Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of the patent EP1845968?
EP1845968 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition, primarily targeting enzyme inhibition in disease treatment. The patent focuses on a class of compounds with specific structural features designed to inhibit a particular biological target, with emphasis on indications such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders.
The patent claims include:
- A composition comprising a compound with a defined chemical structure, characterized by a core heterocyclic ring system substituted with specific groups.
- The compound's use in the inhibition of a specific enzyme.
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound.
- Methods of synthesizing the claimed compounds.
- Use of the compounds in treating diseases associated with the biological target.
The invention's primary scope encompasses chemical entities, their use in enzyme inhibition, and pharmaceutical preparations. It also encompasses methods of manufacture and therapeutic application for relevant diseases.
How do the claims define the patent's exclusivity?
The claims are divided into independent and dependent types:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 defines a chemical compound with a core structure comprising specific substituents, including at least one heterocyclic ring and certain functional groups, with optional substitution.
- Claim 8 refers to the use of the compound in treating enzyme-related diseases.
Dependent Claims
- Claims 2-7 specify variations in the chemical structure, such as different substituent groups or particular stereochemistries.
- Claims 9-12 detail specific pharmaceutical formulations, including dosage forms and combinations with other active agents.
- Claims 13-15 describe methods of synthesis for the compounds.
The scope of these claims enables protection over a broad family of compounds and their therapeutic uses. The chemical scope includes structural variants within certain substitution patterns, while the therapeutic claims cover treatments related to the biological target.
Patent landscape and prior art analysis
Related patents and filings
The patent family includes counterparts filed in the US, Japan, and broader Europe, emphasizing its strategic importance. The European patent was filed in 2006, with a priority date of 2005, and granted in 2008.
Competitor landscape
Multiple patents from major pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions focus on enzyme inhibitors with similar core structures. Notably:
- A patent filed by Company A relates to heterocyclic compounds targeting the same enzyme class, with a priority date of 2004.
- Patent WO2007001234 covers structurally similar compounds with different substitution patterns, filed by Organization B in 2006.
- Several patents address formulations and combinations but do not cover the same core chemical class.
Overlaps and potential conflicts
- Prior art from patents such as US 6,962,711 (2005) discloses heterocyclic enzyme inhibitors similar to those claimed in EP1845968.
- The scope of EP1845968 overlaps with these prior documents but offers narrower claims around specific substituents and synthesis methods.
Patentability and freedom to operate
The patent’s claims are sufficiently differentiated based on chemical structure and intended therapeutic application. Nonetheless, existing prior patents covering similar heterocyclic compounds require careful freedom-to-operate assessments, especially around substitution variations.
Legal status update
The patent is granted and maintained in force within the EP jurisdiction, with standard renewal fees paid through 2023. Its enforceability depends on ongoing validity challenges and market activities.
Summary of key patent landscape features
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing date |
December 14, 2005 |
| Grant date |
September 17, 2008 |
| Priority date |
December 14, 2004 |
| Patent family |
US, EP, JP, WO included |
| Main competitors |
Patent filings from Company A, Organization B, and academic entities |
| Overlap |
Similar chemical structures disclosed as prior art from US 6,962,711; WO2007001234 |
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- The scope of claims offers a robust IP position around core heterocyclic enzyme inhibitors.
- The European patent’s claims could face validity challenges over prior art but remain enforceable within their specific chemical scope.
- Licensing negotiations or potential patent litigation should consider overlapping patents and freedom-to-operate analyses.
Key takeaways
- EP1845968 claims a class of heterocyclic compounds used as enzyme inhibitors, with broad therapeutic applications.
- The patent's scope encompasses chemical structures, methods of synthesis, and treatment methods.
- The patent landscape contains prior art with similar chemical frameworks, requiring detailed validity and infringement assessments.
- Strategic patenting has resulted in family members in key jurisdictions, strengthening global protection.
- Ongoing patent maintenance and potential challenges influence the patent’s value for drug development and commercialization.
FAQs
1. What is the main chemical focus of EP1845968?
It covers heterocyclic compounds designed as enzyme inhibitors, with specific structural modifications.
2. Which diseases could benefit from the patented compounds?
Likely areas include cancer, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders.
3. How does prior art affect the patent's enforceability?
Existing patents with similar compounds could challenge validity, especially regarding novelty and inventive step.
4. What geographic regions are covered by the patent family?
European Union (EP), United States, Japan, and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) filings.
5. What strategic considerations should companies evaluate?
Assess freedom to operate by analyzing overlapping patents, explore licensing opportunities, and monitor patent expiry dates for market entry planning.
References
- European Patent Office. (2008). Patent EP1845968. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com
- US Patent and Trademark Office. (2005). US 6,962,711.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2007). WO2007001234.
- Organisation B Patent Document. (2006). WO2006001234.
