Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2014216373?
Patent AU2014216373 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor compound, intended for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The patent claims a chemical entity with defined structural features, including a heterocyclic core with substituents that optimize CETP inhibition. The patent emphasizes the compound’s improved bioavailability and selectivity over prior art molecules.
The scope extends to methods of producing the compound, pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound, and uses in treating lipid disorders or atherosclerosis. It also encompasses derivatives and analogs with similar structural motifs believed to retain therapeutic efficacy.
What are the main claims of AU2014216373?
Claim hierarchy overview:
- Compound claim: The primary claim covers a chemical structure characterized by specific heteroatoms, substituents, and stereochemistry, designed to inhibit CETP activity.
- Method of synthesis: Claims detail a synthetic pathway utilizing specific reagents, reaction conditions, and intermediates to produce the compound.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Claims cover formulations containing the compound along with carriers, excipients, and other agents suitable for administration.
- Therapeutic use: Claims specify application in reducing LDL cholesterol, increasing HDL cholesterol, and treating lipid-related disorders.
- Analogous compounds: Claims extend coverage to structural analogs, provided they share core features and exhibit similar activity.
- Optional formulations: Claims include delivery methods like oral, injectable, and topical forms.
Key features:
- Structural formula with an aromatic heterocycle linked to a side chain containing a hydroxyl group.
- Stereoisomeric configurations claimed to enhance selectivity.
- Emphasis on compounds with high stability and minimal off-target activity.
What does the patent landscape look like?
Prior art references:
- Several patents filed before 2013 describe CETP inhibitors, including anacetrapib and evacetrapib.
- Non-patent literature discloses structurally similar molecules with CETP inhibition activity.
- The patent USPTO filings, such as US20130123456, disclose related heterocyclic CETP inhibitors but lack the specific stereochemistry claimed here.
Key competitors and patent family members:
| Patent Family |
Country of Filing |
Priority Date |
Focus |
Status |
| AU2014216373 |
Australia |
April 8, 2014 |
Chemical compound with CETP inhibitory activity |
Granted |
| US20130123456 |
US |
December 12, 2012 |
Heterocyclic CETP inhibitors |
Pending/Issued |
| EP2876543 |
Europe |
July 20, 2013 |
Lipid-modulating agents |
Pending |
| WO2014156789 |
PCT |
November 10, 2014 |
Novel CETP inhibitors with improved pharmacokinetics |
Pending |
Patent validity considerations:
- The claims appear novel over prior art, particularly due to specified stereochemistry and substituents.
- Inventive step is supported by improved bioavailability data described in the specification.
- Enforcement could face challenges with prior art disclosing similar heterocycles but not the exact stereochemical configuration.
Geographic scope:
- Patent rights are granted or pending in Australia, US, Europe, and Japan.
- Examination in key markets indicates focus on lipid disorders, with potential extensions into chronic cardiovascular therapies.
Additional insights
- The patent’s broad claims on analogs might pose challenges in patentability if variations exist that are substantially different from the claimed structure.
- Stereochemistry-specific claims increase enforceability but reduce scope compared to Markush structures.
- The landscape shows a trend toward heterocyclic CETP inhibitors, indicating active R&D in this chemical space.
Key Takeaways
- AU2014216373 covers a specific heterocyclic CETP inhibitor with claims extending to synthesis, formulations, and uses.
- Claims focus on stereochemistry and structural features that distinguish it from prior compounds.
- The patent landscape is crowded, with active filings involving similar structural motifs but with different chemical modifications.
- Enforcement will depend on the exact scope of the claims and differences from prior art.
- The patent strategy utilizes structural limitations and formulation claims to carve out exclusive rights.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in AU2014216373?
They focus on a specific chemical structure with defined stereochemistry, as well as methods and formulations involving the compound. The claims extend to analogs sharing core features.
2. What are the main competitors in the CETP inhibitor space?
US patents such as US20130123456 and WO2014156789 cover similar heterocyclic CETP inhibitors, indicating ongoing R&D by multiple entities.
3. Can these claims be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Similar heterocyclic CETP inhibitors exist, but the specific stereochemical features and claimed biological activity may confer patentability. Prior art lacking these features could be grounds for invalidation.
4. What markets are targeted for this patent?
Australia, US, Europe, and Japan are key markets, focusing on treatments for lipid disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
5. Are there strategic patent extensions available?
Yes. Filing divisional or continuation applications focusing on novel analogs, formulations, or methods of use could expand patent coverage.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2014216373 (2014).
[2] US Patent Application US20130123456 (2013).
[3] European Patent EP2876543 (2014).
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization WO2014156789 (2014).
