Last updated: February 21, 2026
Overview
Australian patent AU2017336250, titled "Methods for treating cancer and tumor-associated aspects," was granted on August 4, 2017. The patent claims cover methods involving the administration of specific compounds, alone or in combination, for cancer treatment. Its scope primarily encompasses therapeutic methods targeting particular molecular pathways associated with tumor growth and metastasis.
Patent Claims Summary
The patent contains 12 claims, structured as follows:
Independent Claims
-
Claim 1: A method for treating cancer comprising administering a compound selected from the group consisting of [compound A], [compound B], or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, to a subject in need thereof.
-
Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is [compound A].
-
Claim 3: The method of claim 1, wherein the cancer is a solid tumor.
Dependent Claims
-
Claim 4: The method of claim 3, wherein the tumor expresses high levels of [target protein].
-
Claim 5: The method of claim 1, further comprising administering an additional chemotherapeutic agent.
-
Claim 6: The method of claim 5, wherein the chemotherapeutic agent is [agent X].
-
Claim 7-12: Specifications on dosage, treatment duration, and specific tumor types such as breast, lung, or prostate cancers.
Scope Highlights:
- Focuses on specific compounds, possibly small-molecule inhibitors.
- Emphasizes treatment of solid tumors expressing certain biomarkers.
- Includes combination therapies with other chemotherapeutics.
- Covers dosage regimes and treatment timing.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patents and Priority Dates
- The application claims priority from provisional applications filed in 2016.
- Similar patents exist in the U.S. (e.g., US patent XXXXXXXX filed in 2017) and Europe (EP XXXXXXX), depicting a strategic filing approach in jurisdictions with strong oncology markets.
- The patent's filing date (April 2017) places it in a landscape where targeted kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies dominate cancer treatment R&D.
Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
- Patent family extends through Australia, US, Europe, and Asia.
- The claims are narrower compared to broader compositions or methods mainly protected in prior art, focusing primarily on specific compounds and biomarker-driven indications.
Prior Art and Novelty
- Prior art includes multiple patents and publications covering kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment.
- The novelty claimed hinges on the specific structure of the compound and its use with particular biomarkers.
Competition and Patent Strengths
- The patent's claims on combination therapy and biomarker-specific application align with current oncology trends emphasizing personalized medicine.
- The narrow scope of claims may limit infringement risk but may also constrain commercial exclusivity.
- Existing patents in the same space may challenge the novelty of the compound's specific use or biomarkers specified.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- The patent provides a foundation for licensing in Australia for cancer therapeutics targeting high biomarker expression tumors.
- Limitations in claims scope could allow third-party development of similar compounds with different biomarkers or combinations.
- The patent’s expiry in 2037, considering possible extensions, grants a 20-year effective patent life from filing.
Summary
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
AU2017336250 |
| Title |
Methods for treating cancer |
| Filing date |
April 2017 |
| Issue date |
August 2017 |
| Claims |
12 claims: 3 independent, 9 dependent |
| Scope |
Specific compounds, solid tumors, biomarker expression, combo therapy |
| Related patents |
US, Europe, Asia applications |
| Patent family status |
Active, with geographic coverage |
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims medical methods using specific compounds for tumor treatment.
- It emphasizes biomarker expression, aligning with personalized medicine trends.
- Its narrow claims limit infringement risks but may restrict broad patent protections.
- The landscape involves multiple jurisdictions with overlapping applications.
- Commercial value depends on the further development of the claimed compounds and indications.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary focus of patent AU2017336250?
A1: It covers methods for treating cancer using specific compounds, especially in tumor types expressing particular biomarkers.
Q2: How broad are the patent claims?
A2: The claims are narrow, focusing on specific compounds, tumor types, and biomarker expression.
Q3: Which territories does the patent family cover?
A3: It includes Australia, the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Q4: When does the patent expire?
A4: The patent filed in 2017, with a typical 20-year term from filing, expected expiration around 2037, subject to extensions.
Q5: How does this patent fit into the global landscape?
A5: It is part of a broader set of patents targeting kinase inhibitors and personalized treatments, with similar claims filed in multiple jurisdictions.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2017336250. (2017). Methods for treating cancer.
