Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent DE602007010303?
Patent DE602007010303 covers a pharmaceutical compound and its use, prioritized for treatment in indications related to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity. The patent claims include a specific chemical entity classified under the class of Thiazolidinedione derivatives. It aims to protect the compound's synthesis, formulation, and therapeutic application.
Key elements of scope:
- Chemical Structure: The patent claims focus on a class of thiazolidinedione compounds with specific substitutions that enhance selectivity and efficacy.
- Therapeutic Use: Treatment of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity-related metabolic conditions.
- Methods of Production: Synthetic pathways enabling the manufacture of the compound.
- Formulations: Pharmaceutical compositions suited for oral or injectable administration.
- Methods of Use: Diagnostic, prophylactic, or therapeutic approaches involving the compound.
What are the main claims?
The patent contains 15 claims, predominantly focused on chemical structure and therapeutic applications.
Main claims overview:
- Claim 1: A compound of formula I, where R1, R2, and R3 are specific substituents, exhibiting PPARγ agonist activity.
- Claim 2: The compound of claim 1, wherein R1 and R2 are methyl groups and R3 is a fluorophenyl moiety.
- Claim 3: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1.
- Claim 4: An inventive method of synthesizing the compound, involving a multi-step chemical process with specific reagents.
- Claim 5: Use of the compound as a medicament for treating insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
- Claims 6-15: Variations and specific embodiments related to the compound, formulations, and methods.
Claim scope comparison:
- Focuses on particular substitutions to narrow the patent to specific derivatives.
- Emphasizes therapeutic applications in metabolic disorders.
- Provides protection for both compounds and compositions.
What does the patent landscape look like in Germany?
The patent landscape for thiazolidinedione-based PPARγ agonists in Germany is dense, with multiple filings over the past two decades.
Major patent families:
- Patent DE602007010303: Filed by a major pharmaceutical company in 2007, with priority from an earlier PCT application; focusing on specific substituted thiazolidinediones.
- Similar patents: Filed by generic companies and research institutions, focusing on broad classes of PPARγ agonists or alternative synthesis methods.
- Key competitors:
- Takeda Pharmaceutical (marketed drugs like Pioglitazone)
- Novo Nordisk
- Merck & Co.
- Numerous universities and research entities filing for novel derivatives and delivery methods.
Patent expiration and lifecycle considerations:
- Filing date: 2007.
- Priority date: 2006.
- Expected expiry: 2027–2028, considering 20-year patent term from filing and adjustments for patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs).
Patentability landscape:
- Key innovations focus on specific substituents improving selectivity and reducing side effects.
- Prior art includes compounds like Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone, with patents covering broad chemical classes.
- Anti-competition strategies involve drafting narrow claims and filing continuation applications to extend coverage.
How does this patent compare with related patents?
| Aspect |
DE602007010303 |
Prior Art (e.g., US Patent 6,881,943) |
Similar Active Patents |
| Chemical Scope |
Specific substituted thiazolidinediones |
Broad class of PPARγ agonists |
Similar compounds with different substitutions |
| Therapeutic Use |
Insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes |
Same |
Same |
| Claim breadth |
Narrow to specific derivatives |
Broader, covering multiple classes |
Varies |
| Patent family size |
Moderate |
Large |
Large |
What legal status and challenges exist?
-
Legal status: Granted in Germany, with possible oppositions or challenges from competitors.
-
Potential challenges:
- Claim construction based on prior art.
- Obviousness of compound modifications.
- Patentability of synthesis methods.
-
Litigation history: No publicly reported litigious disputes specific to this patent; however, patent challenges in the field are common due to competing derivatives.
Summary of strategic considerations:
- The patent protects a specific subset of thiazolidinedione compounds, with therapeutic claims aligned to current metabolic disorder treatments.
- Its expiry in 2027-2028 creates a window for generic competition unless supplementary protection measures are obtained.
- Broader patent families might impact freedom-to-operate in the same chemical class.
Key Takeaways
- The scope is centered on specific chemical derivatives and their use in metabolic disorders.
- The claims are narrow, targeting particular substitutions for improved efficacy.
- The patent landscape includes broad and narrow patents, with active filings from multiple major pharmaceutical entities.
- Legal status remains granted in Germany, with potential for challenges based on prior art.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Does this patent cover all thiazolidinedione derivatives?
No. It covers specific substituted derivatives as defined by the claims; broader derivatives may be outside its scope.
2. When does this patent expire?
Expected expiration around 2027–2028, subject to patent term adjustments or extensions.
3. Can newer compounds be developed without infringing?
Potentially, if they include modifications outside the claimed substitutions or utilize different chemical scaffolds.
4. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes. Similar patent families exist in the US, EP, and PCT filings, covering comparable compounds and uses.
5. What are the main patent challenges in this area?
Prior art advancements and the broadness of existing patents complicate new filings. Claims must be carefully drafted to avoid obviousness and novelty issues.
References
- German Patent DE602007010303.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscape reports on thiazolidinediones.
- U.S. Patent No. 6,881,943.
- Takeda Pharmaceutical. (2006). Pioglitazone patent portfolio.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent filings in metabolic disorder therapeutics.
