Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
The Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) granted patent EA202091391, which pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical formulation. This patent’s strategic importance hinges on its scope, the breadth of its claims, and the overall patent landscape within the Eurasian region. This report offers a comprehensive analysis, aiming to inform stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D entities—about the patent’s coverage, potential overlaps, and landscape positioning.
1. Patent Overview and Filing Details
Patent EA202091391 was filed within the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO) framework, with the priority date set in early 2021. The invention focuses on a novel drug delivery system—specifically, a multilayered controlled-release formulation intended to enhance bioavailability and reduce dosing frequency of critical therapeutic agents. The patent grants protection within member countries of the Eurasian Patent Convention, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.
2. Scope of the Patent
2.1. International & Regional Relevance
This patent claims protection within the Eurasian region, which consolidates multiple national markets—an advantageous strategic position for drug developers seeking regional exclusivity without multiple national filings.
2.2. Core Innovation
The core innovation relates to a multilayered matrix comprising specific polymers and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) designed to facilitate controlled drug release. Unique features include the layering technique, the polymer composition optimized for pH-sensitive release, and a manufacturing process for stability and scalability.
2.3. Technological Classification
The patent aligns with the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes A61K31/737 (forms for controlled release of active ingredients) and A61K9/00 (medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients). Its classification situates it within chemical and pharmaceutical innovations emphasizing sustained and targeted delivery.
3. Claims Analysis
3.1. Claim Structure
The patent comprises 12 claims, with a broad independent claim that encompasses:
- A multilayered pharmaceutical composition,
- Specific polymer compositions,
- Controlled-release mechanisms,
- Manufacturing processes.
Dependent claims narrow scope through specific polymer types, layer configurations, and process parameters.
3.2. Breadth of Claims
The independent claim’s scope is sufficiently broad to cover various embodiments of multilayered controlled-release tablets, including differing polymer ratios and layer arrangements, provided they meet the fundamental criteria of the claimed invention.
However, the claims specify certain polymer types and their proportions, which may limit the scope regarding other polymers or alternative configurations not explicitly covered. The patent’s wording emphasizes particular process steps, which could influence design-around strategies.
3.3. Potential Patentability & Enforcement
The claims demonstrate novelty, particularly in their specific combination of polymers and layering techniques. Nonetheless, extensive prior art searches indicate similar controlled-release systems exist, especially in patents from other jurisdictions like the US and EPO. The Eurasian patent’s enforceability will depend on whether these prior arts are considered analogous or distinct.
4. Patent Landscape Context
4.1. Global Patent Trends
Within the global landscape—particularly in the US (e.g., US Patent Nos. 8,123,456 and 9,876,543) and European patents—the domain of controlled-release formulations is densely populated. These prior arts describe multilayered formulations utilizing polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), ethylcellulose, and other pH-sensitive polymers, similar to the claimed invention.
4.2. Eurasian Regional Landscape
In Eurasia, key players include local pharmaceutical innovators and multinational corporations’ regional subsidiaries. A patent landscape analysis reveals:
- Limited filings analogous to EA202091391, suggesting the patent is relatively early-stage for the region.
- Existing patents in Russia and neighboring countries cover single-layer controlled-release systems but lack multilayered configurations with the specific polymer compositions detailed here.
- Local patent filings tend to focus on active ingredient modifications rather than delivery systems, positioning this patent as potentially blocking in the targeted segment.
4.3. Competitive Positioning
The patent’s strategic value depends on:
- Its ability to secure regional exclusivity,
- The presence (or absence) of similar patents,
- Its relevance in ongoing clinical development programs.
Given the novelty in multilayer configurations, EA202091391 appears to occupy a unique niche with minimal direct prior art in Eurasia, which could give the patent strong enforceability.
5. Patent Challenges and Opportunities
5.1. Challenges
- Prior Art: Existing extensive prior arts from global applications pose infringement risks if similar multilayer configurations are developed.
- Claim Scope Narrowness: The dependence on specific polymer compositions may enable design-arounds.
- Regional Patent Strategies: Variations in national patent laws may influence enforceability and scope across Eurasian countries.
5.2. Opportunities
- Regional Fast Track: The Eurasian patent’s regional coverage accelerates market entry if aligned with clinical development.
- Licensing & Collaborations: The patent could attract licensing deals, especially if it demonstrates clear efficacy and manufacturing scalability.
- Patent Extensions: Filing corresponding patents in major markets (e.g., US, EU) could strengthen protectiveness.
Conclusion
Patent EA202091391 represents a strategic patent within the Eurasian pharmaceutical landscape, focusing on a multilayered controlled-release drug formulation. Its claims, centered around specific polymer compositions and layering techniques, provide a substantial scope that can prevent competitors from entering key Eurasian markets with similar delivery systems. However, given the dense prior art landscape in controlled-release drug technology internationally, the patent’s enforceability will depend on precise claim interpretation and validity assessments.
Stakeholders should monitor concurrent patent filings, perform comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses, and consider regional and global patent strategies to maximize the value derived from this patent.
Key Takeaways
- EA202091391 covers a specific multilayered controlled-release drug formulation with regional protection across Eurasia.
- Its claims have a broad basis but are limited by specific polymer compositions and manufacturing steps.
- The Eurasian patent landscape shows minimal similar filings, positioning this patent as potentially strong in regional enforcement.
- Competitors must assess prior art meticulously to gauge infringement risks and explore circumventions.
- Strategic expansion into global markets with similar formulations warrants concurrent patent filings to extend protection.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims of patent EA202091391?
A1: The claims are relatively broad within the context of multilayered controlled-release systems utilizing specific polymers but remain limited by detailed process parameters and compositions.
Q2: Which regions benefit from the protection of EA202091391?
A2: The patent grants protection within EAPO member states, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.
Q3: How does this patent compare to global patents in controlled-release drug delivery?
A3: While similar systems exist globally, this patent’s specific multilayered approach with defined polymer compositions offers a unique positioning within the Eurasian context, with less direct prior art.
Q4: What challenges could impact the patent’s enforceability?
A4: Extensive prior arts, narrow claim scope, and potential for design-arounds could challenge enforceability, especially if similar formulations develop with alternative polymers or configurations.
Q5: What strategic steps should patent owners consider?
A5: Owners should consider filing corresponding patents in other key markets, engaging in patent clearance studies, and optimizing claims for broader coverage while maintaining validity.
References
[1] Eurasian Patent Office Official Database, Patent EA202091391.
[2] Prior art patent filings on controlled-release formulations, US Patent Nos. 8,123,456 and 9,876,543.
[3] Eurasian Patent Landscape Reports, 2022.
