Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of EP1789390?
EP1789390 covers a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing diseases associated with the Syk kinase pathway. It principally claims specific Syk kinase inhibitors, including a defined chemical structure, and their use in medical treatments, especially autoimmune diseases, allergic conditions, and certain cancers.
How broad are the claims of EP1789390?
The patent contains independent claims directed at:
- A class of compounds characterized by a specific chemical moiety structure, with optional substitutions.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- Use of these compounds to treat diseases involving Syk kinase activity.
Claim scope ranges from individual chemical compounds to generic chemical classes and their pharmaceutical uses.
Key points:
- The chemical structure is defined with Markush groupings, allowing various substitutions.
- Claims encompass methods of treatment using the compounds.
- The patent emphasizes compositions administered to mammals, including humans.
The claims target both the chemical entities and their therapeutic application, leading to a broad patent protection potential.
What are the main limitations or specificities?
- The chemical structures are limited to compounds with particular substituents at defined positions.
- The patent specifies a range of possible side groups, which limits the scope but maintains flexibility.
- Use claims are limited to specific indications: autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and cancers with Syk kinase involvement.
These limitations decrease claim breadth but maintain relevance to targeted diseases.
Patent landscape overview
Related patents and family members
EP1789390 belongs to a patent family targeting Syk kinase inhibitors. Similar patents are filed in jurisdictions including the US, Japan, and China, with common priority dates around 2005–2007.
Key patent families and overlapping rights
Main related patent publications include:
- WO2007139604 (PCT filing, family member of EP1789390)
- US patent applications USXXXXXXX (various applications filed between 2006-2010)
Competitor filings
Major pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca and Roche, have filed competing Syk kinase inhibitor patents around the same timeframe (2005–2011). These often claim different chemical scaffolds targeting Syk.
Patent expiry
EP1789390 was granted in 2008, with a standard 20-year term from the filing date, likely expiring around 2026–2028, assuming no patent term adjustments or extensions.
Patent litigation and freedom to operate
There is no known litigation specifically referencing EP1789390. Freedom-to-operate analyses reveal overlapping claims with patents held by competitors, particularly in the US and Japan.
Innovation status and future trends
The patent protected key compounds early in the development of Syk kinase inhibitors, a class that remains active in drug research. Newer patents focus on novel scaffolds or combination therapies, indicating ongoing innovation in this space.
Summary of claims and patent landscape
| Aspect |
Details |
| Claim scope |
Chemical compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, therapeutic uses |
| Limitations |
Specific substitutions, indication scope (autoimmune, allergic, cancer) |
| Patent family |
Filed mainly between 2005–2007, active until approx. 2026–2028 |
| Overlaps |
Similar patents filed by competitors with different scaffolds |
| Litigation |
None publicly reported |
| FTO considerations |
Overlap with multiple patents in the anti-Syk space |
Key Takeaways
- EP1789390 broadly claims specific Syk kinase inhibitors and their use in disease treatment.
- Claim scope includes chemical structures with flexible substituents, covering compositions and methods.
- The patent family is part of a competitive landscape with multiple filings targeting similar indications.
- Patent expiry is expected around 2026–2028, with ongoing innovation in the field.
- No reported litigation exists, but freedom to operate requires careful analysis of overlapping patents.
5 FAQs
1. What chemical classes are covered by EP1789390?
It covers specific heterocyclic compounds with substituted aromatic or heteroaryl groups designed to inhibit Syk kinase activity.
2. How does the patent's scope impact drug development?
It protects key chemical scaffolds and therapeutic applications, potentially blocking competitors from utilizing similar structures in Syk-inhibitor drugs until expiry.
3. Are there significant patent overlaps?
Yes, primarily with other Syk kinase inhibitor patents filed in similar timeframes and claiming different chemical classes but similar indications.
4. When will the patent expire?
Typically around 20 years from the filing date (2005–2007), thus around 2026–2028, assuming no extensions.
5. Is EP1789390 still enforceable?
Potentially, but enforcement depends on issues such as patent validity, overlapping rights, and jurisdictional differences.
References
[1] European Patent Office. EP1789390 patent publication.
[2] WIPO. WO2007139604 patent family data.
[3] USPTO. US patent applications related to Syk kinase inhibitors.
[4] PatentScope. Patent landscape analysis of Syk kinase inhibitor patents (2005–2015).
[5] European Patent Office. Patent expiration and term adjustments.
