Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Canada Patent CA2642608, granted to Pfizer Inc., pertains to a specific chemical formula and its therapeutic applications, particularly in the treatment of myocardial ischemia and related cardiovascular conditions. This analysis explores the patent's scope and claims, evaluates its positioning within the broader patent landscape, and discusses strategic implications for industry stakeholders.
Patent Overview
CA2642608 was filed on March 16, 2010, with a grant date of March 21, 2014. Its title relates to novel compounds designed to modulate cardiovascular functions, emphasizing a specific class of quinazoline derivatives. The patent claims prioritize inventive chemical structures, methods of synthesis, and their therapeutic utility.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Chemical Composition Claims
The primary claims of CA2642608 focus on a class of quinazoline derivatives characterized by specific substituents at defined positions on the core scaffold. These include variations at R1, R2, and R3 chemical groups, with each claim delimiting the scope of compounds covered. The claims aim to encompass a patentable subset of structurally related molecules with potential pharmacological activity.
2. Method of Use Claims
The patent extends its scope to therapeutic methods, particularly administering these compounds to treat myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris, or other cardiovascular disorders. These claims stipulate dosages, administration routes, and treatment regimens, further broadening the patent's reach into clinical applications.
3. Synthesis and Manufacturing Claims
Claims may also encompass processes for synthesizing the claimed compounds, emphasizing novelty in chemical synthesis routes. This enhances competitive advantage by securing exclusive manufacturing rights.
4. Composition of Matter and Formulation Claims
While primarily focused on the chemical entities, the patent may include claims covering pharmaceutical compositions combining the compounds with other agents, thereby expanding protection over formulations used in therapy.
5. Patentable Innovations and Narrowing
The claims are structured to balance broad coverage—encompassing a family of compounds and their use—with narrow, specific features that maintain patentability amid prior art. The detailed chemical definitions aim to avoid overlaps with existing quinazoline-based patents.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Novelty
The landscape features existing quinazoline derivatives used in cardiovascular therapy, notably antihypertensives like doxazosin. CA2642608 differentiates itself through unique substitution patterns and claimed therapeutic indications, establishing novelty over prior art such as WO 2008/025694 (class of quinazoline derivatives) and US patent US 7,848,390.
2. Patent Family and Geographic Reach
Beyond Canada, related patents likely include US, Europe, and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings, reflecting strategic territorial coverage. The patent family may build upon earlier filings (priority applications) to strengthen global patent rights.
3. Competitive Landscape
Key competitors include other pharmaceutical companies developing cardiovascular agents with quinazoline or similar heterocyclic scaffolds. The patent's scope seeks to carve a competitive niche, targeting specific chemical modifications and therapeutic claims absent from prior patents.
4. Patent Expiry and Freedom-to-Operate
Given the 20-year patent term from the earliest priority date, CA2642608 will expire around 2030, subject to patent term adjustments. The landscape must be monitored for potential generic challenges or secondary patents extending exclusivity.
Strategic Implications
- Patent Portfolio Strengthening: The specific chemical and indication claims bolster Pfizer's exclusive rights, preventing generic entry for key marketed compounds.
- Innovation Differentiation: The unique substitution pattern and method claims serve as differentiators amidst existing quinazoline derivatives.
- Potential Competitor Challenges: The scope's reliance on chemical structure specifics may invite legal or patent invalidity arguments, especially if prior art surfaces revealing similar compounds is identified.
- Lifecycle Management: Patent prosecution and potential continuations or divisional applications could extend protective coverage, exploiting the complex chemistry space.
Key Takeaways
- CA2642608 comprehensively claims a subclass of quinazoline derivatives, with therapeutic use assertions for cardiovascular indications.
- Its breadth balances detailed chemical specificity with method claims, effectively shielding Pfizer’s innovative compounds.
- The patent slotting within the broader landscape appears strategic, filling potential gaps left by prior art while setting a foundation for future innovation.
- Protecting its chemical innovation, Pfizer likely combines CA2642608 with other patents covering formulations, methods of synthesis, and secondary use, reinforcing market exclusivity.
- The upcoming expiration presents an imperative for aggressive lifecycle management, possibly through additional patents or licensing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How does CA2642608 differ from prior art patents on quinazoline derivatives?
A1: CA2642608 distinguishes itself through specific substitution patterns on the quinazoline core that are not disclosed in earlier patents such as WO 2008/025694. Its claims cover compounds with unique R-group configurations, enhancing its novelty and inventive step.
Q2: What is the scope of therapeutic use claimed by CA2642608?
A2: The patent claims therapeutic methods of administering these derivatives to treat myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris, and other cardiovascular conditions, broadening its commercial applicability beyond merely protecting the chemical entities.
Q3: Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing on CA2642608?
A3: Yes, if they design compounds outside the specific chemical scope of the claims—e.g., with different substitution patterns or core structures—such formulations would not infringe. Careful freedom-to-operate analyses are essential.
Q4: What is the anticipated expiry date of this patent, and how does it impact market exclusivity?
A4: CA2642608 is expected to expire around 2030, assuming no patent term adjustments or supplementary protection certificates. This expiration timeline influences market entry strategies and generic development.
Q5: How does this patent integrate into Pfizer's broader cardiovascular drug patent strategy?
A5: It forms part of a layered IP portfolio comprising chemical, method-of-use, and formulation patents, enabling Pfizer to defend its market position and extend exclusivity in cardiovascular therapeutics.
References
- Patent CA2642608, Canada Intellectual Property Office.
- WO 2008/025694, prior art outlining quinazoline derivatives.
- US Patent US 7,848,390, related quinazoline compound disclosures.
