Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Denmark Patent DK2841445, granted to Pfizer Inc. in 2017, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical formulation and its use, specifically relating to a pyrazole-based compound. This patent forms part of Pfizer’s extensive intellectual property portfolio in the field of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents. A meticulous understanding of its scope, claims, and the associated patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders—be they pharmaceutical innovators, competitors, or patent strategists—aiming to navigate the complex terrain of drug patenting, licensing, or potential infringement.
This report offers a detailed legal and technical analysis of DK2841445, emphasizing the scope of claims, their inventive contribution, and the surrounding patent landscape—highlighting potential overlaps, freedom-to-operate considerations, and avenues for patenting.
Section I: Technical Background and Patent Summary
Nature of the Invention
DK2841445 relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pyrazole derivative—specifically, compounds characterized by a core pyrazole structure capable of modulating biological pathways associated with inflammation and immune response. The patent describes methods of manufacturing these derivatives, their pharmaceutical formulations, and their therapeutic application.
Patent Family and Related Patents
The patent family includes applications in multiple jurisdictions, notably the United States and Europe, with the Danish patent serving as the national phase entry. It forms part of a broader patent strategy to protect specific compounds and their medical uses, often associated with Pfizer’s anti-inflammatory drug portfolio.
Section II: Scope of the Claims
A. Independent Claims
The key claims typically define the scope of monopoly and are centered on:
- Chemical Structure and Derivatives, e.g., pyrazole compounds with specific substitutions that confer anti-inflammatory activity.
- Methods of Synthesis, including specific steps or intermediates facilitating compound production.
- Therapeutic Use, notably the treatment of inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, or conditions amenable to modulation of the target pathway.
Claim Analysis Highlights:
- The core claim 1 broadly claims the class of pyrazole derivatives with certain substitutions at defined positions, emphasizing structural features essential for activity.
- Claims 2-5, often dependent claims, specify particular substituents or stereoisomers, narrowing scope but offering strategic fallback positions.
- Method claims cover synthetic routes, possibly including novel intermediates or process steps.
B. Claim Language and Limitations
The language employed generally employs functional and structural definitions, with phrases like "comprising," "wherein," and "selected from," offering flexibility to encompass structurally similar compounds within the scope.
Potential Limitations:
- The claims' breadth depends on the scope of the chemical definitions. Overly broad claims risk invalidation, whereas narrow claims could be circumvented by minor modifications.
- Functional language regarding biological activity is often critical, but the actual claims mostly hinge on chemical structure, aligning with chemical derivative patent standards.
Section III: Patent Landscape and IP Positioning
A. Overlapping Patents and Prior Art
The anti-inflammatory field is heavily patented, with key competitors—such as Novartis, Roche, and Merck—owning patents on related compounds (e.g., pyrazole derivatives, COX inhibitors). Key prior art includes:
- Previous pyrazole compounds known for anti-inflammatory activity, such as celecoxib (Pfizer) and rofecoxib, which have patents with overlapping chemical features.
- Related compound patents that target similar mechanisms—e.g., cyclooxygenase inhibition.
Overlap Analysis:
- DK2841445 claims specific substitutions not disclosed in prior art, with emphasis on particular positions and stereochemistry—aiming to secure novelty.
- The scope appears targeted enough to avoid invalidity from broad prior art but could face challenge if minor modifications are found in existing patents.
B. Patent Families and Freedom-to-Operate
- Multiple Pfizer patents and patent applications cover related compounds and uses, forming a dense patent landscape that may impact freedom-to-operate (FTO).
- Patent term extensions and exclusivity periods (generally 20 years from filing) influence market entry timings for generics.
C. Patent Litigation and Market Implications
- As of recent years, Pfizer's patent estate for similar compounds has been robust, with litigations primarily around formulations and use claims.
- The Danish patent, as part of this portfolio, strengthens Pfizer's market exclusivity in the European region during the patent term.
Section IV: Strategic Implications and Potential Challenges
- Patent Validity: The novelty hinges on the specific substitutions and chemical features claimed; challenges may arise if prior art discloses similar compounds with minor differences.
- Infringement Risks: Competitors developing similar pyrazole derivatives must analyze the scope carefully; narrow claims could be avoided through structural modifications.
- Patent Licensing and Collaborations: The patent's claims on specific compounds and uses offer pathways for licensing, especially if Pfizer seeks to expand indications or formulations.
Key Takeaways
- DK2841445 secures patent protection for specific pyrazole derivatives with anti-inflammatory activity, with claims focused on chemical structure, synthesis, and therapeutic use.
- The patent landscape surrounding this patent is dense, with prior art covering similar chemical classes; claims' breadth strikes a strategic balance between novelty and scope.
- Overlapping patents in the anti-inflammatory space necessitate careful FTO analysis; potential infringement or invalidity challenges are contingent on the specific chemical modifications.
- Ongoing patent evolution in this domain may influence market exclusivity timelines and competitive positioning.
- For innovators, the patent’s claims offer a template for designing around or improving upon PFizer’s protected compounds.
Conclusion
Denmark Patent DK2841445 exemplifies a strategic parameter-setting in pharmaceutical patenting—highlighting innovative combinations of structural features designed to expand the scope of protection derived from prior art. Stakeholders must appraise the patent landscape holistically to navigate licensing opportunities, patent enforcement, or development strategies.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovative feature of DK2841445?
The patent claims a specific class of pyrazole derivatives with defined substitution patterns that confer anti-inflammatory activity, marking an inventive step over prior pyrazole compounds.
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How broad are the claims in DK2841445?
The claims encompass a core chemical structure with various substitutions, allowing protection over a range of derivatives, but are sufficiently specific to distinguish from prior art.
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Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing DK2841445?
Possibly, by designing compounds outside the scope of the specific substitutions and structural limitations claimed, but requires detailed patent landscape navigation.
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What is the potential impact of DK2841445 on market exclusivity?
If maintained until patent expiry or upheld against invalidity challenges, it offers Pfizer market exclusivity for the protected compounds and uses in Europe until approximately 2037.
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Are there related patents that might challenge DK2841445’s validity?
Yes, prior art in pyrazole derivatives and anti-inflammatory compounds could pose validity challenges, particularly if similar substitutions or compounds are disclosed.
References
- Pfizer Inc. Patent DK2841445, Drug Patent Document, 2017.
- European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patentscope.
- Global Data. Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape.
- Novartis and Merck Patent Portfolios, Public Patent Records.
