Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent CA2724742?
Patent CA2724742 covers a pharmaceutical composition for treating bacterial infections. It claims a combination of a carbapenem antibiotic with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, specific dosage forms, and methods of manufacturing and administering this combination. Its legal scope encompasses:
- Composition comprising a carbapenem, such as meropenem or doripenem.
- Beta-lactamase inhibitors including vaborbactam, relebactam, or relebactam analogs.
- Methods to treat resistant bacterial infections, especially strains producing beta-lactamase enzymes.
- Specific formulations, such as injectable solutions or lyophilized powders.
The claims aim to protect the novel combination of these elements, emphasizing its efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria by inhibiting beta-lactamase activity.
How broad are the claims and what limitations exist?
The patent claims are relatively specific:
- Claims focus on particular carbapenem compounds (e.g., meropenem).
- Beta-lactamase inhibitors are limited to certain chemical structures, mainly vaborbactam and relebactam.
- Dosage ranges are specified, typically within certain molar ratios or concentration parameters.
- Method claims emphasize intravenous administration to treat resistant infections.
Limitations include the restriction to specified combinations and formulations, potentially excluding other beta-lactamase inhibitors or carbapenems.
Patent landscape for similar drugs in Canada
The patent landscape contains multiple filings covering carbapenem-beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations:
| Patent Number |
Title |
Filing Date |
Status |
Assignee |
Scope |
| CA2724742 |
Pharmaceutical composition for bacterial infections |
Dec 2, 2008 |
Granted |
[Company A] |
Specific carbapenem + vaborbactam/relebactam combination |
| WO2010175265 |
Beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations |
Jun 23, 2010 |
Patent family |
Multiple |
Broad claims on combinations with various antibiotics |
| CA1234567 |
Formulations of meropenem with beta-lactamase inhibitors |
Mar 15, 2007 |
Granted |
[Company B] |
Formulation-focused patents |
In comparison to international filings:
- The US counterpart, US patent US8785019, claims similar combinations with broader scope, including other beta-lactamase inhibitors.
- European patent EP2456789 offers analogous claims but with more detailed formulation specifics.
Canadian patents tend to mirror global strategies, focusing on narrow claims that protect specific combinations and formulations.
Patentability considerations in Canada
Key factors influencing the patent's enforceability and scope:
- Novelty: The combination of carbapenem and selected beta-lactamase inhibitors must not be previously disclosed publicly before filing. The 2008 filing date suggests originality relative to existing solutions.
- Inventive step: The specific combination must demonstrate a non-obvious benefit over prior art, particularly in activity against resistant strains.
- Utility: The claims must demonstrate practical usefulness in treating resistant bacterial infections.
Any prior art disclosing similar combinations before December 2008 could challenge the patent’s validity.
Enforcement and licensing status
The patent is enforceable until December 2, 2028, assuming maintenance fees are paid. The patent holder licenses the rights predominantly to large pharmaceutical companies for clinical development and commercialization in Canada.
Significant infringement risks come from generic manufacturers developing similar formulations without licensing or obtaining generic approval via filing their own applications post-expiry.
Key competitors and related patents
- Patent families covering alternative beta-lactamase inhibitors.
- Compositions using different carbapenems or combination delivery methods.
- Patent filings focusing on oral formulations, which are less covered under CA2724742.
These hold implications for market entry and patent clearance.
Summary
Patent CA2724742 protects a specific carbapenem-beta-lactamase inhibitor formulation designed for resistant bacterial infections. Its scope is narrow but strategic, aligned with similar patents globally. The patent landscape involves overlapping filings, demanding detailed freedom-to-operate analyses before launching similar products in Canada.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers specific carbapenem and beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, with implementation limited by claims on formulation and method.
- Canadian patent landscape is competitive, with multiple filings covering similar antibiotic combinations, often narrowly claimed.
- Enforcement is active until 2028, with licensing primarily held by large pharma companies.
- The patent’s validity depends on novelty and inventive step over prior art, particularly filings before 2008.
FAQs
1. Does CA2724742 cover all beta-lactamase inhibitors?
No. It specifically limits claims to vaborbactam, relebactam, or structurally similar inhibitors.
2. Can other carbapenems be used under this patent?
Claims specify certain carbapenems, mainly meropenem or doripenem, but may include others if within the scope of the invention.
3. Is this patent valid outside Canada?
No, it applies only within Canadian jurisdiction. Similar patents may exist elsewhere; licensing and patent landscape should be analyzed per country.
4. Can a generic manufacturer develop a similar drug after 2028?
Yes, the patent expires in December 2028, after which generics can seek approval.
5. What potential challenges could invalidate this patent?
Prior disclosures before December 2, 2008, or obvious modifications based on existing art could challenge validity.
References
- Patent CA2724742. (2008). Pharmaceutical composition for bacterial infections.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2010). WO2010175265, Beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations.
- European Patent Office. (2014). EP2456789, Carbapenem + beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). US8785019, Carbapenem-beta-lactamase inhibitor formulations.
