Last updated: February 23, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent CA2707204?
Patent CA2707204, filed by Novartis, claims a pharmaceutical composition and method involving a specific formulation of a kinase inhibitor. It broadly covers the formulation's chemical composition, formulation parameters, and its potential therapeutic uses, with a focus on cancer treatment.
The patent's scope extends to:
- Chemical Composition: Specific combinations of the kinase inhibitor with excipients, stabilizers, or carriers.
- Preparation Methods: Processes for manufacturing the pharmaceutical formulation.
- Therapeutic Uses: Methods of treatment employing the composition, especially in oncology.
The patent's claims are structured to encompass variants of the formulation, including dosage forms like tablets or capsules, with specific ranges for active compounds and excipients.
How Are the Claims Structured?
Primary (Independent) Claims
The primary claims define the core invention:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified kinase inhibitor and a carrier or excipient, with parameters such as pH, particle size, or stabilizer concentration.
- A method for treating cancer using the composition, characterized by administering a specified dose.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specific details such as:
- Specific chemical derivatives of the kinase inhibitor.
- Particular excipients or stabilizers.
- Dosing regimens or administration routes.
- Storage conditions.
Key Claims Highlights:
- Active Compound: The claims specify the kinase inhibitor's chemical structure, likely similar to drugs such as BRAF or MEK inhibitors, given Novartis's portfolio.
- Formulation Parameters: Focus on stability, bioavailability, and manufacturing processes.
- Use Claims: Covering treatment methods in various cancer indications, including melanoma.
How Does the Patent Landscape Look?
Patent Family and Related Patents
- CA2707204 is part of a patent family including filings in the US (USXXXXXXX), EPO, and international PCT applications.
- The core patent likely has counterparts with similar claims in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and Japan, with variations tailored to local patent laws.
Patent Expiry and Maintenance
- Filing date: July 21, 2006.
- Grant date: October 30, 2013.
- Patent term: 20 years from filing, estimated expiry around July 21, 2026, assuming maintenance fees are paid and no extensions are granted.
Competitor Patents and Overlapping IP
- Other patents in the kinase inhibitor space, especially targeting BRAF and MEK pathways, are filed by manufacturers like Roche, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer.
- These patents may have overlapping claims concerning chemical structures, formulations, or therapeutic methods.
Patent Challenges and Litigation
- No publicly available litigation records specific to CA2707204.
- Challenges may stem from prior art references or generic manufacturers seeking to invalidate claims, especially approaching expiry or in patent linkage scenarios.
Patent Strategy Insights
- Novartis strategically broadens claims to include various formulations and indications to extend market exclusivity.
- The inclusion of method claims for specific cancer treatments enhances patent robustness.
Summary of Key Patent Data
| Attribute |
Details |
| Patent Number |
CA2707204 |
| Filing Date |
July 21, 2006 |
| Grant Date |
October 30, 2013 |
| Expiry Date |
July 21, 2026 (assuming no extensions) |
| Patent Family |
US, EPO, PCT, and others |
| Key Claims |
Composition, preparation methods, use in cancer |
| Maintenance Fees |
Paid through 2026 |
Key Takeaways
- CA2707204 has a broad scope covering formulations and therapeutic methods related to kinase inhibitors for cancer.
- The patent is part of a strategy to secure broad rights over certain formulations and uses.
- Its expiration around mid-2026 positions it for generic entry in North America soon.
- Overlapping patents filed by competitors restrict freedom to operate but do not nullify CA2707204's claims.
- Patent challenges are possible but have not been publicly documented.
FAQs
1. Can Novartis extend patent protection beyond 2026?
Extensions like patent term adjustments are unlikely in Canada due to the 20-year patent expiry from the filing date, unless supplementary protections or regulatory exclusivities apply.
2. Are there active litigations involving CA2707204?
No public records indicate ongoing litigation involving this patent.
3. What potential licensing opportunities exist?
Licensing negotiations could involve formulations covering the same active compound or methods for cancer treatment, especially if generic competition intensifies.
4. How does this patent compare to similar patents in the kinase inhibitor space?
It claims similar chemical compositions and methods as other patents but emphasizes specific formulation parameters and treatment indications for patent protection.
5. When should competitors consider designing around this patent?
Prior to expiry in July 2026, competitors can explore alternative compounds, formulations, or indications outside the scope of CA2707204's claims.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. Patent CA2707204 patent document.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent family and application data for related filings.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Patent family and status for corresponding applications [1].
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2013). Patent CA2707204. Retrieved from CIPO database.
