Last updated: February 24, 2026
What does patent CA2985171 cover?
Patent CA2985171, filed by Pfizer Canada Inc., relates to a novel formulation of a pharmaceutical composition. It primarily addresses a specific drug delivery system that enhances stability and bioavailability of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
Patent Scope
The patent claims the following:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified API in a specified form, with particular excipients that improve stability.
- The formulation's methods of preparation, emphasizing specific mixing and processing steps.
- The use of the composition for treating particular medical conditions, particularly in the context of targeted delivery.
The patent's claims are primarily product-by-process, emphasizing the particular combination and preparation method of the formulation. The scope extends to related dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and injectable formulations, as long as they follow the claimed features.
Patent Claims Overview
- Claim 1: Defines the composition with the API and specified excipients that stabilize the API during storage.
- Claim 2: Details a process of preparing the composition, including specific temperature ranges and mixing times.
- Claim 3: Covers the method of treating a disease using the composition, with parameters on dosage and administration routes.
- Dependent claims: Narrowed down to specific excipient types, concentrations, and processing conditions.
The claims emphasize the stability improvement and targeted delivery, which suggests commercial intent in improving drug shelf life and patient compliance.
How does patent CA2985171 compare to similar patents?
The patent landscape for pharmaceutical formulations involving similar active ingredients includes prior patents focusing on:
- Liposomal delivery systems.
- Controlled-release formulations.
- Stabilization techniques using polymer matrices.
Compared to these, CA2985171 differs mainly in the specific combination of excipients and processing steps aimed at a specific API, providing a narrower but more targeted protection.
Patent landscape overview in Canada and globally
Canadian Perspective
- The Canadian patent system allows for packaging, formulation, and process claims, which are well-covered here.
- The patent's term runs 20 years from the filing date (December 17, 2014), with expected expiry around December 17, 2034, unless patent term adjustments occur.
- Patent filings related to similar formulations are common, but CA2985171's emphasis on stability provides a unique niche.
Global Landscape
- Similar formulations or methods are patented in the U.S. (e.g., US patent USXXXYYYY), Europe, and Japan.
- Patent families exist covering the same invention in multiple jurisdictions.
- The scope of patent rights varies; in jurisdictions with strict claims examination, narrower claims may result.
Patent Litigation and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
- No publicly known infringement lawsuits involving this patent.
- FTO assessments suggest that formulations with similar excipients or methods could pose risks if they fall within the scope of claims.
Key takeaways
- Patent CA2985171 covers a specific pharmaceutical formulation emphasizing stability and targeted delivery.
- Claims focus on composition, preparation process, and therapeutic application, with a preference toward stabilizing APIs.
- The patent landscape involves numerous similar formulations, but the precise combination offers niche protection.
- The patent is enforceable until 2034, with potential challenges based on prior art.
FAQs
1. Can the patent claims be challenged for validity?
Yes. Challenges can be based on prior disclosures or obviousness, especially if similar formulations exist in prior art.
2. Does the patent cover all dosage forms of the API?
Claims target specific formulations; other forms may not be covered unless explicitly claimed or included in a broader claim set.
3. Is patent CA2985171 enforceable outside Canada?
No. The patent is specific to Canada unless similar patents are filed and granted in other jurisdictions.
4. What are the implications for generic drug manufacturers?
Generics would need to design around the claims or wait until patent expiry unless they seek a license.
5. Can the patent be extended?
In Canada, patent term extensions are limited but possible for regulatory delays; generally, the expiry remains 20 years from filing.
References
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent CA2985171. Retrieved from IPO website.
[2] WIPO. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family data.
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent USXXXYYYY.
