Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent CA2980888?
Patent CA2980888, titled "Methods of Treating Cancer with Flavonoid Compounds," covers a novel use of specific flavonoid compounds for treating various cancer types. Filed on December 3, 2009, and granted on October 4, 2019, the patent has a 20-year term set to expire on December 3, 2029. The patent claims a method of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a flavonoid compound, such as quercetin or similar derivatives, to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
The patent's scope emphasizes the use of specific flavonoids—primarily quercetin, kaempferol, and their derivatives—for therapeutic purposes. It distinguishes itself by defining particular dosage ranges, delivery methods (oral, injectable), and treatment regimens targeting cancer cells with specific molecular markers.
Main features of the scope:
- Therapeutic method: Administering flavonoid compounds to treat cancer.
- Compounds involved: Quercetin, kaempferol, and derivatives.
- Targets: Cancer cells exhibiting specific markers or characteristics.
- Delivery: Oral, injection, or other pharmaceutically acceptable methods.
- Dosing ranges: Defined as effective doses for cancer inhibition, typically between 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg.
What are the key claims?
The claims are structured into independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims focusing on the broad method of treatment, and dependent claims specifying particular flavonoids, dosage, and administration routes.
Independent claims
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Claim 1: A method of treating cancer in a subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a flavonoid compound selected from the group consisting of quercetin, kaempferol, and derivatives thereof, to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells.
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Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the administration is oral or injectable.
Dependent claims specify further aspects:
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Claim 3: The flavonoid compound is quercetin.
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Claim 4: The dosage is between 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg.
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Claim 5: The method targets cancer cells expressing specific molecular markers, such as overexpressed HER2 or EGFR.
Additional claims address formulations, combinations with other therapeutic agents, and specific dosing schedules.
Claim scope summary:
| Claim Type |
Scope description |
Limitations |
| Independent |
Use of certain flavonoids for cancer treatment |
Broad; no restriction on cancer type or stage |
| Dependent |
Specific flavonoids, dosages, administration routes, markers |
Narrow; specifies compounds, doses, and target molecules |
What does the patent landscape for CA2980888 look like?
The patent landscape reveals active development in flavonoid-based oncology therapies. Several overlapping and adjacent patents cover flavonoids for therapeutic use, notably by Canadian, U.S., and European entities.
Key players and patent families:
- Canadian patents: CA2980888 (the subject), with related patent applications in Canada and elsewhere.
- U.S. applications: Similar claims with priority to the Canadian filing, e.g., US Patent Application US20170362013A1.
- European patents: Patent applications filed under the European Patent Convention, covering composition and methods, such as EP2648558.
Patent clusters and overlaps:
- Use of quercetin or derivatives for cancer therapy.
- Delivery methods, including liposomal formulations.
- Combination therapies with chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents.
- Specific molecular targets and biomarkers, such as HER2, EGFR, or PD-L1.
Filing trends:
- Increased activity from 2010 to 2018, with peaks around 2014 and 2016.
- Focus on formulations enhancing bioavailability and targeted delivery.
- Shift toward combination therapies with conventional chemotherapeutics.
Patent expiration considerations:
- CA2980888 expires in December 2029.
- Related patents filed in the same timeframe; many will expire between 2029 and 2030, creating potential freedom-to-operate windows post-expiration.
- Patent applications presenting similar claims are pending in jurisdictions like the U.S. and Europe, possibly extending patent protection through continuations or divisional filings.
Strategic insights
- The broad scope offers opportunities for generic development post-2029.
- Narrower claims related to specific biomarkers offer niche protection.
- Existing patent clusters present potential freedom-to-operate challenges; licensing may be necessary for some claims.
- The landscape suggests ongoing innovation in flavonoid formulations and combination therapies.
Key Takeaways
- CA2980888 claims a method of cancer treatment targeting specific flavonoids, particularly quercetin and derivatives.
- The patent has broad claims covering the use of flavonoids for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, with narrower claims focusing on dosages and molecular markers.
- The patent landscape is active, with multiple filings covering related compounds, formulations, and combinations, especially in North America and Europe.
- Post-2029, available freedom-to-operate increases, but careful analysis of related patents remains necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I develop a new flavonoid-based cancer therapy similar to CA2980888 after its expiration?
Yes. Post-2029, the patent protections expire, allowing research and product development based on the disclosed compounds and methods, unless other patents or applications cover similar claims.
2. Does CA2980888 cover all cancer types?
No. The claims do not specify cancer types universally but focus on general methods of treating cancer with flavonoids, with some claims targeting specific molecular markers.
3. Are formulation patents included in CA2980888?
The patent primarily covers methods of treatment and the compounds, not specific formulations. However, some dependent claims may reference formulations.
4. How does the landscape influence licensing strategies?
Existing patents, especially in jurisdictions like the U.S. and Europe, could require licensing. Conducting a freedom-to-operate analysis helps determine risks.
5. What future patent filings could impact freedom to operate?
Pending applications expanding claims on flavonoid derivatives, delivery systems, or combination therapies could affect the landscape. Monitoring patent filings in key jurisdictions remains essential.
References
[1] Canadian Patent CA2980888, "Methods of treating cancer with flavonoid compounds," filed December 3, 2009, granted October 4, 2019.
[2] US Patent Application US20170362013A1, related filings covering flavonoid therapies.
[3] European Patent EP2648558, covering compositions and methods for flavonoid-based cancer treatment.
