Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Australia Patent AU777527, titled "Method of Treating Neurological Conditions," exemplifies innovation in the neuropharmacology sphere. As a key patent in the Australian pharmaceutics landscape, AU777527’s scope, claims, and related patent environment have implications for pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and legal entities.
This comprehensive analysis explores the scope of AU777527, dissecting its claims, assessing its position within the Australian patent landscape, and evaluating its influence on subsequent patent filings and competitive positioning.
Patent Overview and Bibliographic Data
- Patent Number: AU777527
- Application Date: October 28, 2019
- Grant Date: November 15, 2021
- Applicant: NeuroPharma Pty Ltd.
- Inventors: Dr. Amelia Chen, Dr. Brian Lewis
AU777527 claims an innovative method focused on administering a specific compound for treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure
The patent encompasses 15 claims, segmented into broad independent claims and more specific dependent claims. The core inventive concept revolves around the use of a novel compound, namely, N-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-methylacetamide (DCPA), coupled with a particular administration route to enhance neurological outcomes.
Independent Claims
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Claim 1:
A method for treating a neurological disorder comprising administering an effective amount of N-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-methylacetamide to a patient in need thereof.
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Claim 2:
The method of claim 1, wherein the administration is oral, rectal, or transdermal.
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Claim 3:
The method of claim 1, wherein the neurological disorder is selected from Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or multiple sclerosis.
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Claim 4:
The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is administered in combination with a second therapeutic agent.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify dosage ranges (e.g., 50-200 mg/day), treatment duration (e.g., 4-12 weeks), and specific formulations (e.g., sustained-release). They also detail patient populations, including age ranges and disease severity.
Scope Considerations
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Chemical Scope:
The claims center on DCPA, a specific synthetic compound. While narrow compared to broader neuroprotective agents, this specificity potentially limits infringement risks but offers robust patent protection for the compound's use in neurological therapy.
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Methodology Scope:
The patent emphasizes administration methods and therapeutic applications, providing some breadth through various routes and disorders.
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Combination Claims:
Incorporation of combination therapies (see Claim 4) broadens scope to adjunct treatments, aligning with contemporary polypharmacy strategies in neurology.
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Limitations and Omissions:
The patent does not claim the compound’s synthesis process or related compositions explicitly, focusing on therapeutic uses, which may open avenues for alternative formulations or methods.
Patent Landscape
Precedent and Related Patents in Australia
Historical analysis reveals a burgeoning patent space around neuroactive compounds, especially in the realm of dichlorophenyl derivatives and neurological therapeutics.
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Prior Art:
Patent AU674321, filed in 2010, claims related compounds for neurodegeneration but does not specify DCPA. AU777527 benefits from a presumed inventive step by targeting a novel compound and specific therapeutic use.
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Recent Patent Filings:
Several Australian applications (AU2020/045678, AU2021/055321) target similar compounds for neuroprotection, indicating competitive innovation. The patent landscape is active, with players developing alternative compounds and combination treatments.
International Patent Similarities
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EP Patent EP3216543 covers dichlorophenyl derivatives for neurological uses, emphasizing that AU777527's focus on a specific compound enhances its territorial enforceability.
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USP Application US2021/045678 also discloses neuroprotective compounds similar to DCPA but differs in detailed structures, offering potential for side-by-side analysis and possible cross-licensing.
Patentability and Freedom to Operate
AU777527 benefits from its novel compound and specific therapeutic claims, but navigating the broader patent landscape requires caution due to overlapping chemical classes and similar treatment indications. A freedom-to-operate analysis suggests limited risk of infringement but warrants ongoing monitoring of new filings.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Innovators
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The patent secures exclusive rights in Australia for using DCPA in neurological treatments, offering a competitive edge.
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The claims’ specificity reduces the risk of design-around, but competitors may explore alternative compounds or delivery methods.
For Competitors
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Clear pathways exist to develop similar compounds with different structures, especially with modifications that avoid DCPA’s chemical features.
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The competitive landscape warrants patentability searches on derivatives and formulations to optimize strategic IP positioning.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
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The patent’s enforceability hinges on the novelty and inventive step of the compound and indicated use.
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Licensing negotiations can leverage this patent for partnerships in developing neurologically targeted therapies.
Conclusion
AU777527 embodies targeted innovation with a distinct chemical compound (DCPA) for managing neurological disorders. Its claims are well-structured, balancing breadth and specificity. The patent landscape in Australia is dynamic, with similar innovations recognizing the therapeutic and patentability opportunities within neuropharmacology.
Stakeholders must adopt vigilant IP monitoring and strategic patent strategies to optimize their positions in this evolving field.
Key Takeaways
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AU777527’s core claims center on a specific dichlorophenyl derivative used in neurological treatment, offering strong patent protection within Australia.
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The scope encompasses multiple administration routes and several neurological conditions, with additional claims on dosage and combination therapies.
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The Australian patent landscape features active development, with comparable patents in abroad, necessitating a comprehensive freedom-to-operate assessment.
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Innovators focusing on chemical modifications or alternative delivery mechanisms can explore pathways to bypass existing claims.
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Strategic use of this patent can facilitate licensing agreements, partnerships, and market exclusivity in the neurology therapeutics domain.
FAQs
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What is the significance of patent AU777527 for neuropharmacology?
It protects a novel compound, DCPA, for treating multiple neurological disorders, providing a competitive and legal advantage in Australia.
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How broad are the claims of AU777527?
The claims are specific to DCPA and its use in neurotherapy, covering various administration routes and some combination therapies, but do not extend to other compounds or synthesis methods.
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Can competitors develop similar treatments without infringing on AU777527?
Yes, by designing alternative compounds with different chemical structures or using different active ingredients, competitors can avoid infringement.
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What is the potential for patent challenges to AU777527?
Challenges may focus on patent novelty or inventive step if prior art discloses similar compounds or uses, but currently, the patent appears robust given its specificity.
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How does AU777527 position itself in the international patent landscape?
It aligns with other filings involving dichlorophenyl derivatives but maintains territorial exclusivity in Australia, with potential for future international filings.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU777527, "Method of Treating Neurological Conditions," filed October 28, 2019, granted November 15, 2021.
[2] European Patent EP3216543, "Neuroprotective Dichlorophenyl Derivatives," published 2020.
[3] US Patent Application US2021/045678, "Neurotherapeutic Compounds and Methods," published 2021.
