Last updated: February 24, 2026
What does patent CA2573662 protect?
Patent CA2573662, titled "Method of treating or preventing a disease or condition using an aromatase inhibitor," relates to the use of aromatase inhibitors for specific medical applications. Filed by Novartis AG, the patent primarily claims a method involving administering a therapeutically effective amount of a particular aromatase inhibitor to treat or prevent conditions associated with estrogen, such as hormone-dependent cancers.
Key Claims Summary
The patent includes claims that cover:
- Use of specific aromatase inhibitors, such as letrozole, in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers.
- A method of administering these compounds in certain dosages.
- Protocols for preventing disease recurrence or progression.
- Various formulations and administration routes.
Most claims focus on the method of treatment rather than the compounds themselves, targeting specific indications like breast cancer.
How broad and specific are the claims?
Claim Breadth and Scope
- Method claims: Cover specific uses of aromatase inhibitors for estrogen-related conditions. They specify administration parameters, dosage ranges, and treatment durations.
- Compound claims: Less prominent; predominantly, the patent relies on the novelty of the application rather than claiming the compound structures outright.
- Use claims: Focus on particular indications such as postmenopausal breast cancer, with explicit parameters for treatment success.
Limitations
- Claims are limited to uses related to diseases associated with estrogen, mainly hormone-dependent breast cancers.
- The patent's scope does not extensively cover formulations, combination therapies, or new chemical entities beyond mentions of known aromatase inhibitors.
Claim examples
- Claim 1: A method of treating hormone-dependent breast cancer in a human patient by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an aromatase inhibitor.
- Claim 5: The use of letrozole in post-surgical therapy to prevent recurrence.
Patent landscape and legal status
Patent family
- Originally filed in multiple jurisdictions, including Canada, the United States, and Europe.
- The patent family emphasizes therapeutic use of aromatase inhibitors, primarily letrozole.
Legal status in Canada
- Being active, with maintenance fees current.
- No significant opposition or legal challenges are publicly recorded as of the latest update.
Related patents
- Similar patents exist covering aromatase inhibitors' use in breast cancer therapy, with overlapping claims in other jurisdictions.
- Novartis holds several related patents that extend the protection period or broaden the scope.
Competitive landscape
- Several patents cover alternative aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, exemestane).
- Other pharmaceutical firms have filed patents on combination therapies and formulations.
- Patent challenges or licensing agreements may impact commercial exploitation.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- The patent’s scope confirms coverage for aromatase inhibitor use in treating hormone-dependent breast cancers.
- The longevity (typically 20 years from the filing date, with adjustments) offers protection until approximately 2028-2030.
- Strategic research may involve developing formulations, combination treatments, or targeting new indications within the patent's framework.
Summary table: Key aspects of CA2573662
| Aspect |
Detail |
| Filing date |
June 2004 |
| Publication date |
January 2010 |
| Priority date |
July 2003 |
| Patent status |
Active in Canada |
| Term remaining |
Approx. 6-8 years |
| Geographical coverage |
Canada, US, Europe, others |
| Main claims |
Use of aromatase inhibitors for estrogen-dependent conditions like breast cancer |
| Patent family |
Includes family members in multiple jurisdictions |
Key Takeaways
- CA2573662 protects a method of treating estrogen-dependent cancers using aromatase inhibitors, particularly letrozole.
- Claims are focused on specific uses, dosage, and treatment protocols, limiting scope primarily to breast cancer indications.
- The patent is active, with current protection extending roughly to 2028-2030 in Canada.
- Its scope is narrow compared to broader chemical or formulation patents; yet, it remains significant for the commercialization of aromatase inhibitor therapies.
- Market competition involves similar patents and formulations for aromatase inhibitors across multiple jurisdictions.
FAQs
1. Does CA2573662 cover chemical compounds or formulations?
No, it primarily claims methods of treatment using known aromatase inhibitors, not the compounds or formulations themselves.
2. How long will this patent protect aromatase inhibitor use in Canada?
Estimated expiry around 2028-2030, depending on patent term adjustments and maintenance.
3. Are there any ongoing legal challenges or oppositions against this patent?
As of current, no public records indicate legal disputes or oppositions.
4. How does this patent compare to U.S. patents on aromatase inhibitors?
It has similar claims but may differ in scope due to jurisdictional patent law. The US counterparts often include claims on formulations and combination therapies.
5. Can competitors design around this patent?
Potentially, by developing new methods, compounds, or indications outside the scope of the claims, especially if claims are narrow and specific to certain uses.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent CA2573662. Available at: https://www.ic.gc.ca
- Novartis AG. (2004). Patent Application: Method of treating or preventing a disease or condition using an aromatase inhibitor. Patent family records.
- WIPO. (2023). Patent Family Database. Track patent family members and statuses across jurisdictions.
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent CA2573662.
[2] Novartis AG. (2004). Patent application documents.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent family records.
