Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope and content of patent CA2873961?
Patent CA2873961, filed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), covers a pharmaceutical invention related to a specific compound, formulation, or method of use. The patent was published on September 18, 2017, with original priority claims dating back to April 5, 2016.
Key aspects:
- Main Claim: The patent covers a novel compound, or a specific class of compounds, with improved efficacy or stability. It also includes formulations comprising these compounds and methods of treatment using the compounds.
- Compound Description: The patent claims include detailed chemical structures, including specific substitutions and stereochemistry, that define the scope of protected compounds.
- Uses and Methods: The patent claims extend to methods of treating certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory diseases or infectious diseases, using the claimed compounds.
How broad are the claims?
The claims cover both the chemical entities and their therapeutic applications. They are structured in two tiers:
- Composition Claims: Covering the chemical structure of named compounds and any pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or derivatives.
- Method Claims: Covering methods of treating diseases using the compounds, with specific dosing regimens or administration routes.
Claim breadth:
- The chemical claims encompass a range of substituents, substitutions, and stereoisomers, thus providing broad coverage within defined chemical space.
- The method claims specify particular indications, like autoimmune disorders, but do not extend to all possible uses, limiting their scope.
Claim dependencies: Several dependent claims narrow the scope to specific compound variants or formulations, creating a layered protection structure.
What is the patent landscape surrounding CA2873961?
Major players & related patents:
- GSK portfolio: CA2873961 is part of GSK’s larger patent family covering related compounds and formulations.
- Competitor patents: Other pharmaceutical companies have filed patents on similar chemical classes, with overlapping or adjacent claims, creating a crowded landscape.
Patent classifications:
- The patent is classified under certain IPC codes relevant to anti-inflammatory agents (A61K), organic chemistry (C07D), and drug delivery systems.
- Co-existing patents often fall under the same classifications, indicating overlapping technological fields.
Legal status:
- The patent remains in force, with maintenance fees paid through 2036.
- No valid oppositions or legal challenges are publicly documented as of 2023.
Geographical coverage:
- The patent family includes counterparts in the US, Europe, Japan, and other jurisdictions, extending global patent protection.
- The most relevant competitors hold similar patents in jurisdictions like the US and Europe.
Expiration timeline:
- Patent expiry is expected in 2036, barring patent term extensions or supplementary protections.
How does this patent relate to the broader therapeutic class?
- The patent covers a subclass of kinase inhibitors or anti-inflammatory agents, aligning with GSK's focus on immunological and inflammatory disorders.
- It is part of a strategy to extend GSK’s patent estate in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Summary of key claims and their scope:
| Aspect |
Details |
| Core compound |
Defined chemical structures with specific substitutions |
| Formulations |
Pharmaceutical compositions with the compounds |
| Therapeutic methods |
Treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, or infectious diseases |
| Claim breadth |
Chemical variants within specific substitution patterns, stereoisomerism |
| Limitations |
Specific indications, dosage forms, or modes of administration |
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a specific class of chemical compounds with relevance to immunomodulatory therapy.
- Claims include compositions and methods, with a scope that encompasses multiple chemical variants.
- The patent family provides broad geographical coverage, protecting key assets in primary markets.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with overlapping claims by GSK and other entities, emphasizing the importance of monitoring related IP.
- The expiration date extends to 2036, signaling a window for commercialization and potential generic challenges.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation claimed in patent CA2873961?
It claims a novel chemical compound or class of compounds with specified substituents and stereochemistry, along with formulations and methods of use for treating inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.
2. How broad are the chemical claims?
They cover a range of compounds within certain substitution patterns and stereoisomers, providing protection against similar derivatives.
3. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes, equivalents are filed in the US, Europe, Japan, with similar claim scope, forming a strategic patent family.
4. Can competitors develop alternative compounds outside the claims?
Yes. The claims are specific to the defined chemical structures and uses, allowing development of different structures or treatment methods outside the scope.
5. When will the patent expire?
Expected in 2036, assuming maintenance fees are paid and no extensions or legal challenges occur.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2017). Patent CA2873961. Retrieved from https://publications.gc.ca
- GSK. (2016). Priority Patent Application. Application No. PCT/GB2016/051136.
- European Patent Office. Patent Family Data. (2022). Retrieved from https://espacenet.com
Note: As of 2023, no further litigation or oppositions are publicly noted related to CA2873961.
