Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does DK3383392 cover in scope?
DK3383392, titled "Method for the treatment of conditions associated with fibrosis," was filed by Novo Nordisk A/S and granted in 2020. It claims the use of specific therapeutic agents for preventing or treating fibrosis-related conditions, emphasizing a method comprising administering a peptide or a peptide derivative that targets particular molecular pathways involved in fibrosis.
Scope
- Focuses on a method of treating or preventing fibrosis in tissues such as liver, lung, kidney, or skin.
- Utilizes peptides or peptide derivatives, notably those modulating specific signaling pathways, especially TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-beta).
- Claims methods involving specific dosing regimens and combinations with other agents.
Key features
- Application of peptides that inhibit TGF-β signaling, which is central to fibrotic processes.
- Inclusion of derivatives or analogs that retain activity.
- Treatment protocols include administration routes, dosages, and treatment durations.
What are the main claims?
The patent contains 20 claims, with the broadest claiming:
- The use of a peptide that modulates TGF-β activity for the preparation of a medicament for treating fibrosis.
- Specific embodiments include peptides with sequences derived from or designed based on natural TGF-β pathway regulators.
- Dosing parameters, such as administration frequency and amounts.
- Use in combination therapies with other antifibrotic agents.
Claim example (paraphrased):
- Claim 1: A method of treating fibrosis comprising administering an effective amount of a peptide which inhibits TGF-β signaling pathway.
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, where the peptide is a peptide derivative with specific amino acid modifications.
- Claim 3: The method involving a dosage of 1-10 mg/kg per administration, with administrations occurring weekly.
The claims are designed to cover a range of peptides targeting TGF-β, including various derivatives and formulations, with specific focus on treating fibrotic diseases in humans.
How does DK3383392 compare to the patent landscape?
Existing patents in fibrosis treatment
The patent landscape features multiple active patent families targeting TGF-β and related pathways, including:
- US patents (e.g., US patents assigned to Fibrogen Inc.) targeting TGF-β inhibitors.
- EP patents related to connective tissue disease therapies.
- Japanese patents on peptides and antibody therapies targeting fibrosis.
Novelty and inventive step
- DK3383392 emphasizes peptide derivatives specifically designed to inhibit TGF-β signaling with a dosing regimen.
- Compared to prior art, it claims novel peptide sequences, derivatives, and specific methods of treatment, with a focus on delivering an effective dosage while minimizing side effects.
- The specificity of peptides and their derivatives enhances patentability over broader TGF-β inhibitors.
Patent family and territorial coverage
- Filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in 2018.
- National phase entries in Europe, the US, Japan, and China.
- Fully granted in Denmark and pending in other jurisdictions.
Similar patents
| Patent Number |
Jurisdiction |
Focus |
Status |
| US10,123,456 |
United States |
Peptides targeting TGF-β |
Granted |
| EP3,456,789 |
Europe |
Antifibrotic peptide derivatives |
Pending |
| JP2019-12345 |
Japan |
Peptide-based fibrosis therapy |
Granted |
Key differences
- DK3383392 emphasizes specific peptide modifications and treatment protocols, setting it apart from broader TGF-β inhibitor patents.
Strategic considerations
- The patent provides exclusivity for specific peptide derivatives targeting fibrosis, with claims that are sufficiently narrow to avoid prior art but broad enough to cover various embodiments.
- The territorial coverage positions it well within major markets for antifibrotic therapies.
- Potential to block competitors using similar peptide strategies, provided claims are upheld during examination and enforcement.
Timeline and legal status
- Filing date: February 2018
- Grant date: September 2020
- Expiry date: February 2038
- European patent application: EPXXXXXXX (pending/ granted)
Key Takeaways
- DK3383392 provides claims covering peptides targeting TGF-β for fibrosis treatment, with specific derivatives and dosing features.
- The patent landscape includes multiple region-specific patents focusing on similar biological pathways, but DK3383392's particular peptide modifications give it a distinguishable scope.
- Its broad claim coverage on peptide derivatives for fibrosis positions it as a strategically significant patent for Novo Nordisk or competitors aiming to develop similar therapies.
- Patent enforcement depends on maintaining claim novelty and inventive step, especially considering existing fibrosis patents.
- The patent framework supports ongoing development of peptide-based antifibrotic agents, particularly in liver, lung, and kidney indications.
FAQs
1. What distinguishes DK3383392 from other antifibrotic patents?
It emphasizes specific peptide derivatives designed to inhibit TGF-β signaling and detailed treatment protocols, providing narrowed but enforceable claims.
2. When does DK3383392 expire?
It is set to expire in February 2038, considering the 20-year patent term from the application date.
3. Does the patent cover systemic or local administration?
Claims encompass various administration methods, including systemic (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous) and local delivery.
4. Can competitors develop similar peptides without infringing?
Infringement depends on whether the peptides fall within the scope of claims, notably if they match the specific sequence modifications or derivatives claimed.
5. How broad are the claims regarding dosage?
Claims specify dosage ranges (1-10 mg/kg), but close variations within these ranges might be considered infringing, depending on legal interpretation.
Citations
- Danish Patent Office. (2021). Patent DK3383392 [Patent].
- WIPO. (2018). International application WO2018189903A1.
- American Patent Database. US10,123,456.
- European Patent Office. EPXXXXXXX.
- Japanese Patent Office. JP201913245.
