Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is covered by patent AU2016340153?
Patent AU2016340153, titled “Use of an IL-17A antagonist in combination with an immunosuppressant or corticosteroid for treating autoimmune or inflammatory diseases,” was filed by Novartis AG on December 9, 2016, and published on June 22, 2017. It covers a specific therapeutic approach involving the combination of IL-17A inhibitors with immunosuppressants or corticosteroids.
What are the key claims of AU2016340153?
Primary claims
The patent primarily claims:
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The use of an IL-17A antagonist in combination with at least one immunosuppressant or corticosteroid for the treatment of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
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Specific compositions or methods involving IL-17A antagonists (such as secukinumab) combined with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants like methotrexate.
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Formulations where the combination achieves synergistic or additive therapeutic effects.
Critical claim features
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The treatment targets autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory disorders.
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The combined use involves specific dosing regimens, with the patent detailing particular administration schedules.
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The patent encompasses both the method of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the agents.
Limitations and scope
The claims are specific to combinations of IL-17A antagonists with immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, not broad IL-17A inhibition alone or combinations with other drug classes. The scope emphasizes the synergy for autoimmune inflammatory diseases, with precise description of dosing and formulation.
How broad is the scope of AU2016340153?
The patent’s claims are moderately narrow, focusing on:
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Specific drug combinations involving IL-17A antagonists (notably secukinumab and similar monoclonal antibodies).
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Specific autoimmune diseases.
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Particular treatment regimens and formulations.
It does not cover:
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Use of IL-17A antagonists with drugs outside immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, e.g., biologics targeting other cytokines.
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Non-therapeutic applications of IL-17A antagonists.
This limited scope constrains potential competitors from using similar combinations but leaves room for alternative combination therapies involving different drug classes.
Patent landscape overview: Similar and related patents in Australia and globally
Related patents in Australia
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AU2017329028: Assigned to Novartis, claiming uses of secukinumab for inflammatory diseases.
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AU2015236700: Covers IL-17 inhibitors for various diseases, including combination therapies.
Global landscape
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US8835124B2 (2014): Covers methods of treating inflammatory diseases involving IL-17A antagonists.
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EP2841899A1 (2014): Similar claims on IL-17 inhibitors for autoimmune diseases.
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WO2016191120A1 (2016): Addresses combination therapies with biologics including IL-17A antagonists.
Trends and competitive positioning
The landscape shows multiple filings claiming IL-17A antagonists either alone or in combination for autoimmune diseases. The spectrum ranges from broad formulations to specific combinations with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids.
Patent expiration considerations
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AU2016340153 is filed in December 2016, likely providing protection until 2036, considering Australian patent term extensions.
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Similar patents worldwide typically expire between 2030 and 2036, depending on filing and grant dates.
Strategic implications for patent holders and competitors
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The patent’s narrow claims limit protection mainly to combinatorial uses involving specific IL-17A antagonists with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
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Competitors can explore alternative drugs or combinations outside the claimed scope.
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Novartis maintains a strong position in the IL-17A inhibitor space, especially with secukinumab dominant in indications.
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The patent supports a niche application, potentially complementing broader filings covering IL-17A inhibitors.
Key Takeaways
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AU2016340153 protects a combination therapy specific to IL-17A antagonists with immunosuppressants or corticosteroids for autoimmune diseases, with defined dosing and formulations.
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The claims are moderate in breadth, focusing on particular combinations and indications.
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The patent landscape includes multiple global filings with similar themes, indicating active R&D and strategic patent positioning within IL-17A related therapies.
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Competitors can target alternative biological pathways or drug classes to avoid infringement due to the narrow scope.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through opposition based on lack of novelty, inventive step, or sufficiency of disclosure, particularly if prior art demonstrates similar combinations before 2016.
2. How does this patent impact future drug development?
It creates a barrier for developing similar combination therapies using IL-17A antagonists with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants in Australia, at least until expiration or invalidation.
3. Are other jurisdictions protected by similar claims?
Yes, similar patents exist in the US (e.g., US8835124B2), Europe (EP2841899A1), and WO patent families, providing international coverage.
4. What are the main risks for generic entries?
Limited scope to specific combinations reduces risk, but generic companies can develop alternate combinations or formulations not covered by these claims.
5. What therapeutic areas are specifically targeted?
Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, notably rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
References
- Australian patent AU2016340153. (2017).
- US8835124B2. (2014). "Methods of treating inflammatory diseases with IL-17 inhibitors."
- EP2841899A1. (2014). "IL-17 inhibitors for autoimmune diseases."
- WO2016191120A1. (2016). "Combination therapies with biologics, including IL-17A antagonists."
