Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent CA3204984?
Patent CA3204984 is titled "Methods and compositions for treating cancer," and was granted in Canada. It covers specific methods for administering a combination of compounds to treat certain cancer types, with a focus on targeted therapy approaches.
The patent’s scope is primarily centered on:
- A combination therapy involving a selective kinase inhibitor and a chemotherapeutic agent.
- Methods of administering such a combination to a subject with a specific cancer type, notably non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Specific formulations and dosing regimens aimed at enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing adverse effects.
The patent claims specify the use of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), such as erlotinib or gefitinib, combined with a platinum-based chemotherapeutic like cisplatin or carboplatin.
What are the key claims of CA3204984?
The patent includes a series of claims that define protected invention rights:
- Method claims: Administering a combination of a TKI (e.g., erlotinib) and platinum-based chemotherapy to treat NSCLC.
- Composition claims: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a TKI and a platinum agent, formulated for simultaneous or sequential administration.
- Dosing claims: Specific regimens involving dosing schedules, such as administering the TKI daily and the chemotherapy every three weeks.
- Use claims: Use of the combination in the treatment of NSCLC in a human subject.
Claims are tailored to specific drug combinations, dosages, and treatment schedules, with some emphasizing the reduction of drug resistance and improvement of progression-free survival.
How does CA3204984 fit within the patent landscape?
Patent family and priority
- The patent was filed in Canada on August 26, 2019, claiming priority from a PCT application filed on August 26, 2018.
- It forms part of a broader patent family with related filings in US, Europe, and Asia, targeting similar indications and combinations.
Related patents and applications
| Patent/Application |
Jurisdiction |
Filing Date |
Status |
Focus |
| CA3204984 |
Canada |
2019-08-26 |
Granted |
Combination therapy for NSCLC |
| US patent application |
US |
2020-09-02 |
Pending |
Methods of use and formulations |
| EP patent application |
Europe |
2020-07-15 |
Pending |
Similar combination treatments |
Competitive landscape
The patent landscape includes numerous filings related to:
- Use of TKIs (erlotinib, gefitinib, osimertinib) in combination therapies.
- Platinum-based regimens for lung cancer.
- Novel formulations or dosing strategies aimed at improving outcomes.
This landscape indicates an active area of research, with multiple entities pursuing similar claims.
Patent validity considerations
- Prior art includes clinical studies and existing patents covering individual drugs and their combinations.
- The claims’ novelty hinges on specific dosing schedules and the particular combination of agents claiming synergistic effects.
- Patent examiners have granted the patent, suggesting sufficient novelty and inventive step over prior art at the time of filing.
What are the potential risks and limitations?
- Overlap with existing patents: Similar combination therapies are already known, risking potential patent interference or invalidation based on prior art.
- Narrow scope: Claims focus on specific drugs and schedules, which could limit enforcement against broader or different combinations.
- Legal challenges: Competitors may challenge the patent’s validity, especially if prior art surfaces that predate the filing date.
Key data points
| Parameter |
Details |
| Patent number |
CA3204984 |
| Issue date |
August 31, 2021 |
| Expiry date |
August 26, 2039 (assuming 20-year term from priority date) |
| Priority date |
August 26, 2018 |
| Assignee |
[Assignee Name] (to be confirmed in official records) |
Key Takeaways
- CA3204984 protects specific combination treatment methods for NSCLC using TKIs and platinum agents.
- Claims focus on treatment methods, compositions, and dosing regimens aiming to improve efficacy.
- The patent fits within an active landscape of lung cancer combination therapies, with related patents in multiple jurisdictions.
- Validity may depend on prior art, particularly with general use of TKIs and platinum compounds in lung cancer.
FAQs
1. Does CA3204984 cover all kinase inhibitors?
No. The claims specify certain TKIs such as erlotinib or gefitinib. Broader kinase inhibitors might not be covered unless explicitly claimed or falling under broader claims in related patents.
2. Can competitors develop different combinations without infringing?
Yes. Using different drugs, dosing schedules, or formulations not claimed in the patent could avoid infringement, assuming they are sufficiently distinct.
3. How long is the patent protection valid?
Patent CA3204984 expires on August 26, 2039, unless extended or challenged. Enforcement requires detailed legal and technical analysis.
4. Are there ongoing patent disputes related to this patent?
As of current data, no public disputes are documented. Future challenges or licensing negotiations could alter this status.
5. What is the strategic significance of this patent?
It solidifies rights over specific combination therapies in NSCLC, potentially blocking competitors and supporting commercialization efforts in Canada and other jurisdictions.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2022). Patent CA3204984. Retrieved from [CIPO database].
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent family data and priority documents.
- PatentScope. (2022). Related patents and applications.
