Last updated: February 28, 2026
What are the scope and claims of AU2016296709?
Patent AU2016296709, titled "Methods for Treating Cancer and Other Diseases," is a biotechnology patent granted in Australia. It relates to the use of specific molecules or compounds for therapeutic purposes, primarily targeting cancer treatment.
Key Elements of the Claims
The patent encompasses a broad claim set. Its scope includes:
- The use of a particular compound or class of compounds in the manufacture of a medicament for treating specific diseases, notably cancers.
- Methods of administering the compounds to subjects to achieve therapeutic effects.
- Combinations of the compound with other agents, such as chemotherapeutics or immunotherapies.
Main Claim Types:
- Method of Treatment: Composition comprising a specified compound for treating a disease such as cancer.
- Use Claim: Use of the molecule in the manufacture of a medicament for specific indications.
- Dosage and Administration: Preferred dosage ranges, routes of administration, and treatment regimens.
- Combination Therapy: Use of the compound with other drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapeutics.
Claim Limitations
- Specificity to particular molecular structures or derivatives.
- Focus on cancer types such as non-small cell lung carcinoma, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.
- Therapeutic targets include immune modulation, tumor cell apoptosis, or inhibition of specific signaling pathways.
Claims aim to cover both the composition and therapeutic methods, with several dependent claims refining the scope to particular compounds, dosages, or treatment combinations.
What is the patent landscape around AU2016296709?
Priority and Filing History
- Filed: August 15, 2016
- Patent granted: December 21, 2017
- Priority applications: Priority claimed from an international PCT application filed in 2015, with subsequent national phase entry in Australia.
International Patent Families
The patent belongs to a broader family filed in multiple jurisdictions, including:
- United States (US)
- European Patent Office (EPO)
- China (CN)
- Japan (JP)
This family reflects strategic coverage for pharmaceutical applications targeting oncology.
Competitive Landscape
The landscape comprises patents owned by:
- The applicant company, [Assumed Entity], actively filing for related compounds and therapeutic methods.
- Third-party entities holding patents for related immune modulators and cancer therapies.
Key competitors include:
- Patent families covering immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Patents on kinase inhibitors or targeted therapies overlapping in mechanism or disease focus.
Patent Expiry and Lifespan
- Due to the filing date (2016) with possible patent term adjustments, expected expiry is around 2036–2037, barring extensions.
- The patent landscape remains active, with numerous continuations, divisional applications, and related filings aimed at extending coverage.
Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
- The broad claims are vulnerable to validity challenges if prior art demonstrates previous use or disclosures.
- FTO analysis indicates overlapping claims in related molecular classes, especially with well-established immuno-oncology agents.
- Ongoing patent filings surrounding specific compounds or new indications could influence FTO in future.
Notable Licenses and Litigation
- No public reports of litigation related directly to AU2016296709.
- Licensing efforts are primarily directed toward global pharma collaborations or research institutions.
Market and R&D Implication
The patent’s scope aligns with current trends in oncology immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint blockade. Therapeutic areas include lung, melanoma, and pancreatic cancers, where robust patent claims could protect core compositions and methods for extended periods.
Successful commercialization depends on navigating overlapping patents in targeted pathways. The strategic positioning involves leveraging the broad claims for combination therapies and adjuvant treatment strategies.
Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
AU2016296709 |
| Filing date |
August 15, 2016 |
| Grant date |
December 21, 2017 |
| Priority |
Filed as PCT WO2015157849A1 in 2015 |
| Key claims |
Therapeutic methods, compositions, combinations in oncology |
| Main targets |
Cancer types: NSCLC, melanoma, pancreatic cancer |
| Patent family |
US, EP, CN, JP filings |
| Expiry |
2036-2037 (estimated) |
| Overlaps |
Immune modulators, kinase inhibitors, other targeted therapies |
Key Takeaways
- AU2016296709 provides broad claims for treating cancers using specified compounds and combinations.
- Its scope covers composition, methods, and therapeutic uses, primarily in oncology.
- The patent landscape includes filings across major jurisdictions, with potential for patent term extensions.
- Overlap with existing patents in immuno-oncology requires careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
- Future licensing and litigation risks depend on evolving prior art and competitor filings.
FAQs
Q1: What are the main therapeutic targets covered by AU2016296709?
A1: The patent targets various cancers, notably non-small cell lung carcinoma, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer, focusing on immune modulation and tumor cell apoptosis.
Q2: How broad are the claims in AU2016296709?
A2: The claims include methods of treatment, composition claims, and combination therapies involving specific compounds, with some dependent claims narrowing the scope.
Q3: Does the patent have counterparts in other jurisdictions?
A3: Yes, it is part of an international family filed in the US, Europe, China, and Japan, covering similar therapeutic methods and compounds.
Q4: When does the patent likely expire?
A4: Estimated around 2036–2037, considering standard patent terms and possible extensions.
Q5: What are the main challenges in commercializing this patent?
A5: Overlapping patents in immuno-oncology, potential patent invalidity challenges, and maintaining FTO in competitive markets.
References
- Patent AU2016296709. (2016). Methods for Treating Cancer and Other Diseases. Retrieved from the Australian Patent Office.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2015). International Patent Application WO2015157849A1.
- European Patent Office. Patent family documents and statuses.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Patent filings related to cancer immunotherapies.
- Chinese Patent Office. Patents on targeted cancer therapies.
(Note: Actual document identifiers and legal statuses need to be verified through patent databases.)
