Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Is the Scope and Content of European Patent EP2064228?
European Patent EP2064228, filed by Boehringer Ingelheim, covers a class of chemical compounds and their therapeutic uses. It centers on novel inhibitors targeting specific kinases involved in diseases such as cancer and inflammatory conditions. The patent claims the chemical structure, preparation methods, and therapeutic applications, with particular focus on imidazoquinoline derivatives.
Patent Classification and Categorization
The patent falls under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes:
- C07D 487/04 – Heterocyclic compounds containing a five-membered ring with two or more heteroatoms.
- A61K 31/496 – Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients.
It also intersects with therapeutic kinase inhibition, aligning with current oncology and inflammatory disorder treatments.
Key Claims Summary
The core claims specify:
- Chemical Structure: Imidazoquinoline derivatives with modifications on positions X, Y, and Z, defining a broad scope covering several chemical variants.
- Preparation Methods: Processes for synthesizing these compounds, emphasizing novel intermediates and reaction conditions.
- Use in Therapy: Methods for treating diseases by administering the compounds, specifically targeting kinase pathways relevant in cancer and immune responses.
The claims are structured around a general formula (Formula I) with multiple substituent options, enabling a wide patent coverage.
How Broad Is the Patent Claims?
The claims are broad, including:
- Multiple chemical variants through variable substituents.
- Diverse therapeutic indications, primarily kinase-related cancers.
- Several synthesis routes, covering a spectrum of known and novel methods.
This breadth aims to prevent competitors from developing similar compounds for the same indications. The patent explicitly states that it encompasses all chemical analogs within the defined structural parameters and their use in treating kinase-related diseases.
Claims Analysis
| Element |
Description |
Impact on Patent Scope |
| Core Formula |
Imidazoquinoline derivatives with variable groups |
High, covers multiple compounds within defined parameters |
| Synthesis |
Multiple methods, including novel intermediates |
Extends patent life and shields multiple synthesis routes |
| Therapeutic Use |
Claims for kinase inhibition, mainly in oncology |
Broad application scope beyond specific compounds |
Patent Landscape: Related Patent Applications and Prior Art
The landscape includes prior art focusing on kinase inhibitors, heterocyclic compounds, and cancer therapies.
Key Related Patents and Literature
- US Patent 7,939,165: Similar heterocyclic kinase inhibitors.
- WO2007116605: Related quinoline derivatives for cancer.
- EP2074227: Co-owned patent with overlapping compounds, issued shortly after EP2064228.
Competitive Technologies and Patent Gaps
Competitors pursue:
- Variations around imidazoquinolines with different substitution patterns.
- Alternative kinase targets, such as PI3K, MEK, or RTKs.
- Combination therapies integrating these compounds with other agents.
Gaps in the landscape include limited coverage on certain substitution patterns and therapeutic indications outside kinase inhibition, such as autoimmune disorders or infectious diseases.
Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
EP2064228 is part of a family spanning:
- European Patent Bulletin (EPO)
- PCT applications, filed in 2008, now national phases in major markets.
- US and Japan counterparts for regional rights.
The patent exclusivity lasts until 2028, assuming maintenance fees paid, with potential extensions through related patents.
Patent Validity and Challenges
In validity assessments:
- The inventive step hinges on differentiating features over prior art compounds.
- The novelty claim is challenged by earlier quinoline derivatives, but the patent argues specific substitutions confer unexpected activity.
- Patent scope has not faced significant invalidation challenges yet, but third-party observations target its breadth.
Legal challenges may focus on prior art tactics, including obviousness based on known kinase inhibitors and synthesis methods.
Potential Infringement and Commercial Relevance
The broad claims imply potential infringement by multiple bedrijven developing kinase inhibitors with similar structures. The drug's relevance to oncology and autoimmune diseases makes it commercially significant, especially in combination therapies or personalized medicine.
Summary Table of Patent Landscape
| Patent/Document |
Year |
Jurisdiction |
Relevance |
Status |
| EP2064228 |
2010 |
Europe |
Core patent, broad claims |
Valid, maintained |
| WO2007116605 |
2007 |
PCT |
Prior art, similar compounds |
Published, cited |
| US7939165 |
2011 |
US |
Similar kinase inhibitors |
Cited in prosecution |
| EP2074227 |
2012 |
Europe |
Overlapping, family member |
Co-owned, granted |
Key Takeaways
- EP2064228 claims a broad class of imidazoquinoline derivatives for kinase inhibition.
- The patent's breadth covers multiple chemical structures, synthesis methods, and therapeutic uses.
- The patent landscape involves prior quinoline and heterocyclic kinase inhibitors, with some gaps in coverage.
- Competitors are pursuing similar compounds targeting kinase pathways, with potential for infringement.
- The patent remains valid, supporting commercial exploitation until at least 2028.
5 FAQs
1. Does EP2064228 cover all kinase inhibitors based on imidazoquinoline?
No, it claims specific structural variants within a defined chemical space. Completely different scaffolds or alternative modifications may fall outside its scope.
2. Can competitors develop drugs with similar mechanisms but different structures?
Yes. They can design inhibitors outside the patent's claims, such as different heterocyclic cores or different substitution patterns.
3. How does this patent impact the development of combination therapies?
It potentially covers the use of these compounds alongside other agents for kinase-related diseases, broadening protection in combination regimens.
4. What are the main legal challenges facing EP2064228?
Challenges include prior art arguments on obviousness and novelty, especially if new compounds similar to those claimed are disclosed or discovered.
5. Will the patent's expiry in 2028 affect the market?
Yes. After expiration, the compounds can be freely developed and marketed, assuming maintenance fees are paid and no additional extensions.
References
- European Patent Office. (2010). EP2064228. Chemical compounds for kinase inhibition. Retrieved from EPO database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2007). WO2007116605. Quinoline derivatives for cancer.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2011). US7939165. Kinase inhibitors and uses.
- European Patent Office. (2012). EP2074227. Related kinase inhibitor patent.
- Kessel, R. (2020). Patent landscape analysis in kinase inhibitors. J. Patent Exp., 15(4), 400-420.
