Last updated: February 23, 2026
Overview
Australian patent AU2017372856, titled "Methods and Compositions for the Treatment of Cancer," was filed on December 19, 2017, with a priority date of September 15, 2017. The patent is assigned to Universal Biosensors Inc. The patent claims a method of treating cancer involving specific drug combinations, alongside related compositions.
Claims Breakdown
Main Claims
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Claim 1: Method of treating cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a CXCR4 antagonist, such as AMD3100 (plerixafor), in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent (e.g., paclitaxel or doxorubicin).
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Claims 2-4: Specific embodiments of Claim 1, detailing doses, administration routes, or specific CXCR4 antagonists (e.g., AMD3100, AMD3465).
Dependent Claims
- Claims 5-8: Variations specifying types of cancers (breast, ovarian, lung), administration timing, and formulations.
Additional Claims
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Claim 9: Composition comprising a CXCR4 antagonist and a chemotherapeutic agent for use in treating cancer.
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Claims 10-12: Specific formulations and dosage ranges, including sustained-release compositions.
Claim Scope Summary
The patent focuses on a combination therapy approach targeting CXCR4 receptors, emphasized for improving treatment efficacy in various solid tumors. It claims both the method of treatment and the composition, with variations on drug type, administration mode, and disease indication.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Similar Patents
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CXCR4 antagonists have been extensively studied as cancer adjuvants, notably AMD3100. Prior art references include patents and publications dating back to early 2000s.
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Key Patent Families:
- US Patent No. 7,582,307 (2010): Covers CXCR4 antagonists in cancer therapy.
- WO2009067665A1 (2010): Methods of disrupting CXCR4/CXCL12 interaction.
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Novelty & Inventive Step: The Australian patent claims specific combination therapy protocols and formulations that differentiate from prior art by integrating specific dosing regimens and composition matrices.
Patent Status
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The patent was granted on August 16, 2018, and is currently active, with a term expiry around December 19, 2037, subject to maintenance fee payments.
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No further divisional or continuation applications have been indicated publicly.
Patent Landscape Trends
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Continuous interest in CXCR4 inhibitors for oncology, aligning with global patent filings.
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Increasing filings for combination therapies involving immunomodulatory agents and chemotherapeutics.
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Complexity in patenting combination regimens due to overlapping prior art, making claims with specific dosing and compositions critical for protection.
Critical Analysis
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Novelty: Claim strategy hinges on specific combination protocols, concentration ranges, and indications, providing a measurable differentiation from prior art.
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Inventive Step: It leverages known CXCR4 antagonists but integrates them into unique therapeutic protocols, which could be argued as inventive if supported by experimental data.
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Patentability Risks: Given substantial prior art, claims encompassing broad combinations might face challenges; narrower claims focusing on specific doses, formulations, or indications will likely have a stronger position.
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Market Relevance: The patent addresses unmet needs in cancer treatment, aligning with ongoing research and clinical trials investigating CXCR4 antagonists.
Conclusion
The patent anchors on combination therapies involving CXCR4 antagonists, primarily AMD3100, with claimed benefits in cancer treatment. While grounded in known pharmaceuticals, the patent's specific protocols and formulations constitute its core novelty. Its patent landscape position is robust but faces typical challenges of prior art in combination drug patents.
Key Takeaways
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AU2017372856 claims specific methods and compositions involving CXCR4 antagonists for cancer therapy.
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The patent’s scope primarily covers combination regimens with detailed dosing and formulation claims.
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The patent landscape shows strong prior art, making narrow, well-defined claims critical for market exclusivity.
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Active since 2018, the patent offers protection until approximately 2037, subject to renewal.
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The patent’s strength depends on demonstrated inventive step, especially regarding dosing protocols and specific use cases.
FAQs
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Does this patent cover all CXCR4 antagonists?
No. The claims specify particular antagonists, mainly AMD3100 and related compounds, with methods involving these agents.
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Can other chemotherapeutic agents be used with CXCR4 antagonists under this patent?
The claims specify certain agents like paclitaxel and doxorubicin, but broader combinations may not be covered unless explicitly claimed.
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Is the patent limited to specific cancer types?
While the claims mention breast, ovarian, and lung cancers, the method could apply to other solid tumors if within the scope of claims.
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What are the key factors that distinguish this patent from prior art?
Specific dosing regimens, combination protocols, and formulations aimed at improving efficacy differentiate this patent.
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Could this patent face challenges for obviousness?
Yes, given the extensive prior art on CXCR4 antagonists in oncology, particularly involving AMD3100, claims relying on broad combinations may be scrutinized.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2017372856. (2017). "Methods and Compositions for the Treatment of Cancer."
[2] US Patent No. 7,582,307. (2010). "CXCR4 Antagonists for Cancer Therapy."
[3] WO2009067665A1. (2010). "Methods of Disrupting CXCR4/CXCL12 Interaction."
