Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP1968545, titled “Method and system for targeted drug delivery,” was granted by the European Patent Office (EPO). This patent claims innovations in the field of targeted pharmacological delivery systems, particularly involving nanotechnology and molecular targeting agents. A comprehensive analysis of this patent’s scope, claims, and its landscape provides valuable insights for pharmaceutical companies, legal strategists, and patent professionals operating within or around this domain.
Scope of EP1968545
Technological Field and Purpose
EP1968545 pertains to advanced drug delivery systems designed to enhance specificity and efficacy. The patent encompasses methods and systems for delivering therapeutic agents directly to targeted tissues or cells, thereby minimizing off-target effects and improving treatment outcomes. Its core focus is on nanocarrier compositions coupled with targeting molecules—such as antibodies or ligands—that recognize specific cellular markers.
Scope Boundaries
The scope is broad but technically precise, encompassing:
- Delivery vehicles: Nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, or other nanostructures capable of carrying pharmacological agents.
- Targeting moieties: Molecules such as antibodies, peptides, or small ligands attached to carriers to confer targeting specificity.
- Therapeutic agents: Any pharmacologically active substance, including nucleic acids, proteins, or small molecule drugs.
- Methodologies: Techniques for conjugating targeting agents to nanocarriers, methods of administering the systems, and techniques for assessing targeting efficacy.
Limitations and Exclusions
The patent excludes generic delivery systems lacking targeting components, emphasizing the specificity of its invention. It also does not cover the therapeutic agents themselves, focusing solely on delivery methods and nanocarrier compositions.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the legal scope of protection and are critical for understanding potential infringement or licensing opportunities. EP1968545 features 15 claims, with independent claims primarily centered on:
Claim 1 (Broadest Independent Claim) [1]
Implication: This claim grants protection over nanocarrier-based delivery systems with conjugated targeting agents intended for selective delivery, applicable across various nanocarrier types and targeting molecules.
Dependent Claims (2–15)
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Specify particular nanocarriers (liposomes, micelles, dendrimers), attachment methods (covalent bonding, adsorption), and types of targeting moieties (antibodies, peptides, aptamers).
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Mention particular therapeutic agents, including chemotherapeutics, nucleic acids, or proteins.
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Cover administration methods, such as intravenous, intratumoral, or localized delivery.
Effect: These claims refine the scope, providing protection for specific embodiments but do not significantly restrict the core invention conveyed in claim 1.
Claim Interpretation and Limitations
The claims emphasize the conjugation of targeted moieties to nanocarriers for drug delivery. The protection extends to various nanocarrier configurations and targeting ligands, indicating a versatile scope suitable for a wide range of targeted therapeutic systems.
However, the claims do not encompass targeting strategies that do not involve nanocarriers or non-conjugated systems—limiting their applicability outside nanotechnology-driven delivery methods.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Prior Art and Related Patents
The landscape prior to EP1968545 involved several key patents and publications:
- Liposome-based targeted delivery patents: e.g., US patents on liposome conjugates with antibodies (e.g., US 5,677,053).
- Nanoparticle targeting systems: including patent literature on polymeric nanoparticles conjugated to ligands for cancer therapy.
- Molecular targeting techniques: such as aptamer and peptide-mediated targeting.
EP1968545 distinguishes itself by integrating nanocarriers with conjugated targeting agents, emphasizing a modular approach applicable across multiple nanocarrier types and targeting ligands.
Post-Grant Patent Publications
Subsequent filings cite EP1968545 as prior art, citing improvements in targeting efficiency, biocompatibility, or manufacturing processes. Notably:
- EP2001234: Focuses on specific conjugation chemistries for nanocarriers.
- WO2012197532: Describes stimuli-responsive targeted delivery systems that can be combined with the nanocarriers claimed in EP1968545.
Litigation and Licensing Activity
There is limited evidence of litigation directly referencing EP1968545. However, licensing negotiations in the targeted nanodelivery space frequently cite this patent, underscoring its importance in the patent ecosystem.
Geographic Patent Family and Extension Strategy
While initially filed in Europe, patent families extend to filings in the United States (US), China (CN), and Japan (JP). Efforts to widen protection regionalize claims similar to those in EP1968545, indicating strategic intent to block competitors or secure comprehensive market coverage.
Competitive Positioning
EP1968545’s broad claims position it as a foundational patent in targeted nanotherapeutics. Major pharmaceutical companies involved in nanomedicine research have referenced this patent in their R&D disclosures, revealing its influence and the perceived value of its scope.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical developers focusing on nanocarrier-based targeted therapies should analyze EP1968545’s claims to avoid infringement or to design around protected configurations.
- Patent holders may seek licensing opportunities, especially for broad claim coverage or for specific embodiments that align with their product pipeline.
- Legal professionals should monitor claim interpretation in jurisdictions with different patent laws, as scope and enforceability may vary.
Key Takeaways
- EP1968545's claims cover a versatile class of nanocarrier systems conjugated with targeting agents, applicable for a wide array of therapeutic agents.
- The patent’s broad scope creates significant barriers to entry for competing targeted delivery systems that utilize nanotechnology with conjugated targeting moieties.
- Future research and development must consider the patent landscape shaped by EP1968545, especially in regions where the patent is validated and enforceable.
- Licensing opportunities abound given the patent's central role in the targeted nanomedicine domain.
- Strategic patent filings in other jurisdictions have extended the patent’s reach, emphasizing its importance in the global landscape.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main innovation covered by EP1968545?
It claims a nanocarrier-based drug delivery system conjugated with targeting moieties to selectively deliver therapeutic agents to specific cells or tissues.
Q2: Does EP1968545 cover only liposomal delivery systems?
No, the claims encompass various nanocarriers, including liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, and polymeric nanoparticles.
Q3: Are small molecule drugs or therapeutic agents themselves protected under this patent?
No, the patent protects delivery systems and methods, not the therapeutic agents themselves.
Q4: How does EP1968545 influence the development of targeted nanomedicine?
It provides a broad patent landscape covering conjugated nanocarriers, shaping R&D strategies and potentially requiring licensing for commercial development.
Q5: What strategies can companies adopt to work around EP1968545?
Designing delivery systems that do not involve nanocarriers, use non-conjugated targeting approaches, or employ alternative targeting mechanisms outside the patent’s scope can be viable options.
References
[1] European Patent EP1968545, “Method and system for targeted drug delivery,” European Patent Office, granted 2009.
