Last updated: February 21, 2026
Title: Pharmaceutical Composition for Treating Cancer
Applicant: Novogen Pty Ltd.
Grant Date: November 17, 2022
Priority Date: December 17, 2021
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Summary
The patent primarily claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific class of compounds, notably a 2-methyl-4-phenyl-3(2H)-quinazolinone derivatives, used for treating various cancers. The core claims can be categorized into:
- Compound claims: Covering the specific chemical structure, including salts and other derivatives.
- Use claims: Use of the compounds for treating cancer, including specific cancer types such as breast, lung, and prostate.
- Method claims: Methods of administering the composition to treat cancer in humans.
- Formulation claims: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds in combination with carriers or excipients.
Key Claim Elements
- Chemical structure: The claims specify compounds with the quinazolinone core, substituted to enhance anticancer activity.
- Therapeutic application: The intended use specifically targets cancers with particular molecular targets, e.g., kinases associated with tumor proliferation.
- Administration methods: Oral, injectable, or other suitable delivery methods are included.
- Combination therapies: Inclusion of claims covering combinations with other anticancer agents.
Claim Breadth and Limitations
- The core compound claims are narrow, focusing on specific substitution patterns on the quinazolinone ring.
- Use claims are broader, covering any cancer type where the compound shows efficacy.
- The patent does not claim the compound synthesis methods but emphasizes the therapeutic application and formulations.
Novelty and Inventive Step
- The chemical structure differs from prior art such as WO2019147496 (Cipla, 2019), which also discloses quinazolinone derivatives for cancer.
- The applicant demonstrated improved efficacy or selectivity through specific substitutions, supporting inventive step.
- Existence of prior art compounds in WO2019214730 (AstraZeneca) and WO2020201523 (Merck), necessitating narrowly defined claims.
Patent Landscape Context
Major Related Patents and Applications
| Patent/Application |
Filing Date |
Priority Date |
Country |
Focus |
Status |
Key Claims |
| AU2021351921 |
Dec 17, 2021 |
Dec 17, 2021 |
Australia |
Quinazolinone derivatives for cancer |
Granted Nov 2022 |
Specific compounds, use in cancer treatment |
| WO2019147496 |
Aug 29, 2018 |
Aug 29, 2018 |
PCT |
Kinase inhibitors, including quinazolinone derivatives |
Published |
Broad class of kinase inhibitors, including the same core structures |
| WO2020201523 |
Jun 9, 2020 |
Jun 9, 2020 |
PCT |
Targeted cancer therapies using quinazolinone derivatives |
Published |
Similar structures with different substitution patterns |
| AU2016200965 |
Mar 17, 2016 |
Mar 17, 2016 |
Australia |
Anticancer agents, methods of synthesis |
Granted |
Synthesis methods, broad structural classes |
Patent Filiation and Overlap
- The Australian patent AU2021351921 sits within a cluster of patents directed towards quinazolinone-based kinase inhibitors.
- The scope overlaps with PCT applications, particularly WO2019147496, which discloses a broader class of compounds, some overlapping structural features.
- The narrow claims focused on particular substitution patterns provide a strategic position to avoid prior art while securing exclusive rights.
Patent Office and Litigation standpoint
- The patent examiner likely scrutinized novelty over WO2019147496 and related applications.
- Given the specificity, the patent held strong in broad claims but may face challenges if prior art discloses similar substitution patterns.
Strategic Implications
- The patent's narrow structural claims limit coverage, potentially allowing competitors to develop similar compounds with different substitutions.
- Use claims enhance commercial scope but depend on demonstrable efficacy.
- Formulation and method claims expand protection but may be challenged if prior art discloses similar methods.
Summary
The Australian patent AU2021351921 protects specific quinazolinone derivatives for cancer treatment. Its core claims focus on a narrow chemical scope, with broad use claims for cancer indications. The patent fits within a landscape of kinase-inhibiting quinazolinone compounds, with particular structural features narrowing the scope for novelty and inventive step. Its commercial value depends on the compound's efficacy and the ability to defend its claims amid existing prior art.
Key Takeaways
- AU2021351921 covers specific quinazolinone derivatives with claims tailored to certain substitution patterns for cancer therapy.
- It exists in a competitive landscape with broad kinase inhibitor patents, notably WO2019147496.
- The patent's narrow chemical scope could limit infringement risk but also reduces exclusivity breadth.
- Use and formulation claims expand potential commercial rights.
- Patent validity hinges on the distinctions over prior art, especially structurally similar kinase inhibitors.
FAQs
Q1: What types of cancer does AU2021351921 aim to treat?
A1: It specifically targets multiple cancers, including breast, lung, and prostate, based on its claims to compounds effective against cancer cell proliferation.
Q2: How does the patent distinguish itself from prior art?
A2: It claims particular substitution patterns on the quinazolinone core, supported by data indicating improved efficacy or selectivity over broader compounds disclosed earlier.
Q3: Can competitors bypass this patent?
A3: Yes. They can develop compounds with different substitution patterns or alternative chemical classes that are outside its claims.
Q4: What is the scope of the use claims?
A4: The use claims cover any cancer where the compound demonstrates therapeutic benefit, broadening the patent's commercial reach.
Q5: How does the patent landscape influence potential licensing?
A5: Surrounding patents on quinazolinone derivatives and kinases could pose infringement risks. Licensing opportunities depend on claims' breadth and how closely competitors' compounds align with the patent.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2021351921. (2022). Pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2019). WO2019147496. Kinase inhibitors.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2020). WO2020201523. Cancer therapies with quinazolinone derivatives.
[4] Australian Patent AU2016200965. (2016). Anticancer agents and synthesis methods.
Note: All patent data sourced from IP Australia, WIPO patent databases, and publicly available documents.
