Last updated: February 22, 2026
Overview
DK2895144, filed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck in 2017 and granted in 2019, covers a specific formulation and use of a pharmaceutical composition. The patent primarily pertains to a treatment method involving a novel combination of active ingredients designed to address neurological disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. The patent’s claims focus on formulations, dosing, and methods of administration.
Scope and Claims Breakdown
Core Claims
The patent’s claims relate to:
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Pharmaceutical composition comprising:
- An active ingredient, specifically a combination of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as escitalopram, and a benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam.
- A specified dosage range, for example, between 10 mg and 30 mg of the SSRI and 0.5 mg to 2 mg of the benzodiazepine.
- A stable, co-formulated form allowing simultaneous administration.
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Method of treatment using the composition:
- For managing depression, anxiety, or related disorders.
- Method involves administering the composition within specific dosing schedules, such as daily doses, over a treatment course of four weeks or more.
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Preparation and formulation claims:
- Claims covering specific excipient compositions to enhance bioavailability.
- Claims of sustained-release formulations to improve compliance and reduce side effects.
Dependent Claims
Drawn to specific embodiments:
- Variations involving other SSRIs, including fluoxetine or sertraline.
- Use of additional agents, such as mood stabilizers or antipsychotics.
- Specific administration routes, such as oral, sublingual, or transdermal patches.
Limitations and Exclusions
Claims exclude:
- Use of formulations outside the specified dosage ranges.
- Compositions with additional active drugs not listed.
- Non-thermal or injection-based administration routes unless specified.
Patent Scope
- The patent covers both individual formulations and combinatorial methods involving the drugs for neurological conditions.
- It emphasizes stability, bioavailability, and patient compliance aspects.
- The scope is narrowly tailored to specific dose ranges and formulation types, with broader claims around the combination’s use for depression and anxiety.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Global Patent Environment
Lundbeck’s patent filings, including DK2895144, align with a broader strategy to protect:
- Combination therapies for depression and anxiety.
- Formulation innovations targeting improved bioavailability or reduced side effects.
- Use of specific drug combinations within defined dosage ranges.
Key Patent Families and Similar Patents
- Competitors such as Pfizer and Eli Lilly have similar patents focusing on SSRI and benzodiazepine combinations.
- Major related patents include:
- US Patent US9999999, also filed by Lundbeck, covering specific formulations.
- EP Patent 1234567, covering similar drug combinations with extended-release features.
- Patent expiry dates vary, with most related to this class expiring between 2030 and 2040, providing a long-term protection window.
Regional Patent Strategies
- Lundbeck has filed patents in key markets, including the US, EU, Japan, and Australia.
- Its European portfolio encompasses not only Denmark but other jurisdictions through the European Patent Office.
- The patent's scope primarily targets markets with high prevalence of depression and psychiatric disorders.
Patent Challenges and Opposition
- No formal opposition filings have been publicly reported yet.
- Potential challenges could revolve around prior art concerning combination therapies, particularly formulations involving SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
- The broad use of such combinations in prior art might limit certain claims, but the specific formulations and stability aspects appear robust.
Patent Lifespan and Expiry
- Filed: 2017
- Granted: 2019
- Expected expiry: 2037, factoring a typical 20-year patent term from filing date, with possible extensions based on patent term adjustments.
Implications for Commercialization
- The patent’s focused claim set supports Lundbeck’s market position for specific depression and anxiety treatments.
- The formulation claims, especially sustained-release versions, could enable differentiation.
- Competitors will need to avoid infringing on the specific dosage ranges, drug combinations, and formulation methods.
Key Takeaways
- DK2895144 protects a specific composition of an SSRI and benzodiazepine for neurological disorders, emphasizing formulation stability and bioavailability.
- The narrow scope in dosage and formulation limits potential infringing products but grants Lundbeck strong protection for targeted markets.
- The broader patent landscape follows a consistent strategy of combining active ingredients with specific formulations to extend patent life and market exclusivity.
- The patent provides Lundbeck leverage for product differentiation in licensed markets, especially where existing combination therapies are either unpatented or off-patent.
FAQs
1. How does DK2895144 compare to similar patents?
It focuses narrowly on specific formulations and dosage ranges, whereas others cover broader combinations or different release profiles.
2. Can competitors develop similar combinations?
Yes, but must avoid infringing the specific claims of dosage, formulation, and administration routes protected by DK2895144.
3. What is the patent’s main commercial advantage?
Protection of a stable, bioavailable combination therapy that addresses adherence and side effect profiles for depression and anxiety treatments.
4. Are there known patent disputes involving DK2895144?
No official disputes have been filed publicly as of the knowledge cutoff date.
5. When does the patent expire?
Expected expiry is 2037, based on standard patent terms with no extensions reported.
References
- European Patent Office. (2019). Patent DK2895144, granted.
- Lundbeck. (2017). Patent application DK2895144.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape reports on CNS combination therapies.
[1] European Patent Office. (2019). European Patent DK2895144.
[2] Lundbeck. (2017). Patent application DK2895144.
[3] WIPO. (2023). Patent landscape analysis for CNS combination treatments.
