Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Is the Scope and Content of EP1893612?
European Patent EP1893612, filed by Bristol-Myers Squibb on February 16, 2007, and granted on September 21, 2011, covers novel dihydro-pyrrolo-pyrimidine compounds, methods for their synthesis, and their therapeutic use, specifically as kinase inhibitors.
The patent aims to secure exclusive rights on compounds characterized by a pyrrolopyrimidine core substituted with specific groups that confer kinase inhibition properties. The scope extends to pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, and formulations containing these compounds.
How Broad Are the Claims in EP1893612?
Main Claims Overview
The patent's core is claim 1, claiming:
- A compound with the formula (I), where variables R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are specifically defined to include a broad range of substituents, such as hydrogen, halogens, alkyl, alkoxy, and heteroaryl groups.
- Variations include stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and related tautomers.
Secondary claims specify:
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds.
- Methods for inhibiting kinases, particularly receptor tyrosine kinases.
- Methods for treating proliferative disorders, immune system disorders, or inflammatory diseases.
Scope Extent
The claims encompass:
- A wide variety of chemical substitutions within the defined core structure.
- Both specific compounds and generic classes of derivatives conforming to the formula.
- Uses in medical indications related to kinase inhibition.
This breadth creates a sizable patent estate, restricting competitors from producing similar kinase inhibitor compounds with minor structural variations.
Limitations and Boundaries
The claims are limited to compounds with the specific pyrrolopyrimidine core and substituents as defined. Encompassed synthesis methods and uses are also protected. However, compounds outside the chemical scope—e.g., different heterocyclic cores—are not covered.
What Is the Patent Landscape Surrounding EP1893612?
Primary Patent Families
EP1893612 is part of a patent family extending into:
- US Patent 8,312,071 (granted in the United States in November 2012)
- WO2008082574 (PCT application published in July 2008)
- Further national patents in Japan, Canada, and Australia
This family secures infringement rights in multiple jurisdictions, reflecting a comprehensive geographic coverage.
Key Related Patents
Linked patents focus on:
- Specific subclasses of compounds within the broad formula.
- Alternative synthesis routes.
- Use of similar compounds for different therapeutic targets.
For example, the US patent 8,312,071 has claims similar to EP1893612 but emphasizes particular subclass compounds with higher kinase selectivity profiles.
Competitive Landscape
Other notable patent holdings include:
- AbbVie and Pfizer patents on kinase inhibitors with structural similarities.
- AstraZeneca's patents on pyrimidine derivatives for oncology.
- Patent applications from Synta Pharmaceuticals covering structurally related compounds targeting proliferative diseases.
These overlapping patents create a dense landscape, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate analysis for drug development.
Legal and Patent Expiry Risks
Most patents filed around 2007-2008 are set to expire in 2027-2029, with some jurisdictions applying a 20-year term from filing. This timeline impacts timing for generic competition and licensing negotiations.
Recent Patent Activity and Litigation
While no public litigation is linked directly to EP1893612, patent challenges in related patent families are ongoing within jurisdictions like the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). These legal actions focus on inventive step and claim scope validity.
How Do the Claims Compare with Similar Patents?
| Patent Patent Number |
Core Structural Claim Focus |
Therapeutic Application |
Key Differentiators |
| EP1893612 |
Pyrrolopyrimidine kinase inhibitors |
Multiple cancers, autoimmune diseases |
Broad chemical scope and synthesis methods |
| US8,312,071 |
Subclass compounds with high kinase selectivity |
Oncology, inflammatory diseases |
Emphasis on specific kinase profiles |
| WO2008082574 |
Alternative derivatives and uses |
Oncology, fibrosis |
Structural modifications for selectivity |
The scope overlaps with other patents targeting similar kinase pathways but differs primarily in chemical core, substituent variation, and claimed therapeutic applications.
Summary of Patent Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Wide chemical scope covering numerous derivatives.
- Multi-jurisdictional patent rights.
- Claims to both compounds and methods, broad protection.
Weaknesses:
- Potential challenges based on inventive step, given prior kinase inhibitor art.
- Patent term expiration approaching in key markets.
- Overlap with other patents may restrict freedom-to-operate.
Key Takeaways
- EP1893612 protects a broad class of pyrrolopyrimidine kinase inhibitors used in treating proliferative and immune disorders.
- Its claims include a wide range of derivatives, fostering extensive coverage but also increasing infringement complexity.
- The patent family extends into the US and other jurisdictions, although expiry is expected in the late 2020s.
- The landscape features overlapping patents from competitors like AbbVie and AstraZeneca, creating a dense patent web.
- Assessments of patent validity hinge on inventive step, inventive disclosure, and prior art searches focusing on heterocyclic kinase inhibitors.
FAQs
1. Does EP1893612 cover all kinase inhibitors?
No. It covers specific pyrrolopyrimidine compounds and their uses, not all kinase inhibitors.
2. How does the patent scope impact generic development?
It may delay generic entry until approximately 2027-2029, depending on jurisdiction and patent enforcement.
3. Are there opportunities for licensing?
Possibly, especially if competitors seek to develop related compounds within the patent’s scope.
4. What are the main legal risks?
Patent validity challenges based on inventive step, prior art, or claim scope reduce enforcement prospects.
5. How does this patent relate to clinical products?
Compounds claimed under EP1893612 may serve as candidates for clinical development or marketed drugs, provided they meet patent and regulatory requirements.
References
- European Patent Office EP1893612. (2011). Synthesis and Use of Pyrrolopyrimidine Kinase Inhibitors.
- US Patent 8,312,071. (2012). Kinase Inhibitors.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2008082574. (2008). Substituted Pyrimidine Derivatives.
- European Patent Office Patent Families and Global Legal Status reports.
- Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decisions, US.
