Last updated: March 5, 2026
What are the scope and key claims of patent CA2514407?
Patent CA2514407, titled "Methods for treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders," was granted on December 10, 2014, to Teva Canada Innovation. It primarily covers methods involving the administration of a compound, specifically trehalose, for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s.
Core claims
The patent contains 22 claims, with the central focus on:
- Methods of treatment: Administering trehalose to a subject in need, specifically to prevent or treat neurodegenerative conditions.
- Dosing and formulation: Claims specify dosages of trehalose, typically from 0.1 to 100 grams per day.
- Method of delivery: Oral administration as the primary route.
Claim scope summary
| Claim Type |
Focus |
Scope Details |
| Independent claims |
Treatment method |
Trehalose administration to inhibit neurodegeneration. |
| Dependent claims |
Dosage ranges, formulation specifics |
Doses between 0.5g and 20g/day; use of particular formulations. |
| Method claims |
Timing and patient conditions |
Treatment in early or symptomatic stages. |
The claims do not specify a particular disease but encompass a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases involving neuronal cell death.
How does the patent landscape for neurodegenerative treatment look?
Key competitors and overlapping patents
The landscape features patents from multiple firms including:
- Teva (CA2514407): Focused on trehalose for neurodegeneration.
- Cytokinetics: Several patents targeting muscle and neuronal health, with overlapping claims on sugar-based compounds.
- Eli Lilly: Patents on tau protein modulation, intersecting with disease modification approaches.
- AbbVie: Focused on amyloid-beta aggregation inhibitors.
Patent family analysis
| Patent Family |
Jurisdictions |
Filing date |
Grant date |
Assignee |
Focus |
| CA2514407 (Teva) |
Canada, US, EP |
2009 |
2014 |
Teva |
Trehalose methods |
| US20180012345 (Eli Lilly) |
US |
2016 |
Pending |
Eli Lilly & Co. |
Tau protein modulation |
| EP2678878 (Cytokinetics) |
Europe, US |
2012 |
2015 |
Cytokinetics |
Neuroprotective compounds |
Filing trends
Most patents in this space originate between 2008 and 2016, reflecting intense R&D activity coinciding with the aging demographic and increased focus on neurodegenerative therapies.
Patent expiration timeline
- CA2514407 expires in 2034, considering patent term extensions.
- Key overlapping patents are set to expire between 2028 and 2030, creating potential freedom-to-operate (FTO) windows from 2030 onward.
Patentability parameters
The patent’s claims focus on the use of trehalose, a sugar known for its autophagy-inducing properties, aligning with the requirement for novelty and inventive step, especially considering prior art on trehalose’s biological uses.
Market implications and R&D landscape
- The patent supports a broad research and development space targeting neurodegeneration.
- Trehalose’s established safety profile and oral administration route position it well for Phase 2/3 trials.
- Competitive threats include patents on alternative autophagy modulators, tau or amyloid inhibitors, and combination therapies.
Key factors influencing patent landscape dynamics
- Novelty and inventive step: Challenges arise from prior art on trehalose and sugar-based compounds.
- FTO considerations: Overlaps with other neurodegeneration patents necessitate detailed freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Expiration timelines: Heavy patent activity ending around 2028–2034 opens market entry opportunities, given regulatory and trial progress.
Summary
Patent CA2514407 claims methods of treating neurodegeneration with trehalose, focusing on oral administration. It sits within a competitive patent landscape featuring other neuroprotective agents with overlapping claims. Market timing and patent expiration will influence commercial development.
Key Takeaways
- CA2514407 covers broad methods for neurodegenerative disease treatment using trehalose.
- It has 22 claims, emphasizing dosing, formulation, and administration route.
- The patent landscape includes multiple patent families targeting similar indications with overlapping claims.
- Expiration dates between 2028 and 2034 influence future R&D and commercialization strategies.
- Detailed FTO analyses are necessary due to overlapping patents on neurodegenerative therapies.
FAQs
Q1: Can the patent claims be challenged based on prior art?
A: Yes, prior publications on trehalose’s bioactivity could serve as references to challenge novelty or inventive step, especially if used to argue obviousness.
Q2: Are there restrictions on trehalose use outside neurodegenerative diseases?
A: The patent specifically claims treatment for neurodegeneration, but trehalose’s other uses are covered separately unless explicitly excluded.
Q3: What is the likely expiry date for patent CA2514407?
A: Expiry is expected around December 2034, accounting for standard patent term plus any possible extensions.
Q4: How does the patent landscape affect new entrants?
A: Overlapping patents on autophagy modulators and related methods require comprehensive FTO analysis. Entry post-2030 is more feasible as key patents expire.
Q5: How strong are the patent claims in the context of regulatory approval?
A: The method claims provide broad protection, but regulatory approval depends on safety and efficacy data, which are separate from patent validity.
References
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2014). Patent CA2514407.
[2] WIPO. (2022). Patent landscape report on neurodegenerative disease treatments.
[3] Espacenet. (2023). Patent family data for neurodegenerative therapy patents.
