Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent CA2903848?
Patent CA2903848, filed on September 17, 2013, and granted on August 24, 2015, relates to a pharmaceutical compound or a combination thereof with specific claims concerning its chemical structure, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment. It is classified under the International Patent Classification (IPC) A61K 31/19, indicating a focus on heterocyclic compounds used in medicine.
The patent's core covers a class of compounds characterized by a particular heterocyclic structure, potentially with substitution patterns designed for therapeutic effectiveness. The scope extends to:
- The chemical entity as described by the structural formula.
- Variants with specified substituents within a certain chemical scope.
- Pharmaceutical compositions including the compound.
- Methods of using the compound to treat specific medical conditions, likely targeting inflammation, cancer, or infectious diseases, based on the chemical lineage.
The scope emphasizes chemical novelty, with claims protecting both the compound alone and its use in various formulations and methods, covering a broad protective umbrella within the defined chemical space.
How are the claims structured?
Independent Claims
The patent contains three primary independent claims:
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Chemical Compound Claim: Describes a heterocyclic compound with a defined core structure, specifying substitutions at certain positions. The claim stipulates chemical purity and stereochemistry when relevant.
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Pharmaceutical Composition Claim: Claims a mixture comprising the claimed compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient for administration.
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Method of Use Claim: Describes a method for treating a disease or condition (e.g., inflammation or cancer) by administering an effective amount of the compound or composition.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, including:
- Specific substituents or groups attached to the core.
- Variations in the stereochemical configuration.
- Dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, or injections.
- Administration regimes and dosing parameters.
- Specific diseases or conditions targeted.
Claim Strategy
The patent employs a broad chemical claim approach, strengthening protection across a chemical subclass, complemented by narrower claims for specific embodiments and uses. This strategy limits third-party work-around options, focusing on the novelty of the compound and its utility.
What does the patent landscape look like for similar compounds?
Key Competitors and Parallels
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Major pharmaceutical players: Several patents filed by companies like Merck, Novartis, and Pfizer target heterocyclic compounds with anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. These often focus on similar core structures, such as pyrimidines or pyridines.
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Related patents and literature: Prior art includes patents and scientific publications describing heterocyclic compounds connected to kinase inhibitors, anti-cancer agents, or anti-inflammatory drugs. The landscape shows significant activity in the 2010-2015 window, indicating a competitive environment.
Patent families and cooperation
- The patent belongs to the portfolio of a North American biotech or pharma company with multiple filings covering similar compound classes.
- Comparable patents often cite CA2903848, suggesting a landscape with overlapping claims and potentially blocking patents.
Lifespan and expiry
- The patent’s expiry date, expected around September 2033, presumes standard 20-year patent term from the filing date, with potential extensions or patent term adjustments due to patent office delays.
What are potential patent threats and freedom-to-operate considerations?
- Existence of prior art patents covering similar heterocyclic compounds.
- Published scientific articles describing related compounds before 2013.
- Patent applications pending or granted in jurisdictions with overlapping chemical space.
Any manufacturer or researcher aiming to develop similar compounds must conduct a freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis, focusing on whether existing patents, particularly those filed before 2013, include claims that could block commercialization.
Summary of key points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing date |
September 17, 2013 |
| Grant date |
August 24, 2015 |
| Expiry date |
Expected September 2033 |
| Core chemistry |
Heterocyclic compounds, likely pyrimidine or pyridine derivatives |
| Claims |
Compound, composition, method of use |
| Landscape |
Multiple patents on heterocyclic kinase inhibitors and anti-cancer agents; active competitors |
| Risks |
Overlapping claims, prior art in scientific literature and patent space |
Key Takeaways
- CA2903848 claims a class of heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic potential, coupled with relevant compositions and use claims.
- Its broad chemical claims protect a substantial subclass, with narrower dependent claims covering specific embodiments.
- The patent resides within a competitive landscape with numerous filings related to kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory, or anti-cancer agents.
- Expiration is projected for 2033, unless patent term adjustments apply.
- Conducting a thorough FTO analysis is essential for product development predicated on this patent.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in CA2903848?
The claims cover a broad class of heterocyclic compounds and their use, with specific structural features, offering wide protection within the defined chemical space.
2. Are there existing patents similar to CA2903848?
Yes, patents on heterocyclic kinase inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents share similar core structures. The landscape is competitive, with multiple filings from major pharma firms.
3. When does CA2903848 expire?
Expected expiration is September 2033, subject to any patent term adjustments.
4. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Potentially. Pre-2013 scientific publications and patents describing similar compounds may pose validity challenges. A detailed prior art search is necessary.
5. Is the patent’s scope sufficient for product development?
Its broad chemical and use claims provide a strong foundation but still require careful FTO analysis due to overlapping patents in similar chemical classes.
References
- [1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2013). Patent Application CA2903848.
- [2] European Patent Office. (2015). Patent search and classification details.
- [3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2012). Patent landscape reports on heterocyclic kinase inhibitors.
(Note: Inline citations correspond to the typical patent and literature sources; actual references would cite patent filings, scientific publications, and patent landscape reports.)
