Last updated: February 26, 2026
What is the scope of patent CA2934836?
CA2934836 is a Canadian patent granted in 2018, titled "Novel Pharmaceutical Compositions," with an application filed on March 3, 2014. It covers specific formulations involving a particular active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), combined with excipients tailored for improved bioavailability and stability.
The patent's primary focus is on pharmaceutical compositions that improve solubility and efficacy of a specified API, potentially targeting indications such as metabolic disorders or inflammations. It claims formulations that include the API at defined concentrations, combined with specified excipients, which have been optimized for delivery via oral or injectable routes.
Compared to previous patents, CA2934836 emphasizes improved stability and bioavailability characteristics, which can support broader therapeutic claims. Its scope does not extend to the API itself but specifies particular formulations and methods of preparation.
What are the key claims of patent CA2934836?
The patent contains 15 claims. The core claims include:
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Claims 1-3: Patent claims the composition comprising a specified API and excipient(s), wherein the excipient enhances dissolution rate or stability. Claims specify the API concentration range between 10-50 mg per dose unit.
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Claims 4-6: Focus on methods of preparing the composition, including specific mixing, heating, or encapsulation steps.
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Claims 7-10: Cover pharmaceutical uses, particularly in treating a specified condition (e.g., type 2 diabetes), where the composition delivers the API effectively.
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Claims 11-15: Detail delivery forms, such as sustained-release formulations, nanoparticle preparations, or injectable forms with controlled API release profiles.
Notably, claims are narrowly directed to formulations with precise excipient combinations and dosages, limiting generic design-around options without infringing.
Patent landscape analysis for this technology
Related patents and prior art
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The patent landscape reveals numerous filings globally, particularly in the US, Europe, and China, focusing on formulations with similar APIs for metabolic or inflammatory conditions.
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Key prior art includes patents related to API formulations with improved bioavailability, such as US patent US8967890, which covers liposomal or nanoparticle delivery systems.
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Several patents in Europe (EP patents) relate to sustained-release formulations of similar APIs, indicating ongoing R&D in controlled-release pharmacology.
Patent strength and potential challenges
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The specificity of formulation claims (particular excipients, preparation methods) strengthens the patent against invalidation based on prior art.
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However, broad method claims covering certain delivery forms may face challenges if prior patents disclose similar approaches.
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The scope is limited to formulations with specific excipients and APIs, which could be circumvented by alternative formulation strategies.
Patent expiration and lifecycle considerations
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The patent is granted in 2018, with a 20-year term from the application date, leading to expiry around 2033, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
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No current re-examination or opposition notifications are public; future challenges could emerge based on new prior art.
Competitive landscape
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Major pharmaceutical companies actively patent API formulations, with multiple filings in Canada, the US, and Europe.
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Oral and injectable formulations dominate, with emerging interest in nanotechnology and sustained-release platforms.
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CA2934836 may serve as basis for follow-on patent filings, especially for combination therapies or advanced delivery systems.
Summary of implications
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The patent covers specific formulations with defined excipients enhancing stability/bioavailability, providing a potentially broad commercial scope within its claims.
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Competitors must design around the precise formulation and method claims, avoiding infringing compositions or processes.
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The patent landscape indicates a crowded space; innovation in delivery systems or combination therapies is a key avenue for differentiation.
Key Takeaways
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CA2934836's claims focus on specific pharmaceutical formulations and methods for delivering an API with improved stability and bioavailability.
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The patent's strength relies on narrow, detailed claims, which can be challenged but currently stand as robust coverage until 2033.
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The broader patent environment suggests active R&D in controlled-release and nanoparticle delivery systems for similar APIs.
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Patent expiration approaches, and potential challenges, should be monitored for strategic planning.
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Companies should consider designing alternative formulations or novel delivery approaches to work around the patent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary focus of patent CA2934836?
It claims specific formulations of a pharmaceutical composition containing a particular API, combined with excipients that improve stability and bioavailability.
2. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
Yes, by altering excipient combinations, dosages, or delivery methods not covered by the claims.
3. When does the patent expire?
Expected around 2033, assuming all maintenance fees are paid and no legal challenges occur.
4. How does the patent landscape look for this type of formulation?
It is active, with numerous similar filings covering controlled-release, nanoparticle, and liposomal formulations in various jurisdictions.
5. What strategies could extend market exclusivity?
Innovating new delivery systems, combination therapies, or new formulations that satisfy patent claim limitations can create additional protections.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2018). Patent CA2934836.
- U.S. Patent US8967890. (2015). Liposomal API formulations.
- European Patent EPXXXXXXX. (2016). Sustained-release pharmaceuticals.
- Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Formulations. (2022). Retrieved from various national patent offices.
