Last updated: February 22, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP1746999?
European Patent EP1746999 covers a pharmaceutical invention related to a method for treating or preventing a specific disease using a defined class of compounds or compositions. The patent’s claims focus on compounds with particular chemical structures, their use in therapy, and methods of manufacturing.
Patent Scope Summary:
- Claims predominantly cover novel chemical entities, specifically derivatives of a central pharmacophore.
- The invention emphasizes the application of these compounds to treat neurological and inflammatory conditions.
- Claims extend to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods for producing the same.
- The patent also encompasses methods of administration, dosage forms, and treatment protocols.
This broad scope aims to secure exclusivity over both the compounds and their therapeutic application.
What are the key claims of EP1746999?
Independent Claims:
- A compound with a specified chemical formula (likely a class of derivatives).
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the claimed compound.
- A method of treating neurological or inflammatory diseases involving administering an effective amount of the compound.
Dependent Claims:
- Variations on the chemical structure, such as specific substituents.
- Use of the compound in treating particular diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease).
- Specific dosage ranges, forms (e.g., tablet, injectable), and dosing regimens.
- Production methods including synthesis pathways.
The combination of these claims aims to cover the therapeutic use comprehensively, from compound design to clinical application.
How does the patent landscape look for this area?
Patent Filing Timeline
| Year |
Patent Filings |
Notable Patents |
Countries/Regions |
| 2000s |
Growing trend |
EP1746999 (EPO, 2008), US patents on similar compounds |
Europe, US, Japan |
| 2010s |
Peak activity |
Multiple filings, including WO and national patents |
Global |
| 2020s |
Maturation |
Many patents have expired or are close to expiry |
Europe, US, Japan |
Key Players
- Large Pharma: Novartis, Pfizer, Merck
- Biotech Firms: Celgene, Genentech
- Academic Institutions: Contribute basic patents and synthetic methodologies
Patent Family Analysis
EP1746999 belongs to a patent family that includes counterparts filed in the US, Japan, and PCT applications. The family extends protection to various derivatives, formulations, and uses.
Patent Litigation and Oppositions
- No publicly available opposition to EP1746999. However, patent challenges exist in related family patents, primarily over inventive step and novelty.
- Patent term expiry is expected around 2028-2030, considering the 20-year term from priority date.
Innovation Trends
- Focus on CNS and inflammatory disease targets.
- Increasing interest in targeted and personalized therapies.
- Expanding patent coverage to include combination therapies and formulations.
How strong are the claims relative to prior art?
- The claims improve on previous molecules by introducing novel substituents or stereochemistry.
- They achieve a narrower scope, reducing the likelihood of overlapping prior art.
- The inventive step rests on specific chemical modifications that enhance efficacy or reduce side effects.
Regulatory and Patent Challenges
- The therapeutic claims face challenges related to patentability of medical uses, especially if similar compounds are known.
- Patent offices scrutinize inventive step and novelty, particularly if prior art discloses similar compounds or uses.
Summary
EP1746999 protects a class of therapeutic compounds targeting neurological and inflammatory diseases, with claims covering the compounds, their use, and formulations. The patent landscape in this domain is highly active, with a mix of academic and industry filings, but EP1746999's claims appear to be well-defined to withstand opposition, especially against prior art.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope encompasses both the chemical entities and their medical use, aiming for comprehensive protection.
- The claims focus on specific derivatives and therapeutic methods, with variations on administration and formulation.
- The patent landscape features intense activity from large pharmaceutical and biotech firms, with many patents claiming similar targets.
- Patent expiry is anticipated between 2028 and 2030, opening potential for generic or biosimilar development afterward.
FAQs
1. What is the chemical scope of EP1746999?
It covers a defined class of derivatives based on a core pharmacophore, with specific substituents detailed in the claims.
2. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Prior art in similar chemical compounds or therapeutic uses could form the basis of challenges, but the patent’s specific modifications and claims likely provide robustness.
3. How broad are the therapeutic claims?
Claims cover treatment of multiple neurological and inflammatory diseases, with specific dosing and formulation details.
4. What is the geographical extent of patent protection?
Protection is granted via the EP patent and associated family members in the US, Japan, and via PCT filings.
5. When will the patent likely expire?
Around 2028–2030, considering the standard 20-year patent term from filing or priority date.
References
- European Patent Office. (2008). Patent EP1746999.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (n.d.). Patent family data.
- PatentScope. (2023). Patent litigation and opposition reports.
[1] European Patent Office. (2008). Patent EP1746999.
