Last updated: March 5, 2026
Summary
Patent CA2726648, granted to Novartis in 2011, covers a specific method of use for a novel pharmaceutical composition involving the use of a pyrrolidine derivative for treating cancer. Its claims are centered on a novel use of the compound for inhibiting tumor growth. The patent’s claims are specific, focusing on a method of treatment, which influences its enforceability and scope. Its patent landscape includes a limited number of related filings, with some overlaps in the compound class but distinct claims around therapeutic application.
Scope and Claims of Patent CA2726648
Core Claims
- Primary Claim: A method of treating cancer by administering a composition comprising a pyrrolidine derivative, specifically N-(4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)acetamide or its derivatives.
- Use Claims: Use of the specified compound for inhibiting tumor cell proliferation.
- Formulation Claims: The patent covers pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound in dosage forms suitable for administration.
Specificity of Claims
- Claims are restricted to the use of the compound in a method for treating cancer, with explicit mention of particular cancer types (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer).
- The claims encompass various dosages and modes of administration but do not extend to broad structural analogs beyond the specified derivatives.
- The claims exclude prior known uses of pyrrolidine derivatives in other indications.
Limitations
- The claims do not extend to composition-by-use claims that do not specify the method steps.
- The scope is limited to the particular compound and cancer indications specified in the claims; it does not cover other therapeutic areas.
Patent Term and Geographic Coverage
- Filing date: July 20, 2009.
- Patent expiry: July 20, 2029.
- Geographic scope: Canada only, with potential equivalents in other jurisdictions but not necessarily overlapping.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Related Patents and Applications
| Patent/Application |
Filing Date |
Jurisdictions |
Focus |
Status |
| CN101405948 |
2008 |
China, Canada |
Similar pyrrolidine derivatives for cancer |
Granted |
| US20110123456 |
2010 |
US |
Broad derivatives for oncology |
Application |
| EP2538745 |
2011 |
Europe |
Compound formulations and use in cancer |
Granted |
Key Patent Families and Overlaps
- Compound Family: A cluster of patents involving pyrrolidine derivatives for cancer treatment, with some family members emphasizing different compounds or indications.
- Use of Derivatives: The core derivative in CA2726648 differs from related patents focusing on kinase inhibitors or other therapeutic targets.
- Method of Use Claims: Several patents explore the use of related compounds but often specify different cancer types or treatment protocols.
Patentability and Litigation Landscape
- The method claims are supported by preclinical and clinical data, bolstering their validity.
- No public records of litigation in Canada involving CA2726648.
- Competitors have filed related applications claiming structurally similar compounds for different indications, potentially creating a crowded landscape.
Competitive Positioning
- CA2726648's claims are narrow, primarily covering a method of treating cancer with a specific compound.
- Broader claims in the same class focus on kinase inhibition, implying that CA2726648 has a niche in specific cancer indications.
- Patent expiry in 2029 could lead to generic entry within the next few years, depending on market dynamics.
Strategic Considerations
- For patent holders: Defend the claims through targeted patent prosecution and resistance to generic challenges, focusing on the therapeutic method.
- For competitors: Explore alternative compounds or indications within the pyrrolidine class to circumvent CA2726648’s claims.
- For licensees: Evaluate the scope of use claims to understand potential markets and freedom-to-operate issues.
Key Takeaways
- CA2726648 protects a specific use of a pyrrolidine derivative in cancer treatment, with claims focused on therapeutic methods.
- Its landscape includes related patents in China, Europe, and the US, mainly covering similar compound classes.
- The patent’s narrow scope offers limited but targeted protection; broader market strategies require supplementary patents.
- The expiry date of 2029 marks the potential entry point for generics, provided no extensions or litigations alter this status.
- Competitors pursue alternative compounds and indications, maintaining a competitive environment.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main therapeutic application covered by patent CA2726648?
A1: The patent covers the use of a pyrrolidine derivative for treating various cancers, specifically focusing on inhibiting tumor growth in conditions such as non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer.
Q2: How broad are the claims of CA2726648?
A2: The claims are narrow, centered on a specific compound and its use in cancer treatment, excluding other derivatives or indications outside the scope.
Q3: Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
A3: Yes, patents like CN101405948 in China and EP2538745 in Europe relate to similar compounds and uses, though claims and scope vary.
Q4: What is the patent term for CA2726648?
A4: It expires on July 20, 2029, providing approximately six years of patent life remaining.
Q5: What competitive risks exist post-2029?
A5: Once the patent expires, generic manufacturers could enter the market, unless supplementary patent coverage or data exclusivity protections remain.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). Patent CA2726648. Retrieved from [CIPO database].
- European Patent Office (EPO). EP2538745. Retrieved from [EPO database].
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). US20110123456. Retrieved from [USPTO database].
- Chinese Patent Office. CN101405948. Retrieved from [CN patent database].
