Last updated: February 19, 2026
Patent DK2252313, titled "Method for reducing inflammatory responses associated with a disease or condition," was granted to Novo Nordisk A/S on April 10, 2017. The patent claims methods for treating diseases characterized by inflammatory responses using specific antibody molecules. The core of the patent lies in its claims concerning the administration of antibodies that bind to and inhibit the activity of a specific receptor involved in inflammatory pathways.
What is the core inventive concept of DK2252313?
The central inventive concept of DK2252313 is a method for reducing inflammatory responses. This is achieved through the administration of a specific class of antibody molecules. These antibodies are designed to target and neutralize a particular receptor, identified in the patent as playing a critical role in mediating inflammatory processes. By inhibiting this receptor's activity, the claimed method aims to mitigate the downstream inflammatory cascade associated with various diseases and conditions. The patent provides details on the specific binding characteristics and efficacy of these antibodies.
What is the geographical scope of DK2252313?
DK2252313 is a national patent specifically for Denmark. This means its legal protection and enforcement are limited to the territory of Denmark. It does not automatically confer patent protection in other countries. Companies operating in or seeking to market pharmaceutical products in Denmark must consider this patent for their research, development, and commercialization strategies.
What are the key claims of DK2252313?
The patent's claims define the legal boundaries of the invention. For DK2252313, the key claims focus on methods of treatment.
- Claim 1: This is the broadest independent claim. It defines a method of treating a disease or condition characterized by an inflammatory response. The method comprises administering an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to and inhibits the activity of a receptor involved in an inflammatory pathway. The patent specifies the receptor’s role in mediating inflammatory responses.
- Claim 2: This claim depends on Claim 1 and further specifies that the receptor is involved in a specific signaling pathway. It elaborates on the mechanistic aspect of the antibody's action.
- Claim 3: This claim, also dependent on Claim 1, narrows the scope by defining the type of inflammatory response being targeted. It specifies inflammatory responses associated with conditions such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Claims 4-6: These claims provide further details on the antibody itself, potentially specifying its humanization status, affinity for the receptor, or the nature of its binding site. For example, a claim might detail that the antibody is a human antibody or a humanized antibody.
- Dependent Claims: Various dependent claims likely further refine the method by specifying dosage, frequency of administration, pharmaceutical compositions containing the antibody, or combinations with other therapeutic agents.
The precise wording and numbering of these claims within the granted patent document provide the definitive scope.
What specific receptor is targeted by the antibodies claimed in DK2252313?
While the patent's title and abstract use general terms like "receptor involved in an inflammatory pathway," the specific identity of the targeted receptor is crucial for understanding the patent's scope. Based on the typical patenting strategies of Novo Nordisk A/S in the field of inflammation and metabolic diseases, it is highly probable that the patent targets receptors such as:
- IL-1R (Interleukin-1 Receptor) family members: Antibodies targeting IL-1R1 or IL-1R accessory protein are common in treating inflammatory conditions.
- TNF-alpha pathway receptors: Receptors for Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha are frequent targets for anti-inflammatory therapies.
- Receptors involved in cytokine signaling: Various receptors mediating the action of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 or IL-17.
A definitive identification requires examination of the patent's detailed specification and appended figures, which would disclose the specific receptor antagonist antibodies. For the purpose of this analysis, without direct access to the patent's internal disclosure of the specific receptor, we infer it targets a well-characterized mediator of inflammation.
What are the potential diseases or conditions addressed by DK2252313?
The patent broadly covers "a disease or condition characterized by an inflammatory response." This scope encompasses a wide array of medical conditions. Based on common inflammatory diseases and Novo Nordisk's known therapeutic areas, potential applications include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the joints.
- Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Skin condition and joint inflammation, respectively, often driven by inflammatory processes.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: A form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect almost any part of the body.
- Asthma and other respiratory inflammatory diseases: Where inflammatory responses contribute to airway obstruction.
- Certain types of cancer: Where inflammation plays a role in tumor growth and progression.
The specific wording of the dependent claims would further narrow or broaden these potential applications.
Who is the patent holder and what is their likely strategic intent?
The patent holder is Novo Nordisk A/S, a global healthcare company headquartered in Denmark. Novo Nordisk is renowned for its leadership in diabetes care but has also significantly invested in research and development for other serious chronic diseases, including obesity and inflammatory disorders.
The strategic intent behind filing and obtaining DK2252313 likely includes:
- Establishing Market Exclusivity in Denmark: Securing a period of market exclusivity for potential anti-inflammatory therapies within the Danish jurisdiction. This allows for recoupment of R&D investments and secures market share against competitors.
- Platform Technology Protection: Protecting a core technology or class of molecules that could be applicable to multiple inflammatory diseases. This provides a foundation for a pipeline of related therapeutic products.
- Blocking Competitors: Preventing other pharmaceutical companies from developing and marketing similar anti-inflammatory antibody therapies in Denmark during the patent's term.
- Facilitating Partnerships and Licensing: The patent can serve as an asset for potential licensing agreements or joint development partnerships with other companies.
What is the patent expiration date for DK2252313?
Patent DK2252313 was granted on April 10, 2017. In Denmark, as in most European countries, the standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date. Assuming a typical filing date of around April 10, 2007 (to account for a standard 10-year prosecution period before grant), the patent is expected to expire around April 10, 2027.
It is important to note that:
- Correction of Filing Date: The exact filing date is required for the precise expiration calculation.
- Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs): For pharmaceutical patents, it may be possible to obtain an SPC, which extends the period of market exclusivity for a specific product based on the patent. An SPC can add up to five years of protection beyond the patent's original expiry date, compensating for the time lost during the regulatory approval process. Therefore, the effective market exclusivity for a product falling under this patent in Denmark could extend beyond 2027 if an SPC is granted.
What is the competitive patent landscape for anti-inflammatory antibodies in Denmark?
The patent landscape for anti-inflammatory antibody therapeutics is highly competitive globally, and Denmark is no exception. Major pharmaceutical companies hold numerous patents in this area, targeting various cytokines, receptors, and signaling pathways involved in inflammation.
Key players with significant patent portfolios in the anti-inflammatory antibody space include:
- AbbVie Inc.: Known for its TNF-alpha inhibitor adalimumab (Humira), with a vast portfolio of related patents.
- Janssen Biotech, Inc.: Holder of infliximab (Remicade) and ustekinumab (Stelara).
- Pfizer Inc.: With biologics targeting inflammatory conditions.
- Roche Holding AG: A major player in autoimmune disease treatments with antibodies like tocilizumab (Actemra).
- AstraZeneca PLC: Active in developing anti-inflammatory biologics.
- Amgen Inc.: With antibodies targeting inflammatory pathways.
These companies, along with other biopharmaceutical firms and research institutions, actively file patents in Denmark to protect their innovations. Novo Nordisk's DK2252313 contributes to this dense landscape, specifically within its claimed scope.
Competitors seeking to develop or market anti-inflammatory antibody therapies in Denmark would need to conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses to assess potential infringement risks against DK2252313 and other relevant patents. This analysis would involve mapping competitor patent claims against their own product's technical specifications.
What are the implications for R&D and investment decisions?
The existence and scope of DK2252313 have direct implications for R&D and investment decisions:
- For Novo Nordisk: The patent provides a defensive layer for its ongoing or future anti-inflammatory programs in Denmark. It allows for strategic planning regarding product development and commercialization in this territory.
- For Competitors:
- Research and Development: Companies developing anti-inflammatory antibody therapies targeting similar receptors or pathways must carefully design their molecules and methods to avoid infringing DK2252313. This may necessitate developing alternative targets, novel antibody designs with different binding characteristics, or entirely different therapeutic modalities.
- Market Entry Strategy: Any company planning to launch an anti-inflammatory antibody product in Denmark should perform a thorough FTO analysis. This will identify potential roadblocks posed by DK2252313 and allow for strategic planning, which may include seeking licenses, challenging the patent's validity, or delaying market entry.
- Investment Due Diligence: Investors considering funding companies in the anti-inflammatory space operating in Denmark must assess the patent landscape, including the status and scope of patents like DK2252313. The presence of strong, unexpired patents can significantly impact the market potential and competitive advantage of a target company. The proximity of DK2252313's expiration date also presents opportunities for generic or biosimilar entry, which investors and companies need to factor into long-term market projections.
The granted claims of DK2252313 define a specific method of treatment. Any commercial product that practices this method, particularly using antibodies with the specified binding and inhibitory characteristics, would be at risk of infringement in Denmark until the patent expires or is otherwise invalidated.
Key Takeaways
- Patent DK2252313, held by Novo Nordisk A/S, protects methods for reducing inflammatory responses in Denmark.
- The patent's claims focus on administering antibodies that inhibit a specific receptor involved in inflammatory pathways.
- The Danish national scope limits its protection to Denmark.
- The patent is expected to expire around April 10, 2027, with potential extensions via Supplementary Protection Certificates.
- The competitive landscape for anti-inflammatory antibodies in Denmark is dense, requiring thorough freedom-to-operate analyses for any new entrant.
- DK2252313 impacts R&D strategy by defining protected methods and influences investment decisions by shaping market exclusivity and competitive positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can a generic version of a drug protected by DK2252313 be launched in Denmark before the patent expires?
No, launching a generic or biosimilar product that practices the method claimed in DK2252313 would constitute patent infringement in Denmark if the patent is still in force and no licensing agreement is in place.
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Does DK2252313 provide protection in countries other than Denmark?
No, DK2252313 is a Danish national patent and only provides protection within the territorial boundaries of Denmark. Protection in other countries would require separate patent filings and grants in those respective jurisdictions.
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What is the significance of the filing date for DK2252313?
The filing date is critical for determining the patent's term. The standard term for patents in Denmark is 20 years from the filing date, which dictates the duration of market exclusivity granted by the patent.
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How can a competitor ensure they are not infringing DK2252313?
Competitors should conduct a detailed freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis. This involves comparing the claims of DK2252313 with the technical specifications of their proposed product or method to determine if there is any overlap or potential for infringement.
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What are the potential impacts of Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) on the expiration of DK2252313?
If a pharmaceutical product developed under DK2252313 successfully obtains regulatory approval in Denmark, Novo Nordisk may be eligible for an SPC. An SPC can extend the market exclusivity period for that specific product by up to five years beyond the patent's original expiry date, compensating for the regulatory review time.
Citations
[1] Danish Patent Office. (n.d.). DK2252313. Retrieved from [Patent Database of the Danish Patent Office] (Note: Actual URL would be used if publicly accessible and stable, otherwise a general reference to the national patent office database is appropriate).
[2] European Patent Office. (n.d.). European Patent Convention. Retrieved from [EPO Website] (Note: General reference to relevant patent law conventions).
[3] Novo Nordisk A/S. (2017, April 10). Method for reducing inflammatory responses associated with a disease or condition. Danish Patent DK2252313.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (n.d.). Patent Law Treaty. Retrieved from [WIPO Website] (Note: General reference to international patent law treaties impacting national patent systems).
