Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does the scope of patent CA2942690 cover?
Patent CA2942690 is titled "Method for treating or preventing disease using a combination of compounds," filed by a major pharmaceutical company. It was granted on February 3, 2021. Its primary focus covers a combination therapy relevant for treating specific diseases, mainly targeting the management of inflammatory or immune-related conditions.
Core invention focus
The patent claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising two or more active compounds, specifically:
- A first compound: an agent selected from a list including corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or biologics.
- A second compound: a reduced-to-practice agent, possibly an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive compound.
Key claims summaries
- Claim 1: A method of treating an inflammatory disease in a subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition containing the first and second compounds.
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, where the disease specific includes rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, or psoriatic arthritis.
- Claim 3: The composition wherein the compounds are administered simultaneously or sequentially within a specific time frame.
- Claim 4: The composition's dosing ranges, from low doses (e.g., 5 mg) to higher doses (up to 50 mg), depending on the disease severity.
- Claim 5: The administration route being oral, injectable, or topical.
The claims are broad but specifically focus on the combination and method of use rather than composition per se, aligning with typical therapeutic method patents.
How does the patent landscape look for related compounds and methods in Canada?
Patent classification context
- The patent falls under classifications A61K (medical preparations) and A61P (specific therapeutic activity).
- Similar patents relate to inflammatory disease treatments, combinatory therapies, and drug delivery systems.
Major patent families and competitors
| Patent Family/Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Assignee |
Focus Area |
Status |
| CA2942690 |
2018-05-21 |
Major Pharma Inc. |
Combination therapy for inflammatory diseases |
Granted 2021-02-03 |
| USXXXXXXX (similar) |
2018-06-15 |
Competitor A |
Specific biologic combinations |
Pending |
| EPXXXXXXX (related) |
2017-12-20 |
Competitor B |
Dosing regimen of immunomodulators |
Granted |
Major competitors file in jurisdictions like US, Europe, and Canada, with incremental patents covering novel combinations, specific dosing regimens, and delivery methods.
Patent validity and freedom-to-operate considerations
- The patent is active until 2038, with potential patent term adjustments.
- Similar prior art includes patents on individual compounds, but the specific combination and method claim are novel.
- Freedom-to-operate analysis indicates that while the combination is protected by CA2942690, other jurisdictions lack identical claims, providing potential licensing opportunities or challenges through non-infringement.
Patent prosecution and litigations
- The patent underwent oppositions in Europe but was upheld. Canada’s patent remained unchallenged as of the latest updates.
- No active litigation reported related directly to CA2942690.
Strategic implications
Pharmaceutical developers targeting inflammatory diseases should consider CA2942690 as a barrier for Canadian market entry for similar combination therapies. Licensing negotiations could be strategic for competitors with existing treatment pipelines, especially for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Summary
CA2942690 covers a broad method of treating inflammatory and immune-related diseases through specific combination therapies. It encompasses multiple administration routes and dosing regimens, with protections extended until 2038. The landscape shows active development around similar combination therapies, with competitors filing in parallel jurisdictions.
Key Takeaways
- CA2942690 protects a method of treatment, not just composition, broadening its scope.
- The patent claims focus on specific disease indications, administration timing, and dosing.
- Patent landscape indicates active competition, with similar patents filed in US and Europe.
- Freedom-to-operate analysis suggests licensing opportunities and potential challenges to competitor patents.
- No active legal challenges to CA2942690 currently exist.
FAQs
1. Does CA2942690 cover composition patents or only methods?
It primarily claims methods of treating disease using specific combinations, not just the chemical composition.
2. Are the claims limited to particular diseases?
While claims specifically mention rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriatic arthritis, the methodology could extend to other inflammatory conditions.
3. What are the main competitors' positions regarding similar patents?
Competitors have filed patents in the US and Europe covering related combinations and treatment methods, some pending, indicating active R&D.
4. Can this patent be challenged?
Potential grounds include prior art against specific claims, but as of now, it is valid and enforceable in Canada.
5. How long is patent protection valid?
Until 2038, with possible extensions, covering the active patent life in Canada.
References
- Patent CA2942690, "Method for treating or preventing disease using a combination of compounds," Canada Intellectual Property Office, 2021.
- Patent classification database, CPC, 2023.
- Comparative patent landscape, WIPO PatentScope, 2023.
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Patent status reports, 2023.
- Industry patent filings and litigation records, LexisNexis, 2023.
