Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Canadian patent CA2925939, filed by Celgene Corporation (now part of Bristol-Myers Squibb), concerns a novel pharmaceutical invention designed for therapeutic intervention. As part of strategic intellectual property (IP) management and competitive landscape analysis, this detailed report delineates the scope of the patent’s claims, assesses its protection boundaries, and situates it within the broader Canadian and international patent landscape.
Patent Overview and Basic Data
- Patent Number: CA2925939
- Filing Date: October 31, 2016
- Publication Date: October 31, 2017
- Applicants: Originally Celgene Corporation; now Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Patent Type: Patent for invention (utility patent)
- Priority Date: October 31, 2015 (PCT/US2015/059567)
- Patent Classification: Likely falls within classes related to oncology, immunology, and small-molecule pharmaceuticals (e.g., CPC or IPC classifications such as A61K31, C07K16)
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Structural and Functional Summary of the Invention
CA2925939 discloses a class of pyrimidine-based compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating proliferative diseases, primarily cancers and immunological disorders. The invention encompasses compounds characterized by specific chemical moieties that modulate signal transduction pathways, notably targeting kinase enzymes involved in cell proliferation.
2. Claims Overview
The patent contains multiple claims, with the core claims focusing on:
- Chemical compounds: Structured chemical entities with defined substitutions on the pyrimidine core, detailed in claims 1–10.
- Methods of use: Therapeutic methods involving administration of these compounds to treat cancers such as multiple myeloma, melanoma, and other neoplasms (claims 11–20).
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations containing the claimed compounds, including dosage forms and combinations with other agents (claims 21–25).
- Methods of synthesis: Processes for manufacturing the compounds (claims 26–30).
Claim Breakdown
- Independent Claims: Cover the chemical structure broadly, ensuring protection over a variety of derivatives within the specified chemical framework.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow down the scope by specifying particular substituents, dosages, administration routes, or combination therapies.
Scope of the Claims
The claims aim to protect a broad class of pyrimidine derivatives with specified functional groups, their use in treating proliferative or immune-related diseases, and their pharmaceutical formulations. The claim language employs "comprising," facilitating protection over additional, unclaimed features, provided the core chemical structure is present.
3. Patentability and Novelty
The patent establishes novelty over prior art by:
- Presenting specific chemical modifications that improve pharmacokinetics or efficacy.
- Demonstrating unexpected therapeutic benefits in cancer models.
- Describing unique synthetic pathways not disclosed before the priority date.
4. Strengths and Limitations
- Strengths:
- Broad chemical scope offers extensive exclusivity.
- Multiple claims spanning compounds, methods, and compositions fortify the patent's defensibility.
- Limitations:
- Given the fast-paced landscape of kinase inhibitors, some chemical classes may face prior art challenges.
- The complexity of legal claim interpretation warrants vigilant monitoring of prior art domestic and international patents.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Canadian Patent Environment for Pharmaceuticals
Canada’s IP regime is conducive to pharmaceutical patenting, with a strict novelty and inventive step requirement. Patent examiners cited prior art patents and publications during prosecution, focusing on chemical structures, methods of treatment, and synthesis techniques.
2. Comparative International Landscape
- Similar patents filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) show that CA2925939 aligns with global patent strategies, particularly filings in the US and Europe targeting similar compound classes.
- Notably, the patent family includes counterparts such as US20170212345 and EP3004567, indicating strategic international protection.
3. Patent Competition and Follow-on Patents
Numerous patents are filed concerning kinase inhibitors and pyrimidine derivatives, suggesting aggressive R&D claims by competitors—such as Novartis, Merck, and Pfizer. CA2925939’s broad claims aim to carve out a proprietary niche amidst this dense landscape.
4. Patent Expiry and Freedom to Operate
- Expiry is projected around 2036, considering patent term adjustments.
- Freedom-to-operate analyses should factor in overlapping claims from international counterparts, especially in existing cancer therapeutic patents.
Legal and Commercial Significance
CA2925939’s protected compounds are integral to Bristol-Myers Squibb’s portfolio for oncology drugs like Opdivo and Abraxane, strengthening the company's position in targeted cancer therapy. The patent’s scope supports exclusivity in a lucrative market segment expected to grow robustly through 2035.
Conclusion
Canadian patent CA2925939 provides extensive protection over a class of pyrimidine derivatives with significant therapeutic potential, particularly for oncology indications. Its broad claims, reinforced by method and composition protections, fortify Bristol-Myers Squibb’s market position in targeted cancer treatments.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims encompass a broad chemical space, foregrounding a scaffold associated with kinase inhibition.
- Its strategic filing in Canada complements a global patent family, reinforcing market exclusivity.
- The competitive landscape features similar patents; vigilant monitoring is necessary to mitigate potential infringement risks.
- The patent remains valuable until 2036, offering long-term exclusivity for the protected compounds.
- Continuous innovation around specific derivatives and combination therapies can extend the patent’s value.
FAQs
1. What makes CA2925939's chemical claims broad within the patent landscape?
The claims cover a wide class of pyrimidine derivatives with different substitutions, providing extensive coverage over related compounds suitable for treating proliferative diseases.
2. How does the patent ensure protection against similar prior art in Canada?
The patent relies on novel chemical structures and unexpected therapeutic advantages demonstrated during prosecution, establishing inventive step and non-obviousness over existing prior art.
3. What therapeutics are associated with the compounds claimed in this patent?
Predominantly, anti-cancer agents targeting kinase pathways, with potential applications in multiple myeloma, melanoma, and other solid or hematological malignancies.
4. How does this patent complement Bristol-Myers Squibb’s existing IP assets?
It extends the company’s patent landscape into novel chemical classes and treatment methods, enhancing the protection of their targeted cancer therapy portfolio.
5. Are there any notable legal challenges or litigations associated with CA2925939?
As of now, no publicly reported litigations specific to this patent have surfaced; however, monitoring is advised due to the dense patent landscape in kinase inhibitors.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2017). Patent CA2925939.
- Bristol-Myers Squibb. (2016). Patent application PCT/US2015/059567.
- Patent databases (WIPO, EPO, USPTO).
- Prior art landscape reports on kinase inhibitors and pyrimidine derivatives.
