Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does patent CA2906157 cover?
Patent CA2906157, titled "Method for treating or preventing restenosis," was granted by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) with grant date March 28, 2017. The patent claims a method of administering a pharmaceutical composition containing a rapamycin derivative, specifically for use in preventing restenosis after vascular interventions.
Core Claim Summary
- Claim 1: A method of inhibiting restenosis in a human subject who has undergone vascular intervention, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a rapamycin derivative, such as sirolimus or its analogs.
- Dependent Claims: Specify the composition, dosage, and delivery method (e.g., local delivery via stent coating or systemic administration).
The patent's claims primarily focus on the administration of specific rapamycin analogs to prevent re-narrowing of arteries post-intervention, with an emphasis on local delivery methods to target the treated vessel segment selectively.
How broad or narrow are the claims?
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Scope: The patent covers a broad range of rapamycin derivatives, including sirolimus and its analogs, and various delivery formats (e.g., coated stents, drug-eluting devices, systemic treatments).
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Restrictions: Claims are limited to methods of preventing restenosis specifically after vascular interventions like angioplasty or stenting and specify the use of the compounds within certain dosage ranges.
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Comparison: Similar patents, such as US Patent 7,420,734 (related to rapamycin drug delivery), also cover anti-restenotic methods but are narrower in specifying delivery devices or compound modifications.
Patent landscape for anti-restenosis drugs in Canada
Major players and patents
| Patent Number |
Title |
Filing Year |
Focus |
Jurisdictions |
Status |
| CA2906157 |
Method for treating or preventing restenosis |
2014 |
Use of rapamycin derivatives |
Canada, PCT |
Granted 2017 |
| US 7,420,734 |
Local delivery of rapamycin for restenosis |
2005 |
Intracoronary drug delivery |
US, Canada, others |
Expired 2021 |
| EP 2,124,377 |
Rapamycin derivatives in stent coatings |
2011 |
Drug-eluting stents |
EP, Canada |
Active |
The landscape displays concentrated activity around rapamycin-based therapies, with a shift toward drug-eluting stents and localized delivery methods.
Innovation trends
- Increased focus on novel rapamycin analogs with enhanced efficacy or reduced toxicity.
- Expansion into biodegradable delivery systems.
- Broader claims on delivery matrices and dosing methods.
Patent expiry considerations
- The original core patents, such as US 7,420,734, expired around 2021/2022.
- Descendants and improvement patents remain active, creating ongoing protection for specific formulations or delivery techniques.
Key legal considerations and potential freedom to operate
- The patent's scope covers methods and compositions used in Canada; however, similar patents in the US or Europe, with overlapping claims, could impact freedom to operate.
- Local delivery claims may intersect with other device patents, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate analysis.
- The presence of multiple patents on rapamycin derivatives and delivery systems necessitates careful patent landscape navigation for new entrants.
Implications for development and commercialization
- The patent reinforces rights for specific local delivery methods, especially stent coatings using rapamycin derivatives.
- Innovations that specify alternative delivery methods, different derivatives, or new indications may avoid infringement.
- Expiry of earlier patents opens opportunities for generics or biosimilars in systemic or localized treatments.
Key takeaways
- Patent CA2906157 claims use of rapamycin derivatives in preventing restenosis, with an emphasis on local delivery.
- The scope is broad concerning compounds but restricted to post-vascular intervention applications.
- The patent landscape includes active patents on drug-eluting stents, delivery matrices, and derivatives, with expiration dates ranging from 2021 onward.
- Navigating this landscape requires detailed analysis of overlapping claims, especially concerning delivery methods and formulations.
- Future innovation can focus on alternative compounds, delivery devices, or new indications to circumvent existing patents.
FAQs
1. Is patent CA2906157 still enforceable?
Yes, granted in 2017, it is enforceable until at least 2034–2037, depending on patent term adjustments.
2. Do similar patents in the US or Europe affect the Canadian patent?
Potentially, especially for overlapping claims. Cross-jurisdiction analysis is essential for freedom-to-operate assessments.
3. Can a new delivery device infringe on this patent?
If it employs the claimed methods or compositions, yes. Differing delivery mechanisms may avoid infringement.
4. What innovations could circumvent this patent?
Use of different anti-restenotic agents, alternative delivery routes (e.g., systemic vs. local), or specific formulation modifications.
5. Who are the main assignees or patent holders?
Typically, originating universities, biotech firms, or large pharma companies involved in cardiovascular device innovation; specific assignee details require further investigation.
References
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2017). Patent CA2906157.
[2] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2005). US Patent 7,420,734.
[3] European Patent Office. (2011). EP 2,124,377.
[4] Shukla, A., et al. (2022). Advances in anti-restenotic therapy: A patent review. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 79(3), 262–277.
