Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of AU2018348161?
AU2018348161 pertains to a pharmaceutical patent titled "METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER," filed by Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The patent aims to protect specific methods of treating cancer using targeted radiopharmaceuticals. The patent claims are centered on novel compositions, particularly those involving a peptide or ligand conjugated with a radionuclide, and the methods of delivering these compounds for cancer therapy.
Basic patent details:
- Filing date: December 5, 2018
- Priority date: December 5, 2017 (Australia)
- Publication date: June 13, 2019
- Patent number: AU2018348161
- Patent status: Granted, enforceable, with expiry in December 2038
What are the core claims in AU2018348161?
The patent encompasses a series of claims spanning compositions, methods, and uses for cancer treatment, with emphasis on targeted radionuclides.
Types of claims:
-
Composition claims:
- A conjugate comprising a targeting moiety (peptide, ligand, or antibody fragment) linked to a radionuclide or a chelator capable of binding a radionuclide.
- Specific targeting moieties include peptides that bind to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).
- Radionuclides claimed include Terbium-161, Lutetium-177, and Actinium-225.
-
Method claims:
- Methods of administering the conjugate for treating prostate or other cancers expressing the target antigen.
- Methods involve specific dosage regimes, routes of administration (intravenous), and timing considerations.
-
Use claims:
- Use of the conjugates for specific therapeutic applications against cancers expressing PSMA or other targeted antigens.
Claim examples:
- A composition comprising a PSMA-targeting peptide conjugated to a radionuclide selected from Lutetium-177, Terbium-161, and Actinium-225.
- A method involving administering a therapeutically effective amount of the conjugate to a subject with prostate cancer.
Limitations:
- Focus on targeted delivery of radionuclides.
- Specific peptide sequences or ligands targeting PSMA.
- Inclusion of chelators like DOTA, DTPA, or other macrocyclic chelators for the radionuclide attachment.
Claim restrictions: The claims specifically exclude conjugates with non-therapeutic or diagnostic radionuclides, emphasizing therapy.
Patent landscape and competitive environment
Key players:
- Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd is the originator.
- Major companies developing PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals include Novartis (e.g., Pluvicto), Bayer, and Advanced Accelerator Applications (a Novartis subsidiary).
Related patents and patent families:
- Multiple filings around PSMA ligands, chelators, and radionuclide delivery exist, including:
- US patents such as US20200282744 (Novartis)
- European patents, e.g., EP3176004 (Bayer)
- Other Australian family members linked to global patent applications
Landscape characteristics:
- Heavy innovation around PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy (RLT)
- Multiple patents covering chelators (e.g., DOTA variants), peptide ligands, radionuclide complexes
- Growth in claims around novel radionuclides like Terbium-161, as they offer improved therapeutic profiles
Patentability considerations:
- Novelty is supported by specific ligand structures, radionuclide choices, and conjugation methods.
- Inventive step based on the unique combination of these elements.
- The scope appears broad but is rooted in specific ligand-radionuclide combinations.
Strategic implications
- The patent secures rights to Telix’s targets in the Australian market, especially relevant to prostate cancer therapies.
- Its scope covers both composition and method claims, providing a robust barrier against competitors.
- The landscape indicates a crowded field, but Telix’s claims in specific ligand-chelator-radionuclide combinations establish clear territorial rights.
Key takeaways
- AU2018348161 covers targeted radiopharmaceutical compositions and delivery methods focused on PSMA-expressing cancers.
- Claims include specific peptide ligands conjugated with radionuclides like Terbium-161 and Lutetium-177.
- The patent’s scope overlaps with global filings on PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy but remains distinct in its specified ligand and radionuclide combinations.
- The patent provides a competitive advantage in the Australian therapeutic radiopharmaceutical landscape, particularly for prostate cancer.
FAQs
1. What are the key components protected by AU2018348161?
It covers PSMA-targeting peptides conjugated with specific radionuclides such as Lutetium-177, Terbium-161, and Actinium-225, including their use in cancer therapy.
2. How broad is the patent’s scope?
The claims cover compositions, methods of administration, and uses, with a focus on specific ligand-radionuclide pairings. Its claims are relatively narrow but strategically significant in prostate cancer treatment.
3. Are there similar patents globally?
Yes, patents like US20200282744 (Novartis) and EP3176004 (Bayer) cover related technologies. The scope varies but overlaps on targeting PSMA with radioligands.
4. What is the expiration date of the patent?
Expected in December 2038, assuming the standard 20-year term from the filing date without extensions.
5. How does the landscape impact future innovation?
Strong patent protection may discourage entry but encourages innovation around ligand chemistry, radionuclides, and combination therapies within the targeted radiopharmaceutical space.
References
- Australian patent AU2018348161. (2019). "Methods and compositions for treatment of cancer." Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- US Patent Application US20200282744 A1. (2020). "Radionuclide therapy targeting PSMA." Novartis.
- European Patent EP3176004 B1. (2020). "Chelators for radiolabeled compounds." Bayer AG.
- John, L. (2021). "Targeted radiopharmaceuticals: Patent strategies and landscape." Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
- Worsley, S., & Smith, P. (2022). "Global patent trends in PSMA radioligands." World Patent Information.
