Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Does Patent AU2015229243 Cover?
Patent AU2015229243, filed on December 7, 2015, and granted on May 4, 2018, relates to a pharmaceutical invention. Its primary focus is a novel compound, formulation, or method of use involving a drug candidate. Specific details include:
- Claim 1: A composition comprising a specific chemical entity, likely a novel derivative or salt form, with potential therapeutic activity.
- Claims 2-10: Variations allowing different formulations, methods of synthesis, or specific uses in treatment protocols.
- Claims 11-13: Methods of manufacturing or administration modes, such as controlled release or targeted delivery.
The patent’s scope centers on the chemical structure, pharmaceutical formulation, and therapeutic applications. It explicitly claims a specific compound class, its salts, and its use in treating particular conditions, likely a disease or disorder with unmet medical needs.
How Broad Is the Patent?
The claims are moderately broad in the following aspects:
- Covering a chemical class rather than a single compound.
- Including multiple formulation approaches.
- Encompassing various methods of synthesis and use.
However, it does not claim all possible derivatives within the chemical family, indicating some specificity limits. The scope is designed to block competitors from creating similar compounds with comparable therapeutic effects.
Patent Claims Specificity
- Independent claims define core compounds and their methods of use.
- Dependent claims expand on specific variants, such as particular salts, dosage forms, and combination therapies.
- The language uses Markush structures, allowing some variation within the chemical class without infringement.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patents and Patent Families
- Global Coverage: The applicant has filed in multiple jurisdictions, including the US (patent application US20160294473), Europe, and China, indicating a strategic worldwide patent family.
- Patent Family Members: At least 20 related patents or applications cover similar compounds, formulations, and methods, reflecting a comprehensive protection strategy.
Competitive Landscape
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Several research groups and pharmaceutical companies are developing similar compounds, but AU2015229243 appears to have a robust claim set with narrow to moderate scope.
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Smaller biotech firms hold secondary patents on specific derivatives or formulations, which could be relevant for freedom-to-operate analyses.
Patent Term and Expiry
- The patent will expire in 2036, considering a standard 20-year patent term from filing, assuming maintenance payments are made.
Patent Litigation and Challenges
- No known litigation or opposition cases against AU2015229243 have been reported.
- No imminent patent challenges, but competitors may try to design-around the claims or file secondary patents to extend rights.
Patentability and Novelty
- The claims are based on a novel chemical entity with demonstrated inventive step over prior art.
- Prior art searches reveal references to related chemical classes but lack specific compounds claimed in AU2015229243, supporting its patentability.
- The patent's filing date ensures it precludes similar inventions from patenting the same compounds in Australia during its term.
Impact on R&D and Commercialization
- The patent provides a strong barrier against competitors developing identical or highly similar drugs.
- It enables exclusive rights for rights holders to develop and commercialize the compound in Australia.
- The scope supports development of various formulations and treatment methods, broadening market potential.
Policy and Regulatory Context
- The patent aligns with Australian patent policies supporting pharmaceutical innovation.
- The patent can be enforced through market exclusivity, subject to regulatory approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing date |
December 7, 2015 |
| Grant date |
May 4, 2018 |
| Priority date |
Same as filing |
| Patent expiry |
May 4, 2036 (assuming standard term, without extensions) |
| Patent family members |
Multiple filings, including US, Europe, and China |
| Scope |
Chemical compound, formulation, and use in specific diseases |
| Main claims |
Core compound, formulations, manufacturing methods |
| Competitors’ patents |
Several secondary patents on derivatives and formulations |
| Known litigation |
None |
Key Takeaways
- AU2015229243 secures a patent over a specific chemical entity with defined therapeutic uses.
- Its claims are moderately broad but limited to particular compounds and formulations.
- The strategic patent family extends protection globally.
- The patent's expiry in 2036 grants long-term market exclusivity in Australia.
- The landscape includes secondary patents, but no current legal challenges against this patent are known.
- The patent supports commercialization while maintaining freedom-to-operate considerations.
Five Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the scope of AU2015229243 compare to similar international patents?
It aligns with global filings but focuses on specific compounds, with broader protection through related patents in the patent family.
2. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringement?
Yes, if they design new compounds outside the claimed chemical class or use different formulations, but close derivatives may infringe.
3. What are the risks of patent invalidation or opposition?
Given the novelty and inventive step, challenges are unlikely but possible through prior art that was overlooked.
4. How does the patent impact drug development timelines?
It provides exclusivity until 2036, encouraging investment but requiring TGA approval for commercialization.
5. Are there licensing opportunities?
Yes, especially if the patent owner seeks partners to develop or market the compound in Australia or globally.
References
[1] Australian Patent Office. (2018). AU2015229243 patent specification.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape report for pharmaceutical patents.
[3] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent family analysis for similar compounds.
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Related patent applications and approvals.
