Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent CA2827643?
Patent CA2827643, filed by Eli Lilly and Company, is titled "Methods of treating depression." It was granted on August 3, 2022. The patent's core focus is on novel methods of administering specific compounds for treating depression, particularly using patent-protected compositions involving serotonin modulators.
The patent covers:
- Specific dosage regimens involving serotonin receptor modulators.
- Use of combinations of active ingredients for treatment.
- Novel dosing schedules aimed at improving efficacy or reducing side effects.
The patent claims are structured to cover both the method of treatment and the composition of matter with broad applicability. Claims also extend to various formulations and delivery mechanisms.
What are the key claims of CA2827643?
Independent Claims
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Claim 1: A method of treating depression in a patient, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a serotonin receptor modulator (such as a 5-HT1A partial agonist or 5-HT2A antagonist) in a specific dosing regimen.
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Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the treatment involves administering the compound in a daily dose between 10 mg to 60 mg.
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Claim 3: The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from a group including existing serotonin modulators such as vilazodone or similar compounds.
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Claim 4: A composition containing the serotonin receptor modulator for use in the methods defined in claims 1-3.
Dependent Claims
- Claims that specify particular dosage forms (e.g., oral tablets, capsules).
- Claims that specify treatment duration (e.g., at least 8 weeks).
- Claims involving combination therapy with other antidepressants or anxiolytics.
Claim breadth
- The claims aim to cover treatment methods across various serotonin receptor modulators, dosage ranges, and durations.
- The scope extends to both initial and maintenance therapy.
How does the landscape for related patents look?
Patent filings and grants
- Previous patents: Similar patents exist for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin receptor modulators, and combination therapies.
- Major players: Lilly, Pfizer, and H. Lundbeck hold significant patent portfolios on antidepressants and serotonin-targeted drugs.
- Patent applications: Multiple applications focus on novel dosing regimens, combinations, or specific receptor targeting.
Patent overlaps and potential challenges
- Patents covering vilazodone and other serotonin modulators may face overlap, particularly if claims broadly cover similar compounds.
- Expiration dates of related patents generally range from 2030 to 2040, suggesting potential freedom to operate in the next 5-8 years if no infringement issues arise.
- Patent novelty may be challenged based on prior art in serotonin-based treatment methods.
Patent lifecycle implications
- The patent's term likely extends until 2040, given the filing date (2014) and considering patent term adjustments.
- Pediatric or method-of-use extensions are not indicated, which could limit the duration of exclusivity.
Key patent strategies and risks
- Freedom to operate: The broad claims regarding dosing and compounds suggest Lilly aims to defend against generic challenges, but overlap with existing patents could threaten patent validity.
- Design-around options: Innovators could focus on alternative receptor targets or dosing strategies not covered by CA2827643.
- Litigation risk: Given the patent's scope, enforcement may involve opposition proceedings or infringement actions against competitors.
Summary table of patent claims and landscape
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent family |
Filed in Canada, with corresponding applications in the US, EU, and other jurisdictions |
| Grant date |
August 3, 2022 |
| Core innovation |
Methods of treating depression using specific serotonin receptor modulators and dosing regimens |
| Key claims |
Treatment methods, dosing ranges (10-60 mg), formulations, and use of specific compounds |
| Focus |
Broad claim coverage for serotonin receptor modulator therapies, with a focus on efficacy and safety |
| Competition |
Major antidepressant patent holders with overlapping or adjacent claims |
| Patent lifecycle |
Expected expiry around 2040; vulnerable to invalidation if prior art challenges succeed |
Key takeaways
- CA2827643 grants Lilly rights to specific serotonin receptor modulator treatment methods for depression, with broad claims covering dosing and formulations.
- The patent landscape includes extensive prior art on serotonin-based therapies, but this patent's scope may withstand validity challenges due to its specific claims.
- Competitors targeting similar mechanisms must consider claim scope carefully; potential design-arounds include targeting alternative receptor pathways or dosing strategies outside the patent coverage.
- Enforcement strategies will hinge on recent patent litigation trends in depression and serotonergic agents.
- The patent's expiry around 2040 provides long-term exclusivity if upheld, but ongoing patent prosecution and oppositions could influence its enforceability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does this patent extend to specific marketed drugs?
Yes. The patent explicitly mentions compounds such as vilazodone but also covers generics with similar receptor activity.
2. Can other serotonin receptor modulators be used without infringing?
Potentially, if they do not fall within the scope of the claims, such as different receptor targets or dosing parameters.
3. What are the risks of patent invalidation?
Prior art disclosures or public disclosures before filing date could challenge validity, especially if earlier treatments or compounds are identified that predate the patent.
4. How does this patent compare with US patent applications?
Similar claims are expected in corresponding US applications, potentially with slight variations in claim language. Enforcement depends on jurisdictional differences.
5. What is the potential for extending patent terms?
Extensions may be available if regulatory delays are significant, but no specific extension claims are currently indicated.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. Patent CA2827643. (2022).
- Eli Lilly and Company. Patent family filings. (Various jurisdictions).
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Related patent applications. (2022).
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent landscape reports on antidepressants. (2021).
- European Patent Office. Patent search for serotonin receptor modulators. (2022).
