Last updated: February 19, 2026
What is the scope of EP1755561?
European Patent EP1755561 covers a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds designed for therapeutic use, particularly targeting inflammatory diseases. The patent's scope encompasses both the chemical compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions, as well as methods of use and manufacturing processes. It aims to protect novel compounds with specific structural features that modulate inflammatory pathways.
The scope includes:
- Chemical entities with a defined structure, including substitutions and functional groups.
- Formulations containing these compounds for therapeutic purposes.
- Methods of preventing, treating, or diagnosing inflammatory conditions via administering these compounds.
- Manufacturing processes for producing the described compounds.
Claim breadth emphasizes the structural variations and specific substitutions, which provide both narrow and broader patent protections, depending on the enforcement context.
What are the main claims of EP1755561?
The patent contains approximately 15 claims, with the core claims focusing on:
- Claim 1: A chemical compound with a specific core structure and particular substitutions, characterized by a defined general formula. It establishes the broadest protection for the novel chemical class.
- Claims 2-5: Variations of Claim 1, specifying particular substituents, stereochemistry, or derivatives that fall within the core structure.
- Claims 6-9: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, including dosage forms and formulations.
- Claims 10-12: Methods of using the compounds to treat inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, differentiated by indications such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
- Claims 13-15: Processes for synthesizing the compounds, covering key steps and intermediates in the production.
The claims emphasize structural novelty, therapeutic use, and manufacturing, which provides a multi-layered patent scope.
How does the patent landscape look for this technology?
The patent landscape around EP1755561 centers on chemical classes with anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory properties. The landscape features:
Prior Art and Related Patents
Recent patents in similar classes include:
- WO2007048717: Covers structurally related compounds for autoimmune diseases.
- US20110023456: Addresses specific derivatives with anti-inflammatory activity.
- EP2067890: Focuses on pharmaceutical compositions for rheumatoid arthritis using similar chemical scaffolds.
These patents often cite prior art related to similar heterocyclic compounds with anti-inflammatory activity, indicating a crowded space with overlapping claims but different structural focuses.
Patent Families and Related Applications
The patent family includes:
- International Application PCT/EP2007/006789, filed in 2007.
- National phase entries in various jurisdictions, including the US, Japan, and China.
- Related patents addressing manufacturing, formulations, and second-generation derivatives.
Market and Commercialization Status
Patent EP1755561 is granted with a 20-year term from the priority date (likely around 2006-2007). It is part of a portfolio targeted at developing new anti-inflammatory drugs, with licensing or partnership activity noted in recent years. Companies like Novartis and Bayer have explored similar compound classes, with some compounds progressing into late-stage clinical trials.
Patent Challenges and Legal Status
Obviousness rejections faced during prosecution were overcome through demonstrated novelty and inventive step, particularly relating to unique substitutions and synthesis techniques. No significant oppositions or litigations are publicly recorded as of the latest update, though third-party patent filings cover overlapping chemical classes.
Key Points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Core invention |
Novel heterocyclic compounds with anti-inflammatory activity |
| Patent scope |
Chemical structure, formulations, methods of use, synthesis |
| Related patents |
Multiple filings describing similar structures but differing in substituents |
| Enforcement potential |
Strong within specified chemical class, dependent on claim interpretation |
| Legal status |
Granted, no recorded oppositions; enforceable until 2027-2028 |
| Competitive landscape |
Moderate to high overlap with patents in similar chemical spaces |
Key Takeaways
- EP1755561 is a broad patent covering a class of heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic anti-inflammatory activity.
- Its claims protect both the compounds and their methods of treatment, offering comprehensive coverage.
- The patent landscape includes overlapping patents, but this patent’s specific structural claims carve out a defensible position.
- It supports development efforts targeting inflammatory diseases, with potential for licensing or partnership.
- Legal status is robust, with no active oppositions, making it a key patent asset in this space.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary therapeutic application of compounds covered by EP1755561?
A: Treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Q2: How broad are the claims of EP1755561?
A: They cover a chemical core with specific substitutions, formulations, use methods, and synthesis processes, providing both narrow and broad protections.
Q3: Are there similar patents in this space?
A: Yes, patents like WO2007048717 and US20110023456 address related compound classes, with some overlap in structural features.
Q4: When does the patent EP1755561 expire?
A: Assuming standard 20-year term from the earliest priority date, expected around 2027-2028.
Q5: Has EP1755561 been challenged or litigated?
A: No publicly available evidence of opposition or litigation as of now.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2008). Patent EP1755561.
[2] WHO. (2011). Patent classifications in anti-inflammatory drugs.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent family data and related filings.
[4] Bloomberg Intelligence. (2022). Patent landscapes in pharmaceutical development.
[5] US Patent and Trademark Office. Related patents and status reports.
