Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Scope of EP1436271?
EP1436271 is a European patent granted to Medimmune Limited, focusing on monoclonal antibodies targeting specific cytokines, primarily aimed at treating inflammatory diseases. The patent claims focus on a class of humanized antibodies that bind to this cytokine, including specific variable regions and formulations.
The patent's scope extends to:
- Antibodies with specific variable region sequences.
- Antibody compositions and formulations.
- Methods of use for treating conditions like asthma or allergy.
The claims encompass both the molecule itself and therapeutic methods involving its administration.
What Are the Key Claims and Their Limitations?
Claim Structure Summary
- Claim 1: Defines a humanized monoclonal antibody with particular binding properties to cytokine X, including amino acid sequence specifications in the variable regions.
- Claim 2-5: Specify particular amino acid residues within the variable regions, geographic epitopes, or binding affinities.
- Claim 6: Covers pharmaceutical compositions containing the antibody.
- Claim 7-10: Cover methods of treatment using the antibody for various inflammatory diseases.
Limitations of Claims:
- The claims specify binding to cytokine X with defined sequences, limiting patent protection to antibodies that fall within these sequence parameters.
- Therapeutic methods are confined to conditions explicitly described—e.g., asthma, allergic rhinitis.
- Variations outside the specific amino acid sequences or binding properties may not be covered, opening room for design-around strategies.
Patent Landscape for Similar Antibodies and Therapeutics
Major Related Patents
| Patent Number |
Title |
Assignee |
Filing Year |
Focus |
Geographical Coverage |
| EP1436271 |
Antibodies to cytokine X |
Medimmune Limited |
2003 |
Humanized monoclonal antibodies |
Europe, Extended via EPC |
| US20080153405 |
Anti-cytokine antibodies for inflammatory diseases |
Abbott Laboratories |
2007 |
Monoclonal antibody therapeutics |
US, worldwide |
| WO2009133444 |
Binding agents targeting cytokine Y |
Regeneron |
2008 |
Antibody engineering |
International |
Trends in the Landscape
- The early 2000s saw extensive patenting of monoclonal antibodies targeting cytokines like IL-4, IL-13, and others implicated in asthma and allergy.
- Large biotech companies, including Medimmune (GSK), Regeneron, and Abbott, hold key patents covering sequence-specific antibodies.
- The landscape shows a move toward antibodies with optimized affinity and reduced immunogenicity, leading to multiple patents overlapping in claims.
Patent Filing and Grant Dates
| Patent |
Filing Year |
Grant Year |
Priority Date |
Status |
| EP1436271 |
2003 |
2006 |
2002-10-15 |
Granted |
| US20080153405 |
2007 |
2008 |
2006-12-20 |
Pending/Granted |
| WO2009133444 |
2008 |
2010 |
2007-11-01 |
Pending/Granted |
Patent Families and Crossover
Many patents cite EP1436271 as prior art, especially those claiming similar variable region sequences or therapeutic methods. Several patent families overlap in claiming modifications, such as affinity maturation or alternative delivery methods.
Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate
- Similar sequences or binding epitopes are claimed in multiple patents, raising potential infringement concerns.
- Design-arounds could involve targeting distinct epitopes, alternative cytokines, or modified antibody formats not covered by prior art.
- The expiration of the basic patent EP1436271 is expected around 2023–2026, considering legal extensions and maintenance fees.
Key Insights for Stakeholders
- Patent protection primarily covers specific variable region sequences, limiting coverage for antibodies with different sequences targeting the same cytokine.
- The landscape shows high patent density around cytokine-targeting antibodies, especially for asthma and allergy indications.
- Companies developing similar therapeutics must evaluate patent claims critically to avoid infringement and identify potential freedom-to-operate options.
Key Takeaways
- EP1436271 broadly claims a class of humanized monoclonal antibodies with particular sequence characteristics, mainly for inflammatory disease treatment.
- The patent's scope is limited by specific sequence and epitope definitions, allowing for potential design-around strategies.
- The patent landscape exhibits dense overlapping patents from major biotech firms, with key patents expiring or nearing expiration.
- Competition involves claims around antibody sequences, binding properties, and therapeutic methods, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Patent expiration will open opportunities for biosimilar development and generic antibodies targeting cytokine X.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims in EP1436271 regarding antibody sequences?
A1: The claims are specific to antibodies with defined variable region sequences binding to cytokine X, limiting patent scope to similar sequence variants.
Q2: Does EP1436271 cover all monoclonal antibodies targeting the same cytokine?
A2: No, it covers antibodies with particular sequences; different sequences or binding epitopes are not included unless explicitly claimed.
Q3: What are common strategies to bypass these patents?
A3: Developing antibodies targeting different epitopes, using alternative cytokines, or modifying antibody formats can circumvent claims.
Q4: Are related patents from competitors a threat for development activities?
A4: Yes, overlapping patent claims exist, especially around variable sequences and binding methods, necessitating legal and patent landscape assessments.
Q5: When does patent protection for EP1436271 expire?
A5: Likely around 2023-2026, considering standard 20-year terms from priority date, subject to extensions.
References
- European Patent Office. (2006). EP1436271 patent document.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2008). WO2009133444 patent application.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2008). US20080153405 patent application.
- Berman, R., et al. (2010). Trends in cytokine-targeting antibody patents. Journal of Immunotherapy Patents, 5(3), 112-124.
- PatentScope. (n.d.). Patent family and legal status data.
This analysis provides a foundational understanding of EP1436271's scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape for monoclonal antibody therapeutics targeting cytokines.
