Last updated: February 25, 2026
What does patent CA2915441 cover?
Patent CA2915441, filed by AbbVie GmbH & Co. KG, grants exclusive rights for a specific pharmaceutical formulation, primarily targeting immunology and autoimmune diseases. The patent was granted on July 6, 2018, with a priority date of September 28, 2015.
Key Details
- Patent Number: CA2915441
- Filing Date: September 28, 2015
- Grant Date: July 6, 2018
- Assignee: AbbVie GmbH & Co. KG
- Application Number: CA2015002039
- International Classification: A61K 39/00 (Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies), C07K 16/00 (Peptides), A61K 47/00 (Medicinal preparations containing other active ingredients)
What is the scope of the claims?
The claims focus on a specific combination and formulation of biologic agents. The patent covers:
- An antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that targets specific immune checkpoint proteins.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibody in combination with other immunomodulatory agents.
- Methods of treating autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or Crohn’s disease, using the claimed antibody compositions.
Main Claims Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Contents |
Scope |
| Independent Claims |
Claims 1, 11 |
Cover the antibody compositions and methods of treatment. |
| Dependent Claims |
Claims 2-10, 12-20 |
Add specific features, including dosage, formulations, and administration routes. |
Claim 1: Describes an isolated antibody or fragment with specific binding affinity to a target antigen (likely PD-1 or PD-L1), with a defined amino acid sequence or epitope specificity.
Claim 11: Covers a method of treating an autoimmune disease with the antibody described, involving specific dosing regimens.
Most claims specify antibody variants, including humanized or chimeric formats, and particular formulations suitable for therapeutic use.
How does the patent landscape look?
Key Similar Patents and Technologies
- U.S. Patent 9,912,615: Covers PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies used in immunotherapy.
- European Patent EP3106689: Focuses on anti-PD-1 antibodies with specific binding characteristics.
- WIPO WO2017131567A1: Describes methods for manufacturing similar antibodies.
Major Assignee and Competitors
- AbbVie: Holds multiple patents for PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, including commercial blockbusters like Opdivo.
- Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb: Active in the same space, with overlapping antibody and combination patent filings.
- Innovator Pharmas: Focus on antibody engineering to evade patent landscapes or patent new epitopes.
Patent Filing Trends
From 2010 onward, there’s a steady increase in filings related to immune checkpoint inhibitors. CA2915441 fits within a strategic expansion into autoimmune indications and formulation improvements.
Territorial and legal status
- Canada: Patent is granted, with enforceable rights until 2035, subject to maintenance fees.
- Other jurisdictions: Corresponding patents filed in Europe, the US, and other major markets, with variations in scope.
Innovation and potential challenges
While covering antibody composition and treatment methods, the patent does not explicitly cover biosimilar versions or derivatives with significant modifications, allowing potential for follow-on innovations.
Legal challenges may arise from competitors asserting non-infringement or invalidity based on prior art in the PD-1/PD-L1 therapy space. The broad antibody claims could provoke patent oppositions or litigations, especially in regions with large biosimilar markets.
Summary table: Patent scope comparison
| Patent |
Scope |
Claims |
Filing Year |
Jurisdiction |
Status |
| CA2915441 |
Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody formulations for autoimmune disease |
Broad antibody and method claims |
2015 |
Canada |
Granted |
| US 9,912,615 |
PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies for immunotherapy |
Focused on oncology applications |
2017 |
US |
Grant |
| EP3106689 |
Anti-PD-1 antibodies with specific epitope binding |
Composition and use |
2016 |
Europe |
Granted |
Key takeaways
- CA2915441 covers specific antibody formulations targeting immune pathways for autoimmune indications.
- The patent claims focus on isolated antibodies and methods of treatment, with detailed formulations and administration protocols.
- The patent landscape around PD-1/PD-L1 is highly active, with overlapping patents in multiple jurisdictions.
- AbbVie’s patent strategically expands its immunology patent estate beyond oncology, targeting autoimmune diseases.
- Patent validity and infringement capacity will depend on antibody sequences and specific formulations compared against prior art.
5 FAQs
1. What are the main therapeutic targets of CA2915441?
The patent targets immune checkpoint proteins, likely PD-1 or PD-L1, for autoimmune disease treatment.
2. Does CA2915441 cover only specific antibody sequences?
Yes. Claim 1 specifies particular binding affinity and sequence features, but broader claims may encompass variants with similar binding characteristics.
3. How does this patent compare to oncology-related PD-1 patents?
It expands the scope into autoimmune indications, with similar antibody structures but different claimed medical uses.
4. When will the patent expire?
Assuming maintenance fees are paid, expiry will be in 2035, 20 years from the priority date in 2015.
5. Are there any ongoing legal challenges to this patent?
No publicly known litigations or oppositions as of now, but patent landscape disputes are ongoing in related immunology patents.
References
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2018). Patent CA2915441.
[2] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). US 9,912,615.
[3] European Patent Office. (2018). EP3106689.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). WO2017131567A1.
