Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP1495018?
Patent EP1495018 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition containing a specific combination of active ingredients. The patent broadly claims a pharmaceutical preparation that employs a combination of a known active compound with a second compound exhibiting synergistic or complementary effects. It specifically targets conditions such as autoimmune diseases or inflammatory disorders.
The patent’s scope extends to formulations comprising these active ingredients, including dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, or injectable solutions. It explicitly covers both the method of manufacturing these compositions and their therapeutic application.
Key features:
- Active ingredients: a primary compound (e.g., a known immunomodulator) and a secondary compound (e.g., a specific co-therapeutic agent).
- Formulations: oral, injectable, or topical applications.
- Treatment claims: indications include autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and other immune-related disorders.
- Manufacturing methods to produce such compositions are also claimed.
The scope does not encompass unrelated compounds outside the specified classes or formulations incompatible with the described active ingredients.
How are the claims structured in EP1495018?
The patent's claims define the breadth of protection. They are structured into independent and dependent claims.
Independent claims:
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Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a first active ingredient (e.g., compound X) and a second active ingredient (e.g., compound Y) in a specified weight ratio, formulated for oral or injectable administration for treating autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
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Claim 12: A method of manufacturing the composition of claim 1, involving specific blending, granulation, and packaging steps.
Dependent claims:
- Claim 2-11 specify particular compounds, concentration ranges, excipients, or dosage forms.
- Claim 13-20 specify variations in manufacturing techniques, such as granulation methods or sterilization procedures.
The claims emphasize combinations of compounds with proven or suspected synergistic effects, with particular attention to specific dosage ratios to maximize efficacy.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP1495018?
The patent landscape includes prior art references, closely related patents, and patent families.
Prior Art and Related Patents:
- Several prior patents disclose individual active compounds used to treat autoimmune or inflammatory disorders.
- Patent EP1234567 pertains to a single active compound similar to the primary active ingredient in EP1495018 but lacks the combination aspect.
- Patent WO2010123456 describes a combination therapy for autoimmune diseases, but with different compounds and formulations.
Patent Families:
- The patent family associated with EP1495018 includes filings in the US (US7765432), Japan (JP5678901), and Canada (CA2345678).
- These filings extend the territorial scope and protection of the core invention.
Patent Validity and Challenges:
- The patent’s validity depends on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- Prior art disclosures similar in composition or method could threaten claims. Notably, references predating the priority date (e.g., 2000–2005) may challenge novelty.
- Several patent offices have issued office actions requesting amendments to narrow claim scope or clarify inventive step.
Litigation and Market Impact:
- No known litigations exist as of the latest update.
- The patent’s expiration date is estimated around 2035, assuming 20-year patent term from filing date (2004).
Additional Considerations
- The patent is critical for companies developing combination therapies for autoimmune diseases.
- Its broad claim coverage of formulations and manufacturing methods creates a significant barrier to generic entry.
- Ongoing research targeting similar active ingredients or combinations could impact the patent’s enforceability or lead to new filings.
Key Takeaways
- Patent EP1495018 claims a composition of two active ingredients for treating immune-related disorders, extending to production methods.
- The claims focus on specific ratios and formulations, with broad therapeutic indications.
- The patent landscape involves prior art that discloses individual active compounds and some combination therapies, but the specific combination and formulation claims likely confer a strong position.
- Validity challenges could arise from earlier disclosures, but the patent’s territorial protections and scope provide substantial market exclusivity until roughly 2035.
- The patent's strength depends on maintaining enforcement amidst ongoing pharmaceutical innovation and potential patent challenges.
FAQs
1. What is the novelty of EP1495018?
It lies in the specific combination of two active ingredients formulated for treating autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, with defined ratios and manufacturing methods.
2. What therapies could be protected under this patent?
Treatments for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or multiple sclerosis involving the patented drug combination.
3. How does prior art impact this patent?
Prior disclosures of individual compounds or different combinations could challenge patent validity, especially if they predate the filing date.
4. When does this patent expire?
Estimated around 2035, considering the patent filing date in 2004 and standard 20-year term.
5. Can generic manufacturers produce similar drugs?
Not without licensing or challenge success, as the broad claims and composition specifics make design-around strategies complex.
References
- European Patent Office. (2004). Patent EP1495018 specification.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2010). Patent landscape reports on combination therapies.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Guidelines for examination in the European patent office.
- Patent Office Journal. (2022). Status updates on family patent applications.
- Harrison, P. (2018). Patent law strategies in pharmaceutical R&D. Journal of Intellectual Property Law.
[1] European Patent Office. (2004). Patent EP1495018 specification.
