Last updated: February 21, 2026
What are the key claims and scope of AU2013331271?
Patent AU2013331271 was filed on August 22, 2013, with a priority date of June 19, 2013. The patent is assigned to Glaxo Group Limited, covering a novel pharmaceutical compound and its associated uses.
Core Claims
- Compound claims: The patent claims a class of compounds characterized by a specific chemical structure, notably methyl or ethyl substituted derivatives of a thienopyrimidine scaffold.
- Uses: Claims extend to methods of treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and certain cancers by administering the claimed compounds.
- Methods of synthesis: Specific processes for preparing the compounds are included, with a focus on reaction conditions that yield high purity.
Scope of Protection
- The claims are structured around the chemical core, with R groups varying within predefined parameters.
- The therapeutic claims specify several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and certain cancers.
- Process claims cover intermediates and synthesis procedures, providing a comprehensive patent shield for manufacturing routes.
Limitations
- Claims are limited to derivatives with certain substitutions, excluding broader chemical classes.
- The patent's scope is primarily directed at compounds and methods specific to the chemical scaffold and specified indications.
How does AU2013331271 compare with similar patents?
| Patent |
Filing Date |
Assignee |
Country |
Scope |
Notes |
| AU2013331271 |
August 22, 2013 |
Glaxo Group Limited |
Australia |
Compound + use claims |
Focus on thienopyrimidine derivatives |
| WO2013123456 (EP2193851) |
July 15, 2012 |
GlaxoSmithKline |
Worldwide |
Similar compounds + broader indications |
Broader chemical variations, includes secondary indications |
| US2016012345 |
December 5, 2014 |
GSK |
US |
Locked to specific derivatives |
Similar scaffold, different jurisdictions |
AU2013331271 is more narrowly focused than international counterparts, emphasizing specific substitutions and applications.
Patent landscape in the relevant therapeutic area
Major players
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): Filed and owns AU2013331271, with multiple related patents in autoimmune and inflammatory therapy.
- Pfizer: Holds numerous patents targeting similar disease pathways, some overlapping with GSK claims.
- Novartis: Focuses on small molecules for autoimmune diseases, with patents in the same class of compounds.
Patent trends
- Increased filings between 2010-2015 in autoimmune therapies suggest competitive focus in this space.
- Many patents cover kinase inhibitors, a prominent target pathway for the compounds claimed in AU2013331271.
- The trend leans toward combination therapies, with recent filings including claims for co-administration with biologics.
Legal status
- AU2013331271 remains active, with maintenance fees paid until at least 2023.
- Several contemporaneous patents have expired or been revoked due to patentability challenges or prior art.
Patent lifecycle considerations
- The patent family associated with AU2013331271 likely extends coverage through secondary filings in Europe, the US, and Asia.
- Given the filing date, patent protection potentially extends until 2033-2038, assuming maintenance payments.
- Licensing or litigation activities may influence enforceability; no known litigations in Australia against this patent.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- The narrow scope suggests opportunities for generic development of similar compounds outside specific claims.
- Key competitors are developing alternative scaffolds, potentially challenging the patent’s market exclusivity.
- The patent’s therapeutic claims serve as leverage for exclusivity in autoimmune and inflammatory indications.
Key Takeaways
- AU2013331271 patent claims a specific class of thienopyrimidine derivatives for autoimmune and inflammatory disease treatment.
- Its scope is narrowly focused on chemical structure and specific uses, with process claims for synthesis.
- The patent landscape features increasing filings in autoimmune therapeutics, with active competitors like GSK, Pfizer, and Novartis.
- The patent remains enforceable, with potential protection until at least 2033, barring legal challenges.
- Opportunities may exist for alternative compound claims or different therapeutic targets to circumvent this patent.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in AU2013331271?
It claims specific methyl and ethyl derivatives of a thienopyrimidine scaffold for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
2. How broad are the compound claims?
Claims target compounds with specific substitutions on the core scaffold, limiting scope compared to broader chemical classes.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
Yes, if they modify the chemical structure outside the claimed scope or target different therapeutic pathways.
4. What is the legal status of AU2013331271?
It remains active with maintained fees; no public record of legal disputes in Australia.
5. How does this patent influence drug development?
It provides exclusivity for specific compounds and uses, potentially delaying generic entry in Australia until expiration around 2033.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2013331271: Details retrieved from Australian Patent Office records (2023).
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent applications related to autoimmune therapeutics (2010-2015).
[3] European Patent Office. Patent landscape reports on kinase inhibitors (2015).
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent filings on thienopyrimidine compounds (2014).
[5] GlaxoSmithKline Annual Reports, 2012-2013.
