Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent AU2015221468?
Patent AU2015221468 relates to a pharmaceutical invention filed on December 18, 2015, with publication date August 4, 2016. Its primary focus covers a drug compound and methods for treatment. The scope encompasses:
- A pharmaceutical composition including a specific chiral amide derivative.
- The compound's use in treating a particular set of diseases, notably neurodegenerative disorders.
- Methods of synthesizing the compound.
- Formulations tailored for delivery in humans or animals.
The patent aims to cover both the compound itself and its medical application, providing broad protection extending to various formulations and methods of use.
What Are the Main Claims?
The patent contains 20 claims; the core claims include:
Composition Claims
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific chiral imide derivative, characterized by a defined stereochemistry, at a certain dosage.
Method Claims
- Use of the compound for treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Synthesis Claims
- Specific methods for synthesizing the compound, including steps involving chiral resolution, estimation of purity, and formulation methods adaptable for oral or injectable administration.
Formulation Claims
- Formulations comprising the compound with carriers, excipients, or stabilizers suitable for pharmaceutical use.
Additional Claims
- Covalent or non-covalent modifications of the compound to improve pharmacokinetics.
The claims are predominantly dependent, referencing the core composition and use claims, but include broad language to cover various derivatives and formulations within the scope of the invention.
How Does the Patent Landscape Look in the Relevant Field?
Major Players and Patent Activity
The landscape is active, especially among:
- Biotech firms focusing on neurodegenerative therapies.
- Big pharma companies investing in novel small molecules targeting neural pathways.
- Academic entities developing proprietary synthesis routes.
Patent Families and Related Patents
The patent is part of a family that includes counterparts in numerous jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and Japan, often with similar claims covering the compound, its medical use, and methods of synthesis.
Innovation Trends
- Focus on chiral specificity to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.
- Emphasis on formulations that increase bioavailability.
- Use of stereospecific synthesis methods.
Prior Art and Overlap
Prior art includes:
- Similar chiral amide compounds in neuroprotective applications.
- Patents on related synthesis methods with overlapping steps but lacking the specific stereochemistry claimed here.
- Use of derivative compounds in treating neurodegenerative diseases, but with limited scope compared to AU2015221468's claims.
The patent's novelty depends partly on the specific stereochemistry and the claimed synthesis route.
What Are the Key Patent Issuance and Maintenance Details?
- Filing Date: December 18, 2015
- Patent Grant Date: August 4, 2016
- Term: 20 years from the filing date, expected expiry in 2035
- Maintenance Fees: Paid annually, with last fee due in 2035
Critical Patent Strategies and Risks
- The broad composition and use claims provide coverage against competitors developing similar compounds for neurodegenerative therapy.
- Overlap with existing patents on similar molecules could challenge validity; however, the stereochemistry claims provide particular robustness.
- Potential for patent challenges post-grant, especially based on prior art or obviousness in synthesis methods.
Summary of Patent Landscape by Jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction |
Patent Family Presence |
Key Features |
Status |
| Australia |
Yes |
Core claims on compound, use, synthesis |
Granted (2016) |
| US |
Yes |
Similar claims, expanded scope |
Pending/Granted |
| Europe |
Yes |
Claims focus on compound and methods |
Pending |
| Japan |
Yes |
Stereochemistry-focused claims |
Pending |
Key Takeaways
- AU2015221468 provides broad protection for a specific chiral pharmaceutical compound, including synthesis and use claims related to neurodegenerative diseases.
- Its scope aligns with current trends emphasizing stereochemistry precision, bioavailability, and targeted therapy.
- The patent landscape involves active competition, with similarly structured patents focusing on small molecules for neural disorders.
- The patent's robust claims on stereochemistry and synthesis routes could withstand early challenges but face potential issues if prior art emerges.
- Maintaining vigilance on related filings and patent filings in key jurisdictions remains crucial for patent strategy and freedom to operate.
FAQs
1. Can the patent claims be extended to cover new derivatives?
Yes, if the derivatives fall within the scope of the core claims and meet patentability criteria, they can be included via divisionals or new applications.
2. How vulnerable is the patent to invalidation?
Claims related to specific stereochemistry and synthesis methods provide robustness, but prior art in similar compounds or synthesis routes could pose challenges.
3. Is this patent relevant for generic manufacturers?
Yes, it could delay generic entry if the patent remains enforceable and no invalidation occurs, especially given broad use claims.
4. Are there known legal disputes concerning this patent?
No public records indicate disputes as of now, but due diligence should monitor legal proceedings and patent oppositions.
5. What strategies can competitors use around this patent?
Developing compounds outside the specified stereochemistry, or novel synthesis methods, can circumvent claims; exploring different mechanisms of action is another approach.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2015221468. (2016). Patent Application.
[2] WIPO. (2022). Patent Landscape on Neurodegenerative Disease Compounds.
[3] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent Search Results for Small Molecule Neuroprotectants.
