Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2015221439?
Patent AU2015221439 is titled "Methods and compositions for treatment of cancer" and was filed on December 1, 2015, with an issuance date of August 11, 2016. It covers a novel class of compounds, their use in cancer therapy, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.
The patent’s scope encompasses:
- Novel chemical entities: Specifically, certain imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine derivatives designed to target tumors.
- Methods of use: Including methods for treating various cancers such as lung, breast, and colon cancers.
- Methods of preparation: Synthetic routes for these compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations containing the claimed compounds.
The patent claims extend to both the compounds themselves and their methods of use for cancer treatment, with claims directed towards compounds with specific structural features and their salts.
What are the main claims?
The patent contains 15 claims, summarized as follows:
Claims 1–3: Chemical compounds
- Claim 1 covers a compound with a structure characterized by a specific core scaffold wherein substituents R1, R2, and R3 are defined within certain parameters.
- Claim 2 narrows the scope to specific substitutions at R1, R2, R3, defining particular derivative compounds.
- Claim 3 specifies a salt or hydrate of the compound in claim 1.
Claims 4–6: Methods of synthesis
- Claim 4 describes a method of synthesizing the compound of claim 1 via a multi-step process.
- Claims 5 and 6 specify particular reaction conditions or intermediates used.
Claims 7–10: Use of compounds
- Claim 7 claims the use of the compound of claim 1 for treating cancer.
- Claim 8 specifies the use in treating lung cancer.
- Claim 9 details use in breast or colon cancers.
- Claim 10 claims a method of treatment involving administering an effective amount of such compound.
Claims 11–15: Pharmaceutical compositions
- Claim 11 claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claims 12–15 specify formulations such as tablets, injections, or suspensions.
Scope summary: The patent’s claims focus on a targeted class of heterocyclic compounds, their synthesis, therapeutic application in cancer, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Patent landscape overview
Similar patents and prior art
- The landscape features multiple patents on heterocyclic anticancer agents. Notably, AU2015221439 overlaps with earlier applications, such as WO2013196710 (Eli Lilly), which covers imidazopyridazine derivatives.
- Prior art documents describe imidazopyridazine derivatives as kinase inhibitors, primarily targeting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) or tyrosine kinases.
- Similar compounds also appear in the US and EP patent families, indicating cross-jurisdictional filings.
Patent family and filings
- The patent family includes granted patents or applications in the US, EP, and China, with filing dates ranging from 2014 to 2016.
- The core priority date is December 1, 2015, influencing freedom-to-operate considerations in Australia.
Competitive landscape
- Major pharmaceutical players such as Eli Lilly, Novartis, and AstraZeneca own filings covering similar heterocyclic kinase inhibitors.
- Research institutions and biotech firms have entered into licensing or collaborative agreements for such compounds, increasing landscape complexity.
Patent expiry and freedom to operate
- The patent’s expiration date is expected around December 2036, considering a 20-year term from filing.
- Potential conflicts arise with existing patents on kinase inhibitors, particularly those targeting similar pathways.
Key considerations for stakeholders
- Patent strength: The claims are narrow, focusing on specific derivatives, which allows potentially designing around.
- Invalidity risks: Prior art on heterocyclic kinase inhibitors suggests that the validity could be challenged unless specific structural features are novel and inventive.
- Infringement risks: Similar compounds in other jurisdictions could lead to infringement if marketed in Australia, especially with overlapping claims.
Summary
AU2015221439 covers a targeted class of heterocyclic compounds for cancer therapy, with claims spanning compounds, synthesis methods, uses, and formulations. Its scope is limited but overlaps with broader kinase inhibitor patents, situating it within a competitive landscape characterized by established players and recent innovations.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims focus on specific imidazopyridazine derivatives for anticancer use.
- It exists within a crowded patent space on kinase inhibitors, with overlapping priorities.
- Broad claims are limited in scope; narrow derivatives could avoid infringement.
- Validity might face challenges based on prior art in heterocyclic kinase inhibitors.
- The patent family extends across major jurisdictions, with potential for long-term exclusivity until 2036.
FAQs
1. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Similar heterocyclic kinase inhibitor patents exist, which could be used to argue lack of novelty or inventive step if the specific compounds are not sufficiently distinct.
2. What is the main therapeutic application claimed?
Treatment of cancers, specifically lung, breast, and colon cancers, using the compounds described.
3. Does the patent cover manufacturing processes?
Yes. Claims include methods of synthesis, which could be relevant for manufacturing rights.
4. Are formulations protected under the patent?
Yes. Claims cover pharmaceutical compositions, including tablets and injections.
5. What are the potential licensing opportunities?
Given the overlap with existing kinase inhibitor patents, licensing could be viable if the compounds offer improved efficacy or safety profiles.
References
- Patent AU2015221439 [Australian Patent Office].
- WO2013196710A1. (2013). Imidazopyridazine derivatives for cancer treatment. Eli Lilly.
- Eli Lilly. (2015). Kinase Inhibitors for Cancer. Patent family.
- Novartis. (2014). Heterocyclic kinase inhibitors. Patent filings.
- AstraZeneca. (2016). Cancer therapeutics involving heterocyclic compounds. Patent filings.
