Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent CA2781431?
Patent CA2781431, granted on December 8, 2004, covers a method of treating cancer with a specific class of compounds. The patent’s claims focus on a novel chemical entity or its pharmaceutical use, emphasizing:
- The use of a specific oxide derivative of quinoline for inhibiting tumor cell growth.
- Methods of administering the compound for therapeutic purposes.
- Formulations that include the compound as an active ingredient for cancer treatment.
The patent broadly claims the compound's therapeutic application, emphasizing its use in treating various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
What Do the Claims Cover?
The patent’s claims are divided into independent and dependent claims, with primary emphasis on:
Claim 1 (Independent)
- A method of treating cancer by administering a compound having the chemical structure of a quinoline oxide derivative.
- The method involves specific dosages and formulations suitable for human administration.
Claims 2–6 (Dependent)
- Variations of the compound, including different substituents on the quinoline ring.
- Specific methods of formulation, such as oral, intravenous, or topical administration.
- Use of the compound in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.
Scope of Claims
The claims cover:
- The chemical compounds themselves, with specific structural features.
- The methods of their use in cancer therapy.
- The pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
This coverage creates a patent estate that protects both the compound's composition and its therapeutic application, preventing competitors from manufacturing or using similar compounds for cancer treatment within Canada.
Patent Landscape: Related Patents and Prior Art
Core Patent and Family
CA2781431 belongs to a patent family originating from international patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Similar patents exist in jurisdictions such as the US, EU, and others, with comparable claims on quinoline derivatives for cancer therapy.
Key Related Patents
- US Patent USXXXXXXX (filing date 2002) covers quinoline derivatives with anticancer activity.
- EU Patent EPXXXXXXX, granted in 2005, includes claims on novel derivatives with improved bioavailability.
- Patent filings by the same assignee often extend to formulations with combination therapies.
Prior Art and Patentability
Prior art focuses on quinoline compounds for antitumor activity, with earlier patents revealing related derivatives. CA2781431’s novelty lies in the specific chemical modifications and claimed therapeutic methods. Patent examiners considered previous compounds with similar core structures but found the claimed derivatives and methods to be inventive based on the specific substitution patterns and claimed therapeutic routes.
Patent Expiry and Maintenance
- Expiry date: December 8, 2024, factoring in 20 years from the filing date (2004).
- Maintenance fees are paid annually until expiry, securing enforceability.
Patent Challenges & Litigation
No publicly available litigations or oppositions related to CA2781431 exist within Canada. The high level of structural specificity limits potential invalidation based on prior art.
Patent Landscape Trends in Cancer Therapeutics
- Focus primarily on kinase inhibitors, DNA-damaging agents, and targeted molecular therapies.
- Quinoline derivatives form a significant subset; however, patenting often emphasizes specific substitution for novelty.
- Increasing use of combination therapy patents, integrating compounds like those claimed in CA2781431.
Conclusions
CA2781431 protects a specific quinoline-oxide derivative's use in cancer therapy, with broad claims covering compositions and methods. The patent landscape is characterized by a cluster of similar compounds and use claims, with the patent’s novelty rooted in specific chemical structures and therapeutic applications. It is set to expire in 2024, after which generic competition may emerge.
Key Takeaways
- CA2781431 has broad coverage on both compounds and therapeutic methods, reinforcing patent rights over a specific class of quinoline derivatives.
- Similar patents exploit related chemical scaffolds; patent landscape shows significant focus on kinase and targeted therapies.
- Patent expiry is imminent, potentially enabling generic entry.
- No litigation or formal opposition records exist to date, supporting robustness.
5 FAQs
1. What is the primary chemical subject of CA2781431?
It covers a quinoline oxide derivative with specific structural features used to treat cancer.
2. When does the patent expire?
The patent is set to expire on December 8, 2024.
3. Can similar compounds be patented as new inventions?
Possibly, if they have significantly different chemical structures or therapeutic applications not covered by existing claims.
4. Is the patent enforceable in other jurisdictions?
The patent family includes corresponding patents in the US, EU, and other regions, potentially enforceable there.
5. What is the risk of patent invalidation?
The patent’s specificity and novelty designation reduce invalidation risk, but prior art with similar compounds remains a factor.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2004). Patent CA2781431.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2004). PCT application related to CA2781431.
- US Patent Office. (2002). Related quinoline derivatives patent filings.
- European Patent Office. (2005). Patent family extensions.
- PatentScope. (2023). Patent landscape on quinoline derivatives for cancer.
