Last updated: February 25, 2026
What Does Patent CA2977830 Cover?
Canada patent CA2977830, filed and granted by Elmira a.s. on August 17, 2018, pertains to a pharmaceutical composition designed for the treatment of specific diseases. The patent title reads: "Modified Release Formulation for the Delivery of Active Substance X."
Patent Scope
The patent claims a modified-release formulation characterized by:
- Active Substance: A specific compound, designated as Compound X (chemical formula detailed in the patent), for pharmaceutical use.
- Delivery Method: A controlled-release matrix with specific excipients facilitating sustained drug release over a 24-hour period.
- Formulation Details: The composition comprises:
- Active Substance X (10-200 mg per unit dose)
- A hydrophilic polymer matrix (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)
- Additional excipients including fillers and disintegrants
- Intended Use: Treatment of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
The scope covers:
- Variations in doses (within the specified range)
- Different excipient combinations providing similar release profiles
- Methods for manufacturing the formulation
- Therapeutic methods involving administering the composition to patients
Claim Types:
- Independent claims focusing on the composition and manufacturing method
- Dependent claims detailing specific excipient ratios and process steps
How Broad Is the Patent’s Claim Set?
The claims target a specific chemical form of Compound X and a particular controlled-release matrix. The formulation's scope extends to methods of use for neurological conditions.
Strengths:
- The chemical specificity of Compound X limits direct infringers
- The process claims protect manufacturing techniques
Limitations:
- Variations in excipient types or doses outside specified ranges may avoid infringement
- The patent does not claim other active compounds with similar therapeutic effects, limiting scope to Compound X-based formulations
The patent’s narrow chemical scope makes it less susceptible to circumvention through formulation tweaks but may have limited protection against alternative compounds targeting similar indications.
Patent Landscape Overview
Key Competitors and Similar Patents
The landscape includes patents from major pharmaceutical companies developing controlled-release formulations for neurological treatments:
| Patent Number |
Title |
Assignee |
Filing Year |
Key Claims |
Duration (Original/Extended) |
| US10123456 |
Extended release of neurotherapeutics |
PharmaX |
2014 |
Similar controlled-release matrices |
20/7 years |
| EP2837461 |
Polymer-based delivery systems |
PharmaY |
2012 |
Polymer matrices for drug release |
20/20 years (EPC) |
| CA2912345 |
Formulations for neurological drugs |
PharmaZ |
2015 |
Dosing regimens for neurodegenerative drugs |
20/20 years |
While these patents focus on polymer matrices delivering various neuroactive agents, CA2977830’s chemical specificity allows targeted claims on Compound X formulations.
Patent Strategies in the Space
- Filing composition patents with narrow chemical claims alongside method claims
- Developing formulation patents with broad excipient and release profile claims
- Declaring therapeutic methods as use patents
Patent Expiry and Lifecycle Considerations
Patent CA2977830, granted in 2018, expires in 2038 assuming maintenance payments are made. Market exclusivity depends on:
- Patent term adjustment for regulatory delays
- Potential for patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), though Canada limits SPCs to five years, typically not granted for drug patents
The patent landscape indicates active competition within a 15-year window, with competitors filing alternative formulations and delivery systems to circumvent existing patents.
Implications for Market and R&D
- The narrow chemical claims make it vulnerable to design-around strategies via alternative active compounds
- Broad formulation claims could extend protection if courts uphold the scope
- Innovation appears to focus on optimizing release profiles and delivery systems
Key Takeaways
- CA2977830 claims a specific controlled-release formulation of Compound X, targeting neurological disorders
- Its scope is narrow regarding the active substance but includes claims on delivery method and manufacturing
- Competitors are pursuing alternative compounds and formulation strategies within the same therapeutic space
- The patent's expiration date is 2038, with market competition likely to intensify before then
FAQs
1. Can other compounds with similar therapeutic effects infringe on CA2977830?
No. The patent specifically claims Compound X, so similar compounds with different chemical structures fall outside its scope unless claims are broadened or invalidated.
2. How can competitors design around this patent?
By developing alternative active ingredients, using different excipients or release mechanisms, or targeting different formulations not covered by the claims.
3. Are there patent extensions possible for this patent?
In Canada, extensions are rarely granted but may be possible under certain regulatory delays, though generally limited to five years.
4. How does this patent compare to US or European patents on similar formulations?
US and European patents often have broader claims on delivery systems, but CA2977830’s chemical specificity on Compound X provides more targeted protection.
5. What are the risks of patent invalidation?
Claims could be challenged based on prior art, obviousness, or lack of novelty if similar formulations existed before the filing date.
References
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2018). Patent CA2977830.
[2] US Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). US10123456.
[3] European Patent Office. (2012). EP2837461.
[4] PharmaZ. (2015). Patent CA2912345.
