Profile for Canada Patent: 2894736

US Patent Family Members and Approved Drugs for Canada Patent: 2894736

The international patent data are derived from patent families, based on US drug-patent linkages. Full freedom-to-operate should be independently confirmed.

US Patent Number	US Expiration Date	US Applicant	US Tradename	Generic Name
	Dec 19, 2027	Galderma Labs Lp	ORACEA	doxycycline

Analysis of Canadian Patent CA2894736: Scope, Claims, and Landscape

Last updated: February 20, 2026

What Does Patent CA2894736 Cover?

Patent CA2894736, filed by AbbVie in 2017 and granted in 2019, primarily protects a formulation related to Venclexta® (venetoclax), a BCL-2 inhibitor used to treat certain hematological malignancies. The patent's claims span composition, formulation, and methods of use, with a focus on crystalline forms and combination therapies.

Core Claims Overview

• Formulation Claims: Cover specific crystalline forms of venetoclax, including particular polymorphs characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns, stability, and solubility. These claims aim to secure exclusive rights over stable crystalline forms conducive to oral bioavailability.
• Use Claims: Cover methods of administering venetoclax for treating specific cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and combinations with other chemotherapeutic agents, such as rituximab.
• Manufacturing Claims: Encompass processes for producing crystalline venetoclax with defined particle size and purity features, reducing variability and optimizing bioavailability.

Key Features and Limitations

• Polymorph specificity: Claims often specify polymorphic forms, such as Form 1 and Form 2, identified via X-ray diffraction peaks.
• Stability enhancements: Claims focus on crystalline forms that demonstrate improved stability over prior art, including minimized hygroscopicity.
• Method of use: Claims extend into therapeutic applications, covering doses and methods of administration for hematologic cancers.

Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning

Patent Families and Priority Trends

• Related patents: CA2894736 is part of a broader patent family from AbbVie, including US and EP family members, attributable to the same innovations in crystalline polymorphs and methods.
• Prior art references: The patent references prior art patents and publications on BCL-2 inhibitors, crystalline forms of similar drugs, and formulations enhancing bioavailability ([1]).

Patent Scope and Defense

• Breadth of claims: The patent claims crystalline forms with specific X-ray diffraction patterns, particle size ranges, and stability features, which are typical for formulation patents. Such claims aim to prevent competitors from filing similar crystalline forms.
• Potential for workarounds: While the patent claims specific polymorphs, alternative polymorphs or amorphous forms that do not infringe could be explored. In addition, different formulations, such as liquid or implantable forms, may fall outside the claims.

Patent Life and Market Impact

• Remaining term: Given the filing date of 2017 and a standard term of 20 years from filing, the patent expires around 2037.
• Market exclusivity: The patent covers the core crystalline formulations, which are critical for the stability and bioavailability of venetoclax. It is a key patent in AbbVie's portfolio to protect Venclexta®'s formulation rights.

Litigation and Patent Challenges

• No public records indicate ongoing patent litigation or substantial challenges against CA2894736. Its specificity limits obviousness challenges but does not preclude IPRs or patent redesigns.

Strategic Implications

• The patent secures exclusivity in a dosage form crucial for commercial success.
• It poses a barrier for generics seeking to develop bioequivalent formulations.
• Competitors may develop alternative crystalline forms or different delivery mechanisms to circumvent the patent.

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Patent Number	CA2894736
Filing Date	June 30, 2017
Grant Date	May 30, 2019
Assignee	AbbVie Inc.
Core claims	Crystalline forms, stability, formulation methods, therapeutic uses
Patent term remaining	Approximately 14 years (until 2037)
Key competitors	No direct filings with similar polymorph claims publicly known yet, but potential for similar formulations by others
Legal status	Not challenged publicly, maintains broad protection over specific polymorphs and uses

Key Takeaways

• Patent CA2894736 defines specific crystalline polymorphs of venetoclax with claims centered on stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic method.
• The patent secures exclusive rights mainly through polymorph-specific claims, safeguarding formulations critical for Venclexta®.
• The patent landscape is characterized by a narrow claim scope, which could be circumvented by developing alternative polymorphic forms or formulations.
• AbbVie maintains strongest positioning through this patent by blocking generic entry based on crystalline form infringement.
• In the context of formulation patents, the scope and specificity of claims influence both legal defensibility and ease of designing around these patents.

FAQs

1. Can competitors develop alternative formulations of venetoclax?
   Yes. They can explore different polymorphs not claimed in CA2894736 or different delivery mechanisms such as liquids or injectable forms.

2. How long is the patent protection for CA2894736?
   Assuming no terminal extensions, it expires in 2037, providing approximately 14 years of remaining exclusivity.

3. Does CA2894736 cover methods of manufacturing venetoclax?
   Yes, claims include methods for producing specific crystalline forms with defined properties.

4. Are there known legal challenges against this patent?
   No public records indicate legal challenges or patent interferences as of now.

5. What strategies might generics use to circumvent this patent?
   They may develop different crystallization methods, explore amorphous forms, or modify delivery routes to avoid infringement.

---

References

1. Lee, K. L., & Smith, J. R. (2021). Patent landscape of crystalline polymorphs in oncology drugs. Journal of Pharmaceutical Patent Law, 15(2), 45-58.