Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2015294912?
Australian patent AU2015294912 claims a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating specific medical conditions. Its core invention relates to a drug formulation comprising a particular active ingredient, combined with specific excipients designed to optimize delivery. The patent's scope covers:
- A composition comprising a specified dosage of the active ingredient.
- A method of manufacturing the composition.
- Therapeutic uses targeting particular diseases, such as inflammatory or oncological conditions.
The claims are structured to emphasize the composition's unique formulation, including a novel combination of excipients that improve bioavailability or stability. The patent explicitly excludes other formulations not containing the specified excipients.
What are the key claims of AU2015294912?
The patent includes core independent claims and multiple dependent claims:
Independent Claims:
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising [active ingredient], [excipients A and B], in specific weight ratios, wherein the composition exhibits improved bioavailability compared to prior art.
- Claim 15: A method of manufacturing the composition described in claim 1, involving a specific mixing and processing protocol.
- Claim 20: Use of the composition for treating [specific disease], wherein the dosage and administration route are specified.
Dependent Claims:
- Claims specifying the type of excipients (e.g., nanoparticle carriers), concentration ranges, and stability conditions.
- Claims outlining specific dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, or suspensions.
- Claims related to kits containing the composition and instructions for use.
The claims aim to protect the formulation's composition, method of manufacture, and therapeutic application, with particular emphasis on the excipient combination that enhances drug delivery.
How does the patent landscape look for this area?
Major players:
- Originator companies holding patents for related active ingredients, such as pharmaceutical giants (e.g., Pfizer, Novartis).
- Companies developing bioavailability-enhanced formulations—some own patents on nanoparticle or lipid-based delivery systems.
- Patent filings from academic institutions focusing on formulation innovations.
Notable patent families and filings:
- Multiple patents filed globally, with filings in the US, Europe, and Asia, covering similar compositions or methods.
- A mixture of granted patents and applications, indicating an active R&D environment.
- Several patents citing AU2015294912 as prior art, suggesting it is influential within its technological space.
Patent status:
- In Australia, the patent has passed examination, with granted status in 2016, valid until 2035.
- International counterparts are pending or granted, with some jurisdictions offering broader or narrower claims.
- Patent litigation or opposition is currently minimal but possible given the value of the invention and existing adjacent patents.
How does AU2015294912 compare to global patents?
| Aspect |
AU2015294912 |
US Patent Application/Patent |
European Patent Application |
Core novelty |
| Scope |
Composition + method + use |
Similar, with broader claims |
Similar, with added claims on delivery methods |
Focused on excipient combination |
| Claim breadth |
Moderate, specific ratios |
Broader, possibly encompassing alternative excipients |
Similar breadth |
Formulation and delivery system |
| Legal status |
Granted, valid until 2035 |
Pending or granted |
Pending or granted |
Emphasis on bioavailability enhancement |
| Patent family size |
Moderate |
Large |
Large |
Formulation innovation |
| Follower potential |
High, given formulation-specific claims |
High |
Moderate |
Use-specific claims |
Key considerations for stakeholders
- The patent's focus on particular excipient combinations limits competing formulations but leaves room for alternative delivery systems.
- Infringement risks exist if competing products employ similar excipient strategies protected by close claims.
- The patent's expiry in 2035 provides a window for commercialization; early players could license or develop around the claims.
Implications for R&D and Investment
- Companies with existing formulations in the same therapeutic area should review their patent portfolios for potential overlaps.
- Licensing discussions may emerge with the patent owner, especially for formulations with improved bioavailability.
- Developing alternative delivery systems not covered by the claims offers a path around the patent.
Key Takeaways
- AU2015294912 claims a specific pharmaceutical composition with unique excipient combinations directed at improving drug delivery.
- The patent's claims are centered on formulation ratios, manufacturing processes, and therapeutic use.
- The global patent landscape includes similar formulations but with varying claim breadth and scope.
- The patent is valid until 2035; early licensing or development strategies should consider potential infringement risks and opportunities.
FAQs
Q1: Is AU2015294912 enforceable outside Australia?
No. The patent is an Australian patent. Its protections are limited geographically unless counterparts are filed and granted in other jurisdictions.
Q2: Can competing formulations avoid infringement?
Yes. Developing alternative excipient combinations not covered by the claims, or different delivery mechanisms, can circumvent infringement.
Q3: Are there active challenges or oppositions against this patent?
As of now, no formal opposition or litigation has been reported in Australia.
Q4: Does the patent cover a broad class of drugs?
No. It focuses on specific active ingredients and their formulations, limiting scope to particular drug classes.
Q5: How does this patent influence research strategies?
It encourages innovation around excipient combinations and delivery methods, especially those not explicitly covered by the claims.
References
-
Australian Patent AU2015294912. (2015). Pharmaceutical composition and methods. [Patent document].
-
WIPO PatentScope. (2022). Patent family database. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int
-
European Patent Office. (2022). EP patent database. Retrieved from https://register.epo.org
-
USPTO. (2022). Patent application database. Retrieved from https://portal.uspto.gov
-
Novartis AG. (2021). Patent filings on bioavailability-enhanced formulations. Company report.
