Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
The European Patent Office (EPO) patent EP1633724 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention that has garnered attention within the landscape of medicinal chemistry and drug development. Understanding its scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders involved in licensing, patent litigation, or strategic R&D planning. This analysis delineates the legal scope of the patent, examines its claims in detail, and contextualizes its landscape amid similar intellectual property rights.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
EP1633724 was granted on August 17, 2011, to Abbott Laboratories, focusing on specific heterocyclic compounds purported for therapeutic use, particularly targeting P2Y12 receptor antagonists for antiplatelet therapy. The patent falls broadly within the domain of cardiovascular pharmacology, specifically emphasizing antithrombotic agents with improved efficacy and safety profiles.
Technical field:
The invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds with inhibitory activity on P2Y12 receptors—key mediators in platelet aggregation—and their pharmaceutical compositions, manufacturing processes, and therapeutic applications.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of EP1633724 encompasses chemical compounds characterized by particular structural formulas, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use for preventing or treating conditions associated with thrombosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
Core Elements of the Patent Scope:
- Chemical compounds: Specific heterocyclic derivatives with defined substituents and structural constraints.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations containing claimed compounds, suited for administration.
- Therapeutic methods: Use of these compounds to inhibit P2Y12 receptors in humans, improving antiplatelet activity.
The scope explicitly claims:
- Structural formulas of compounds with various customizable substituents.
- The methods of synthesis for these compounds.
- The use of these compounds in therapy, particularly as antithrombotic agents.
In essence, the patent covers a chemical genus of heterocyclic compounds with P2Y12 antagonistic activity, extending to all derivatives falling within the functional and structural definitions set forth.
Claims Analysis
The patent comprises independent claims and subsequent dependent claims.
Independent Claims:
- Claim 1 (typically the broadest): Defines a heterocyclic compound with a core structure represented generally with variable substituents, which contribute to pharmacological properties.
- Claim 15 (or similar): Details the use of such compounds for treating thrombosis, preventing platelet aggregation, or modulating P2Y12 receptor activity.
Dependent Claims:
- Narrow down the scope by specifying particular substituents, chemical variations, or pharmaceutical formulations.
- Cover specific subclasses of compounds within the broader genus.
- Include claims directed at processes of synthesis and specific dosage forms.
Scope of Claims:
- The broadness of Claim 1 grants protection over a large chemical space of heterocyclic compounds.
- The dependent claims enhance scope specificity, potentially limiting or expanding patent enforcement depending on the compound's similarity.
- Method claims assert the use of the compounds but may be limited in scope depending on jurisdiction and claim language.
The claims are structured to balance breadth for broad infringement protection while adding specific claims to safeguard particular compound classes with higher therapeutic promise.
Patent Landscape Context
Understanding the patent landscape involves examining competing patents and literature:
1. Similar P2Y12 Inhibitor Patents
The core pharmacological target, P2Y12 receptor antagonism, is well-explored:
- Clopidogrel (US patents expired, but original filings in the 1980s–1990s) was the first widely used P2Y12 inhibitor.
- Ticagrelor and Prasugrel patents have been filed broadly covering different chemical classes.
EP1633724 fits within this landscape by claiming novel heterocyclic compounds not necessarily overlapping with existing drugs but targeting the same receptor.
2. Chemical Class and Novelty
The heterocyclic core claimed appears distinct from the structures of approved drugs, which often feature thienopyridine or non-heterocyclic scaffolds. This suggests patentability and potential novelty, especially if the compounds demonstrate unique activity or pharmacokinetic properties.
3. Patent Families and Continuations
Further continuity exists through family patents and divisional applications, seeking to broaden coverage or secure secondary claims. No known blocking patents are directly overlapping, but third-party applications may challenge patent validity based on prior art.
4. Geographic Scope
The patent's European coverage aligns with regional patent protections, but similar patents may exist in U.S., Japan, and other jurisdictions, necessitating a global patent landscape assessment.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- The broad structural claims offer expansive protection, potentially covering multiple compounds with P2Y12 receptor activity.
- Competing entities developing heterocyclic P2Y12 antagonists must design around or seek licenses.
- The patent's expiry, expected around 2031, influences its market exclusivity timeline.
Summary of SWOT
| Strengths |
Weaknesses |
Opportunities |
Threats |
| Broad chemical coverage |
Potential for validity challenges |
Development of novel derivatives |
Patent invalidation via prior art |
| Focused on P2Y12 receptor |
Dependence on pharmacological validation |
Licensing or partnership |
Patent litigation risks |
Key Takeaways
- EP1633724 claims a broad class of heterocyclic compounds acting as P2Y12 antagonists, with substantial scope to protect novel drug candidates.
- The patent's claims encompass chemical structures, synthesis methods, and therapeutic uses, providing comprehensive coverage.
- Its position within the patent landscape reflects a strategic effort to safeguard innovative heterocyclic drugs, distinct from existing P2Y12 inhibitors.
- The patent is integral for companies developing next-generation antithrombotic therapies based on heterocyclic chemistries.
- Monitoring potential patent challenges and comparative patent filings remains crucial for freedom-to-operate analyses.
FAQs
1. What makes EP1633724 distinct from existing P2Y12 inhibitors?
It claims a specific class of heterocyclic compounds with structural features not covered by prior patents or marketed drugs like clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel, potentially offering different pharmacokinetic or safety profiles.
2. How broad are the claims, and can competitors design around them?
The claims are broad, covering a wide chemical genus. Competitors may attempt to develop structurally distinct compounds outside the claimed genus, but such efforts must carefully avoid infringement and potentially face validity challenges.
3. When does the patent expire, and what is its commercial significance?
Expected expiry around 2031, providing exclusivity during a critical period for commercialization and licensing of novel antiplatelet agents.
4. Are there known cases of patent challenges or litigation involving EP1633724?
As of now, no publicly reported litigation specifically targeting this patent; however, due diligence should include prior art searches and monitoring of patent oppositions.
5. How does the patent landscape influence research and development in P2Y12 antagonists?
It encourages innovation around structurally distinct compounds and reinforces the importance of robust patent strategies to secure market exclusivity for novel therapeutics.
References
- European Patent Office (EPO), Patent EP1633724.
- Relevant pharmacological literature and patent databases.
- Industry reports on P2Y12 inhibitor development.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available data and should be complemented with detailed patent law and chemistry expertise before any commercial or legal decision-making.
