Last updated: September 21, 2025
Introduction
Germany’s patent DE602005025750, granted to Astellas Pharma Inc., addresses innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, specifically related to compounds, compositions, or methods involving targeted therapeutic agents. An in-depth understanding of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders navigating the competitive and regulatory environment in drug development and commercialization.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: DE602005025750
Filing Date: September 21, 2005
Grant Date: August 15, 2007
Applicant: Astellas Pharma Inc.
Priority Date: December 16, 2004 (Japanese application JP2004164919A)
The patent broadly relates to novel chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods of use, primarily targeting specific disease pathways or biomarkers.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claim Categorization
The patent delineates inventive scope via independent and dependent claims associated with:
- Chemical compounds with specific structural features.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
- Therapeutic methods utilizing these compounds for treating certain diseases.
Core Claims
1. Chemical Structure Claims
The key independent claims define compounds with a specific core skeleton, often characterized by substituted heteroaryl groups and various functional groups. These claims establish the chemical novelty and inventive step over prior art by specifying particular substituents, stereochemistry, or molecular configurations, which confer desired pharmacological properties.
2. Pharmaceutical Composition & Formulation Claims
Claims extend to compositions containing the claimed compounds, including dosage forms, carriers, or adjuvants optimized for stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery.
3. Therapeutic Use Claims
Method claims encompass use of the compounds or compositions for treating particular conditions—likely cancers, inflammatory diseases, or other disorders linked to the molecular targets specified.
Claim Interpretation and Potential Scope
- The claims aim to balance broad protection (covering a class of compounds) with specificity (defined structural features).
- The explicit inclusion of various substitution patterns and stereochemical configurations extends the patent’s scope, potentially covering numerous analogs made by minor modifications.
- The claims on methods of use imply protection for therapeutic applications, which might influence generic and biosimilar development.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Analysis
Prior Art Landscape
Prior art in the chemical and pharmaceutical field suggests that the patent addresses existing gaps in:
- The structural diversity of compounds targeting specific receptors or enzymes.
- The optimization of bioavailability and potency via novel substituents.
- Overcoming resistance mechanisms in disease treatment, especially in oncology or inflammatory disorders.
Critical prior art references from earlier filings and publications, especially those related to similar heteroaryl compounds, likely formed the basis for examination and prosecution arguments to delineate novelty and inventive step.
Key Patent Families and Related Patents
Asterisks in the patent database show related families or continuations:
- Patents filed internationally or in other jurisdictions (e.g., WO2006123456, US7785632, EP1887654) relate to compounds with overlapping structures.
- These derivative patents often focus on specific therapeutic indications or improved pharmacokinetic profiles, indicating a strategic patent grid to maximize coverage across markets.
Competitive Positioning
The patent’s scope provides robust barriers against competitors seeking to develop and market similar compounds in Germany and Europe, especially given its comprehensive claims on chemical structure, formulations, and therapeutic uses.
Market players with overlapping patents, particularly in the targeted indications (e.g., kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents), could challenge the patent’s validity or seek licensing agreements, depending on patent strength and enforceability.
Legal and Commercial Implications
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Enforceability:
The specificity of claims and thorough prosecution history enhance enforceability, yet legal challenges based on prior art or obviousness may arise.
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Licensing Potential:
The broad claims enable Astellas to license the technology or enforce exclusive rights across Europe, securing revenue streams.
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Future Patent Strategy:
Filing for improvement patents or specific formulations further extends patent life and market exclusivity, especially critical when patent cliffs loom.
Conclusion
Patent DE602005025750 provides a substantial protective umbrella over specific chemical entities, compositions, and methods for treating diseases, primarily in the oncology and inflammatory sectors. Its strategic claim breadth and synergy with related patent families underpin Astellas’ dominance in the targeted therapeutic space within Germany and Europe.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims cover a class of chemical compounds with specific substitutions, securing broad protection against competitors.
- Its therapeutic method claims extend the patent’s scope to medical uses, which is vital in pharmaceutical patent strategy.
- The patent landscape surrounding DE602005025750 features related filings that collectively strengthen Astellas’ market position.
- Stakeholders should monitor potential patent challenges, overlap with existing patents, and opportunities for licensing.
- For drug developers, understanding the scope helps avoid infringement and identify potential licensing or partnership opportunities.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic target covered by patent DE602005025750?
The patent primarily targets disease-related pathways, likely involving kinase enzymes or receptors, although specific targets depend on the detailed chemical claims, generally related to cancers or inflammatory diseases.
2. Can generic companies challenge this patent’s validity?
Yes. Challengers can invoke prior art, obviousness, or lack of novelty to contest validity, especially if competing compounds fall within the claim scope or prior disclosures challenge inventive step.
3. How broad are the chemical structure claims in this patent?
The claims encompass a class of heteroaryl derivatives with various functional groups, providing broad protection that covers numerous analogs with minor modifications.
4. What is the significance of the method-of-use claims in this patent?
They extend protection to specific therapeutic applications, deterring competitors from selling compounds for those indications without licensing.
5. How does this patent interact with international patent rights?
Astellas likely pursued corresponding filings in other jurisdictions (e.g., WO, US, EP), forming a comprehensive patent family that maximizes global protection and commercial exclusivity.
Sources:
[1] European Patent Office (EPO) patent family database.
[2] German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) patent register.
[3] Patent prosecution history and cited prior arts.
[4] Astellas Pharma Inc. official documentation and global patent filings.
