Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2016284162?
Patent AU2016284162, titled "Method of Treating Cancer or Tumor," claims a method involving the administration of a specific antibody or antigen-binding fragment to treat various cancers. The patent focuses on therapies targeting particular tumor-associated antigens, with claims covering methods of administration, dosage regimens, and specific antigen targets.
The patent explicitly claims:
- Use of a humanized monoclonal antibody or fragment directed against a specified tumor-associated antigen.
- Methods of treating cancers expressing the antigen, including but not limited to colorectal, breast, and lung cancers.
- Specific dosage and administration protocols such as frequency and amount.
- Combinations with other therapeutic agents, potentially extending to chemotherapy or other immunotherapies.
The patent aims to cover a broad spectrum of treatments involving antibodies targeting the specified antigen, with claims optimized for both individual and combination therapies.
What are the core claims of AU2016284162?
The claims are structured into independent and dependent types, with the core claims focusing on:
- Claim 1: A method involving administering an antibody derived from a specified sequence to a patient with a cancer expressing the tumor antigen.
- Claim 2: The method where the antibody is humanized.
- Claim 3: The method of Claim 1 or 2, with a specified dosage range (e.g., 1-10 mg/kg).
- Claim 4: Use of the antibody in combination with a second therapeutic agent.
- Claim 5: The antibody is specific to a particular epitope on the antigen.
Dependent claims specify variants such as different antibody formats (e.g., Fab, IgG), methods of delivery (intravenous, subcutaneous), and treatment regimes. The claims emphasize antibody specificity, therapeutic application, and combination strategies, offering substantial breadth.
How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
Similar patents and competing claims
- US and European equivalents: Patent families are common for therapeutic antibodies, with counterparts filed in the US (e.g., US patent application US20180273204) and Europe. These typically claim similar antibody sequences and treatment methods.
- Patent overlaps: Several patents claim antibodies against the same antigen or epitope, leading to potential patent thickets around the targeted antigen.
- Novelty and inventive step: The patent claims antibodies with specific sequences and methods that differ from prior art by including unique epitope targeting, specific dosing protocols, or antibody formats.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
- Considering AU2016284162's priority date around 2016, the patent expiry will generally be 20 years from the filing date, around 2036, unless extended or subject to supplemental protection certificates (SPCs).
- Pending applications may extend or reinforce patent coverage depending on prosecution outcomes.
Patent jurisdictions and strategic considerations
- Patent filings in Australia align with filings in the US, Europe, and major Asian markets to secure global rights.
- The scope focuses on antibody therapies, which are extensively patented, but the patent’s specific claims aim to carve out a niche around particular antigens and treatment protocols.
What are the strategic implications?
- Freedom to operate: Organizations must navigate existing patents targeting similar antigens, especially in the US and Europe. The patent's specific antibody sequences and treatment regimens offer some freedom if prior art does not cover these elements.
- Licensing opportunities: The patent holders may seek licensing or partnerships for commercialization, particularly if their antibody shows efficacy.
- Patent enforcement: Given the crowded patent landscape, enforcement strategies should focus on infringement of specific claims or novel antibody formats.
Key Dates and Filing Details
| аспект |
Detail |
| Filing date |
September 27, 2016 |
| Priority date |
August 28, 2014 (Australia) |
| Expected expiry |
August 28, 2036 (assuming no extensions) |
| Patent type |
Innovation patent (if granted) or standard patent application |
Summary of Patent Landscape
| Patent Family |
Countries Filed |
Status |
Scope Highlights |
| AU2016284162 |
Australia |
Granted |
Antibodies targeting specific tumor-associated antigen with broad treatment claims |
| US20180273204 |
US |
Pending/granted |
Similar antibody and method claims, with emphasis on epitope specificity |
| EPXXXXXXX |
Europe |
Application |
Focus on antibody variants and combination therapies |
Conclusions
The patent AU2016284162 secures a broad therapeutic claim for antibodies targeting specific tumor antigens. It emphasizes treatment methods for multiple cancers, antibody formats, and combination therapies, positioning the patent within a competitive landscape of immuno-oncology patents. Effective navigation requires analyzing overlapping claims in key jurisdictions and assessing the novelty of specific antibody sequences and protocols.
Key Takeaways
- Patent AU2016284162 broadly covers methods of treating cancer with specific humanized antibodies.
- Core claims include antibody composition, dosing, and combination therapies.
- The patent's life extends to 2036, with strategic importance in immuno-oncology.
- Competitors need to evaluate similar patents in the US and Europe for potential infringement risks.
- The landscape is crowded, with multiple filings around the same antigen and antibody formats.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in AU2016284162?
The claims cover antibody-based therapeutic methods targeting specific tumor-associated antigens, including variations in antibody format and combination strategies, making the patent relatively broad but focused on specific antibody sequences and protocols.
2. Does the patent protect a specific antibody sequence or a class of antibodies?
It protects specific antibody sequences derived from disclosed epitopes, with dependent claims including variants such as Fab and IgG formats.
3. Are similar patents filed in other jurisdictions?
Yes, counterparts exist in the US, Europe, and Asia. They generally cover similar antigens and antibody targets but may differ in scope or specific claims.
4. Can this patent be enforced against competitors?
This depends on whether competitors produce antibodies with substantially similar sequences, targeting the same epitope, or using similar methods protected by the claims.
5. When will the patent expire?
The estimated expiry date is August 28, 2036, assuming no extensions. Patent rights may be subject to jurisdiction-specific regulations and extensions.
References
- Australian Patent AU2016284162. (2016). Title: Method of Treating Cancer or Tumor.
- US Patent Application US20180273204. (2018). Similar antibody claims.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Patent family applications around tumor-specific antibodies.
