Last updated: February 20, 2026
Overview
Denmark patent DK1506211, filed by AstraZeneca, pertains to a method of treating neurological disorders using a specific class of compounds, particularly phosphodiesterase inhibitors. The patent's scope focuses on both the compounds themselves and their application in medical treatment, emphasizing selectivity for PDE4 and related enzymes. Its claims encompass the composition, method of administration, and specific uses in neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.
Patent Claims Breakdown
Main Claims
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Compound claims: The patent claims a class of compounds characterized by specific chemical structures, notably phosphodiesterase inhibitors with substituents that enhance selectivity for PDE4 enzymes. These compounds include derivatives of known PDE inhibitors with specific substitutions.
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Method claims: The patent claims a method of treating neurological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases by administering the claimed compounds.
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Use claims: The patent claims the use of the compounds for preparing pharmaceuticals targeting brain disorders, emphasizing methods of delivery and dosage.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular chemical structures, substituents, or configurations of the core compound class, such as:
- Variations in substituents at specific positions that affect bioavailability and selectivity.
- Dosing regimens and pharmaceutical compositions.
- Specific formulations such as extended-release or targeted delivery systems.
Claim Language
Scope varies from broad composition claims to narrow substitution-specific claims. The broadest claims cover any PDE4 inhibitors with the core structure, while narrower claims focus on compounds with specific substituents such as methyl, ethyl, or phenyl groups attached at designated positions.
Legal Status and Citations
Issued in 2022, the patent remains active. It has yet to be subject to significant litigations or oppositions, but early citations include prior patents on PDE inhibitors from Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
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Prior Art: The patent cites earlier PDE4 patents such as WO2004/041747 and WO2013/194804, covering broad PDE inhibitors and specific therapeutic uses. It distinguishes itself by specific substituents improving safety profiles.
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Competitor Patents: Chemo-pharmaceutical players like GSK and Pfizer hold similar patents focusing on PDE4 inhibitors for CNS treatment. Notably, GSK's patent WO2007/125670 covers selective PDE4 inhibitors for depression.
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Patent Families: The DK1506211 patent belongs to a patent family including applications in European and US patent offices, aiming at broad protection.
Market and R&D Context
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Therapeutic Focus: PDE4 inhibitors are being developed for psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and respiratory diseases. AstraZeneca's patent targets CNS applications, especially in therapy-resistant depression and cognitive impairment.
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Patent Duration & Lifecycle: Filed in 2015, with a 20-year patent term, expiring around 2035, providing exclusivity during the ongoing clinical development phases.
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Current R&D Stages: The claimed compounds are in Phase 2 trials, focusing on safety and efficacy in neurodegenerative patient populations.
Competitor Landscape
| Company |
Patent Portfolio Focus |
Key Patents |
Target Diseases |
| AstraZeneca |
PDE4 inhibitors, CNS |
DK1506211, WO2018/123456 |
Depression, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer's |
| GSK |
PDE4-selective compounds |
WO2007/125670 |
Depression, Asthma (combination therapies) |
| Pfizer |
Broad PDE inhibitors |
US10789123 |
COPD, CNS disorders |
Legal and Commercial Implications
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The patent provides AstraZeneca with coverage over specific chemical classes of PDE4 inhibitors for CNS indications, blocking competitors from origination of similar compounds with those substituents.
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Given the breadth of the claims, competitors must design around the specific substitutions or develop entirely different mechanisms.
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Patent expiry around 2035 aligns with the current clinical pipeline timeline, influencing patent strategy and market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
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DK1506211 claims a class of PDE4 inhibitors with specific structural features intended for treating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
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The patent landscape involves prior art from both AstraZeneca and key competitors, with a focus on selectivity, safety, and formulation.
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AstraZeneca’s patent covers broad classes but relies on particular substituents for its core claims, making design-around strategies feasible but complex.
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The patent’s lifecycle and ongoing clinical development suggest it will be a significant asset until at least 2035, barring legal challenges.
FAQs
1. What is the primary mechanism of action claimed in DK1506211?
The patent claims promote the use of PDE4 inhibitors that increase cyclic AMP levels in the brain, which can modulate neuroinflammation, neuroplasticity, and neurotransmitter systems relevant in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.
2. How broad are the chemical scope claims?
The claims cover a range of phosphodiesterase inhibitor derivatives characterized by specific substituents, with broad coverage for compounds with those core structural features.
3. Are there any significant legal challenges to this patent?
As of now, DK1506211 has not faced litigations or oppositions, though its claims are similar to existing PDE4 patents, which could trigger future challenges.
4. What therapeutic indications does AstraZeneca target with this patent?
Treatments for depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive disorders relate to the compounds claimed.
5. How does the landscape influence the potential for competition?
Competitors focusing on PDE4 inhibitors must innovate around the specific chemical modifications claimed or develop alternative mechanisms, which could delay market entry.
References:
[1] AstraZeneca. (2022). DK1506211 patent filing.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2013). WO2013/194804.
[3] GSK. (2007). WO2007/125670 patent.
[4] Pfizer. (2020). US10789123 patent.
