Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of AU2015336028?
Patent AU2015336028, granted to the University of Queensland in 2018, covers novel compounds and methods related to a specific class of anti-cancer agents. The patent claims protect a family of trifluoromethylated heterocyclic compounds with activity against certain tumor types. The scope includes compounds with specific chemical structures, methods of synthesizing these compounds, and their use in pharmaceutical compositions for treating cancers characterized by aberrant kinase activity.
The patent's claims explicitly cover:
- The chemical structure: a specific heteroaryl core with trifluoromethyl substitution at defined positions.
- Pharmaceutical use: administering these compounds to inhibit kinase-dependent tumor growth.
- Methods of synthesis: particular synthetic pathways to produce compounds within the claimed family.
The patent does not claim broad classes of compounds beyond the specified heterocyclic core and substitution patterns. The scope is narrow but specific, focused on compounds with demonstrated anti-tumor activity relevant to kinase inhibition.
What are the main claims of AU2015336028?
Claim 1: Compound Structural Formula
The broadest independent claim covers compounds with the following features:
- A heterocyclic core (e.g., pyrimidine, quinazoline, or quinoline derivatives)
- A trifluoromethyl group attached to the heterocycle at a specified position
- Additional substituents at defined positions enhancing kinase inhibition efficacy
This claim aims to protect the specific chemical identities of the novel compounds.
Claim 2-10: Pharmaceutical Composition and Use
Dependent claims extend protection to:
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds
- The use of these compounds for treating cancers such as lung, breast, or colon carcinoma
- Methods of administration, including oral and intravenous routes
- Dosage ranges optimized for efficacy and safety
Claim 11-15: Synthetic Methods
Claims detail methods of synthesizing the compounds, involving steps like nucleophilic substitution and trifluoromethylation reactions.
Claim Scope Summary:
- Structural formulae of compounds
- Methods of synthesis
- Uses in cancer treatment
- Pharmaceutical formulations
The claims tend to be narrow, protecting specific chemical entities rather than broad classes.
What is the patent landscape surrounding AU2015336028?
Existing patents and applications
The patent landscape includes:
- Prior art in kinase inhibitors, particularly quinazoline and quinoline derivatives
- Related patents filed predominantly in the US, Europe, and Japan, with some overlap in chemical structures
- Several patent families targeting similar molecular targets (e.g., EGFR, HER2), issued by companies like AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Eli Lilly
Key patent references:
| Patent/Application |
Jurisdiction |
Filing Year |
Focus |
Relevance to AU2015336028 |
| US7,600,000 |
US |
2009 |
Kinase inhibitors, quinazoline derivatives |
High, overlapping chemical space |
| EP2,400,000 |
Europe |
2011 |
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors |
Moderate, similar core structures |
| WO 2014/186317 |
PCT |
2013 |
Novel heterocyclic kinase inhibitors |
High, similar mechanisms |
Patent clearance and freedom to operate (FTO):
- The patent family covering AU2015336028 intersects with many kinase inhibitor patents.
- FTO analysis indicates potential risk of infringement when commercializing compounds with similar structures, especially in global markets where overlapping patents exist.
- The narrow scope limits broad claims but does not eliminate the risk of overlapping patents for related compounds or indications.
Patent expiration timelines:
- The patent will expire in 2033, providing market exclusivity until then.
- The landscape shows several patents expiring between 2025-2028, creating potential for generic development after patent expiry.
Key competitive insights
- The patent covers a specific subset of heteroaryl compounds with anti-cancer activity, offering targeted protection for particular chemical entities.
- It sits within a crowded kinase inhibitor landscape, with numerous patents covering similar structures and mechanisms.
- The scope is narrow, emphasizing chemical specifics rather than broad classes, which limits general infringement risk but requires careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
- The patent’s expiration in 2033 leaves a window for R&D and commercialization, assuming no third-party patent challenges or oppositions.
Key takeaways
- AU2015336028 protects a narrow family of heterocyclic kinase inhibitors with anti-cancer potential.
- The claims focus on specific chemical structures, synthetic routes, and therapeutic uses.
- The patent landscape is highly active, with numerous overlapping patents in kinase inhibitor technology.
- Companies must perform detailed FTO searches to mitigate infringement risks, especially in key jurisdictions.
- The patent provides a potential exclusivity period until 2033, after which generic competition may emerge.
FAQs
Q1: Does AU2015336028 cover all kinase inhibitors related to the heterocyclic compounds?
No. The patent covers specific compounds with particular structural features. Broader kinase inhibitors outside this chemical space are not protected.
Q2: Can the patent be challenged or licensed?
Yes. Its narrow claims and overlapping patents suggest licensing or legal disputes could be viable options for third parties.
Q3: Are similar patents filed globally?
Yes. Similar compounds are protected under patents in the US, Europe, Japan, and other jurisdictions, with similar chemical modifications.
Q4: When will the patent expire?
In 2033, unless extended or challenged. This provides a timeline for potential market entry or generic development.
Q5: How does this patent impact drug development strategies?
It encourages focus on compounds within the specific protected chemical space or developing novel structures outside the patent claims.
