family |
US20140013579, EP2595414 |
Similar scope, broader patent coverage |
| Claim scope |
Peptides with specific sequences, modifications, uses |
Focused on therapeutic peptides |
| Key competitors |
Universities, biotech companies |
Focus on neurodegenerative and metabolic indications |
| Patent challenges |
Validity issues due to prior art |
Claims need careful drafting |
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers specific peptide sequences with practical therapeutic uses.
- Claims are structured around defined amino acid sequences and chemical modifications.
- The patent landscape is active within the peptide therapeutic field, with broad international filings.
- Competition includes academic and commercial entities targeting similar indications.
- Patent validity depends on prior art landscape and claim strategy.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims of AU2011315891?
The claims cover specific peptide sequences, their modifications, and uses in disease treatment, but do not extend to all peptides within the class, limiting the scope mainly to the disclosed sequences and derivatives.
2. How does this patent compare to international filings?
The patent family includes broader filings, such as in the US and Europe, with similar claims focusing on peptide compositions and therapeutic applications.
3. What are common challenges to patent validity for peptide drugs?
Prior art disclosures of similar sequences, lack of inventive step, or obvious modifications may challenge validity. Patent prosecutors often narrow claims to mitigate these issues.
4. Is the patent enforceable globally?
No. Patent rights are territorial. Enforcement requires separate rights in each jurisdiction, though the family’s filings indicate an intent for broad international protection.
5. What factors influence licensing or partnership opportunities?
The innovative scope, patent strength, and competitive landscape determine attractiveness. Proprietary peptide sequences with validated therapeutic uses add value for licensing negotiations.
References
- R. P. (2018). 'Peptide therapeutics: current status and future directions,' Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 28(2), 121-133.
- WIPO. (2012). Patent Landscape Report: Peptide-Based Drugs. [Online]. Available at: https://www.wipo.int/
- Australian Patent Office. (2014). Patent AU2011315891.
- H. B. (2015). 'Innovative peptide modifications for improved drug stability,' Drug Discovery Today, 20(9), 1151-1158.
- European Patent Office. (2014). Patent EP2595414.
