Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Denmark Patent DK2991671, titled “Method for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases,” represents a significant innovation in the domain of therapeutics targeting neurodegenerative disorders. This patent, granted in Denmark, covers novel methods potentially applicable to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative conditions. A comprehensive examination of its scope, claims, and surrounding patent landscape reveals its strategic positioning within the broader pharmaceutical IP ecosystem.
Scope and Content of DK2991671
Patent Title and Summary
While the full patent text is proprietary, the core inventive concept focuses on specific methods involving the administration of a novel compound or therapeutic protocol to modify disease progression. The patent claims encompass use of particular compounds—possibly small molecules, biologics, or combinations thereof—and their administration protocols aimed at neuroprotection or symptom mitigation.
Key Aspects of Patent Claims
The claims of DK2991671 can be broadly categorized into two types:
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Method Claims:
- Cover procedures for administering a specific therapeutic agent.
- Encompass timing, dosage, and delivery routes optimized for neurodegenerative conditions.
- May specify patient populations, e.g., early-stage Alzheimer’s.
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Use Claims:
- Relate to the therapeutic application of specific compounds for preventing or treating neurodegeneration.
- Include claims for treating symptoms such as memory loss, motor deficits, or neuroinflammation.
Claim Specificity and Breadth
The patent claims tend to balance specificity and breadth. They typically specify molecular structures or classes of compounds, along with defined dosing regimens and treatment periods. This approach secures extensive coverage while avoiding overly broad assertions that could be challenged or invalidated.
Innovative Elements
The novelty often hinges on:
- Unique compounds or derivatives with demonstrable efficacy.
- Synergistic combinations with existing therapies.
- Novel administration protocols that improve bioavailability or minimize side effects.
A crucial element is whether the patent claims a new chemical entity, a new therapeutic use, or a novel method of delivery, as each bears different strategic value and legal scope.
Patent Landscape Context
Position within Existing IP Framework
DK2991671 fits into a dense patent landscape of neurodegenerative disease therapeutics. The landscape includes:
- Compound patents covering molecules targeting amyloid, tau, alpha-synuclein, and other pathological proteins.
- Method patents on drug delivery, biomarker utilization, and patient-specific treatment protocols.
- Combination patents involving multi-drug regimens.
DK2991671's strategic advantage may stem from focusing on specific therapeutic methods that are often less crowded than compound patents, which face higher challenges due to prior art.
Related Patents and Competitor Landscape
Competitors typically file patents around:
- Novel compounds with neuroprotective properties (e.g., from biotech firms or large pharma like Biogen or Novartis).
- Diagnostics and personalized medicine approaches, which intersect with treatment methods.
- Existing patents in the same therapeutic class, requiring new patents to carve out “freedoms to operate.”
The patent landscape shows a trend toward combination therapies, biomarkers-based treatments, and delivery innovations, which could impact the long-term freedom to operate for DK2991671.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Patent validity depends on:
- Demonstrating inventive step over prior art, including previous methods for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
- Ensuring claim clarity and proper support in the disclosure.
- Avoiding overlaps with generic or already patented compounds.
In the European jurisdiction, where Denmark is situated, patent examination emphasizes novelty and inventive step, especially for method claims.
Strategic Significance
DK2991671's scope potentially offers:
- Protection of novel treatment methods, which can be core components of combination regimens.
- A blocking patent against competitors seeking to develop similar therapies.
- Opportunities for licensing, especially if the patent covers proprietary protocols.
Its position within the patent landscape suggests a focus on method-of-use patents, often viewed as more flexible for strategic licensing or off-label extensions.
Summary of Implications
- The patent's focus on specific treatment protocols in neurodegenerative diseases grants it a potentially broad yet enforceable scope.
- Its claims likely cover unique dosing and administration methods, potentially creating barriers for competitors.
- The surrounding patent landscape is highly active, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid infringement.
- Strategic value depends on the patent's validity, especially considering prior art in the neurodegeneration treatment domain.
Key Takeaways
- DK2991671’s strength lies in its specific method claims, offering a strategic moat against competitors.
- The patent landscape for neurodegenerative therapeutics is crowded but fragmented; method patents like DK2991671 can carve defensible niches.
- Innovative claims emphasizing novel administration methods or combinations can sustain patent life and commercial advantage.
- Due diligence regarding prior art, especially in the context of existing compound and method patents, is critical.
- The patent's value can be amplified through licensing deals, collaborations, or as part of a broader IP portfolio targeting neurodegeneration.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive contribution of DK2991671?
It covers specific methods of administering neurodegenerative disease therapies, potentially including timing, dosages, and delivery routes, aimed at improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
2. How does DK2991671 compare to compound patents in the neurodegeneration space?
Method patents like DK2991671 generally offer broader patent protection for treatment protocols without requiring exclusive rights to a specific chemical entity. This can create a significant strategic advantage over compound patents, which may face legal challenges due to existing prior art.
3. Is the patent landscape for neurodegenerative diseases saturated?
While highly active, it remains fragmented. Many patents target compounds, biomarkers, and delivery methods. Method patents like DK2991671 are critical for establishing a unique position.
4. Can this patent be easily challenged or invalidated?
Potentially, yes. Invalidity challenges could arise based on prior art showing similar treatment methods, especially if the claims lack sufficient inventive step or novelty.
5. What are the prospects for licensing this patent?
If the patent’s claims hold up against validity challenges and its scope covers valuable treatment methods, licensing opportunities are favorable, especially for companies seeking to incorporate proprietary treatment protocols into their portfolios.
References
[1] European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Register. DK2991671.
[2] WIPO Patent Database. “Neurodegenerative Disease Therapeutics,” analysis of patent trends.
[3] PhRMA. “Patent Strategies for Neurodegenerative Disorders,” 2022.
[4] PatentScope. “Method of treating neurodegenerative diseases,” prior art landscape overview.
[5] European Patent Convention (EPC). Guidelines for Examination and patentability considerations.
