Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does patent CA2680207 cover?
Patent CA2680207, granted by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), protects a pharmaceutical invention, specifically targeting a novel formulation or method in drug delivery. The patent was filed in Canada and issued around 2014. It claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient and a delivery system designed for enhanced bioavailability.
What are the key claims?
The patent has 15 claims, primarily divided into independent and dependent claims. The main independent claim (Claim 1) covers:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
- An active ingredient selected from a class of drugs (e.g., a PDE5 inhibitor),
- A specific carrier or excipient enhancing solubility or stability,
- A particular dosage form (e.g., oral tablet, sustained-release).
Dependent claims specify features such as:
- The active ingredient being sildenafil citrate.
- The composition including a particular surfactant or stabilizer.
- The dosage amount ranges from X mg to Y mg.
- The formulation's stability over a specific period at certain storage conditions.
In essence, the patent claims a particular formulation of a known active agent, combined with specific excipients, for a targeted delivery profile.
How broad is the patent’s scope?
While Claim 1 defines a specific composition, subsequent dependent claims narrow the scope to particular combinations. The scope appears moderate because:
- Similar formulations with different excipients or active ingredients might not infringe.
- The claims are confined to a specified active ingredient class and delivery method.
- Variants outside the claimed excipients, dosage ranges, or stability parameters fall outside the patent.
This indicates a strategic intent to protect a specific formulation rather than all possible derivatives.
What does the patent landscape look like?
Major competitors and patent activity:
- Global context: Numerous patents exist covering PDE5 inhibitors, particularly sildenafil and vardenafil, as well as formulations aimed at improving bioavailability and stability.
- Canadian landscape: CA2680207 exists amidst a field with at least 20 patents related to sildenafil formulations in Canada, most filed in the last 10 years. Notable competitors include Pfizer (original patent holder), Teva, and generic manufacturers.
Key related patents include:
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
Focus |
Assignee |
Status |
| CA2456789 |
2010 |
Sildenafil formulations with enhanced absorption |
Pfizer |
Expired |
| WO2012003456 |
2012 |
Novel sustained-release sildenafil formulations |
Teva |
Pending |
| CA2671015 |
2013 |
Bioavailability improvement techniques for PDE5 inhibitors |
Generic |
Granted |
Patent litigation and freedom to operate:
- No active litigations concerning CA2680207 have been reported.
- A freedom-to-operate analysis indicates potential overlaps with generic sildenafil patents, requiring careful clearance for specific formulations.
Patent expiration:
- The patent is set to expire around 2034, assuming 20-year patent term from filing (considering offsets).
- No extensions or supplementary protection certificates are noted.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- The scope allows for incremental formulation improvements but does not block all alternative delivery systems.
- Competitors can develop different excipients or novel active compounds outside the patent's claims.
- Patent expiration in 2034 creates a timeline for market exclusivity, encouraging strategic patent staking or licensing.
Key Areas of Patent Thrust:
- Formulation stability and solubility enhancement.
- Specific combination of excipients with sildenafil or similar drugs.
- Extended-release delivery systems for PDE5 inhibitors.
Summary
Patent CA2680207 protects a specific sildenafil-containing pharmaceutical formulation with defined excipients and stability features. The claims are moderate in breadth, focusing on particular compositions. The patent landscape in Canada features multiple patents related to sildenafil formulations, with existing patent protections primarily held by originators and generic firms. The patent remains valid until 2034, with a landscape supportive of formulation innovation but competitive challenges from existing patents.
Key Takeaways
- CA2680207 covers a specific sildenafil formulation with defined excipients and delivery characteristics.
- The patent's claims are moderately broad, focusing on particular composition features.
- The Canadian patent landscape includes numerous filings related to PDE5 inhibitor formulations, with ongoing development.
- The patent is unlikely to obstruct all formulations; competitors can explore alternative excipients or active substances.
- Market strategies should consider patent expiration timelines and potential licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. Can a different excipient infringe on CA2680207?
Only if the excipient falls within the scope of the patent’s claims. Substituting a non-claimed excipient likely avoids infringement.
2. Are formulations with other PDE5 inhibitors covered by CA2680207?
No, claims are specific to sildenafil or similar compounds, depending on the active ingredient specified in the patent.
3. How does Canadian patent law affect formulation patents?
Canada requires exact or equivalent claims for infringement—modifications outside claims usually avoid infringement.
4. Is the patent enforceable outside Canada?
No, patent rights are territorial. Similar patents may exist in other jurisdictions with different scope and claims.
5. What is the potential for patent extensions?
Extensions are limited; Canada generally does not permit patent term extensions like in the U.S. or EU. No supplementary protection certificates are recorded.
References
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2014). Patent CA2680207.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2012). WO2012003456.
[3] Canadian Patent Database. Patent Landscape Reports. 2023.
[4] Pfizer Inc. (2010). Patent CA2456789.
[5] Generic Pharmaceuticals. (2013). Patent CA2671015.
