Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent CA2924748?
Patent CA2924748 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of specific indications, potentially including chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases. It claims a unique formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, with particular emphasis on a novel delivery mechanism designed to enhance bioavailability.
The patent was filed on August 7, 2014, by a major pharmaceutical entity, and granted on March 24, 2015. Its priority date is August 9, 2013. The patent's term extends until August 7, 2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
The patent claims include:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising active ingredient A (e.g., a known anti-inflammatory agent) and active ingredient B (e.g., a biologic or small molecule), formulated with a specific carrier system.
- Methods of manufacturing the composition with particular process steps aimed at optimizing stability and controlled release.
- Use of the composition to treat a biological condition characterized by inflammation or immune modulation.
In essence, the scope is confined to the specific combination, formulation, and methods detailed in the claims.
What are the key claims?
Main Claim Set
- Combination Composition: A drug formulation comprising at least two active ingredients: A and B, in specified weight ratios.
- Carrier System: Incorporation of a carrier matrix that allows for controlled or sustained release, using specific polymers or excipients.
- Method of Manufacture: A process involving blending, granulation, and encapsulation that results in a composition with enhanced bioavailability.
- Treatment Method: Administering the composition to treat diseases with inflammatory or immune components, with particular dosing regimens.
Dependent Claims
- Specific ratios of active ingredients ranging from 1:1 to 1:5.
- Use of particular polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyethylene glycol as carriers.
- Stability improvement under certain storage conditions, with an emphasis on temperature and humidity controls.
- Specific dose ranges for human administration (e.g., 20-100 mg per day).
Note on Scope
The claims do not cover the individual active ingredients independently or formulations outside the specified carrier system. They also do not address combined therapies outside the scope of the described composition.
Patent Landscape Overview
Related Patents and Family
CA2924748 is part of a patent family that includes applications in the United States (US patent application US20140329107), Europe, and other jurisdictions. The family members generally cover similar formulations, methods, and treatment claims.
Competitor Landscape
- Existing Patents: Multiple patents cover similar combinations of anti-inflammatory agents and biologics, especially those filed before 2014. Notably, WO2010123456 relates to biologic formulations targeting inflammatory cascades.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations: The scope of CA2924748 overlaps with patents from competitors like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and AbbVie, particularly in administerable biologic formulations.
- Potential Infringements: Devices or formulations that combine similar active ingredients with specified carriers may risk infringement if claiming overlapping compositions or methods.
Patent Term and Maintenance
The patent is valid until 2034, assuming all renewal fees are paid. This prolongs market exclusivity for products within its scope in Canada.
Trends and Strategic Insights
- The current landscape emphasizes controlled-release biologic formulations for targeted immune therapies.
- Increasing filings in biologics and combination therapies suggest ongoing R&D focus in this area.
- The patent's claims privilege specific carrier systems, indicating competitive advantages for formulations using these components.
Implications for R&D and Market Strategies
- Companies should evaluate the scope of claims to avoid infringement when developing similar formulations.
- Patent expiry in 2034 suggests long-term exclusivity but requires ongoing patent maintenance.
- The patent's focus on delivery mechanisms offers avenues for differentiation in complementary product development.
Key Takeaways
- CA2924748 covers a combination drug formulation with specific carriers designed to enhance bioavailability.
- Its claims restrict use to particular active ingredient ratios, carriers, and methods, limiting direct competition.
- The patent family spans multiple jurisdictions, providing broad exclusivity.
- Overlapping patents in biologic formulations and combination therapies pose challenges for product development.
- Long-term market protection remains until 2034, provided maintenance continues.
FAQs
1. Does CA2924748 cover all formulations of the active ingredients?
No. It covers a specific combination with defined carriers and methods, not the individual ingredients alone.
2. Can a competitor develop a different carrier system to avoid infringement?
Potentially. If the carrier differs significantly from the polymer systems claimed, it may not infringe.
3. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes. The patent family includes applications in the U.S., Europe, and other regions with comparable claims.
4. When does patent protection expire?
August 7, 2034, assuming all fees are paid.
5. How does this patent affect biosimilar development?
It limits biosimilar formulations that use the claimed combination, carrier, or method within its scope until expiry.
References
- Patent CA2924748, Canadian Intellectual Property Office, 2015.
