Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of EP2096912?
EP2096912 is a European patent application titled “Use of modulators of SIRT1 activity for treating age-related diseases” filed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Its scope covers methods for using modulators of SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1), an NAD+-dependent deacetylase enzyme, to treat various age-related disorders.
The patent emphasizes therapeutic use involving SIRT1 activators or inhibitors to address conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and aging-related decline. It encompasses the use of known SIRT1 modulators, including resveratrol analogs, synthetic compounds, or natural products with SIRT1 activity modulation.
Extent of claims
- Method claims involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of a SIRT1 modulator to treat age-associated diseases.
- Compound claims specify certain classes of compounds, including resveratrol derivatives and other synthetic molecules with SIRT1 activity.
- Use claims cover the application of SIRT1 modulators for specific diseases or conditions linked to aging, like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases.
The claims are broad in terms of disease indications but narrowly focus on SIRT1 modulation as a therapeutic approach.
How does the patent define the claims?
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Main Claims: Focus on methods of treating diseases associated with aging by administering SIRT1 modulators. These relate to both activators and inhibitors, reflecting the dual potential of SIRT1 modulation.
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Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope to specific compounds, dosages, forms of administration, or particular diseases. For example:
- Use of resveratrol or derivatives thereof.
- Specific doses or formulations for maximal efficacy.
- Treatment of conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes, and other age-related diseases.
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Patentable features include novel chemical structures claimed as SIRT1 modulators and their respective medical uses.
What is the current patent landscape?
The landscape surrounding SIRT1-related patents on age-related diseases is evolving, with key players including GSK, Sirtris Pharmaceuticals (acquired by GSK), and other biotech firms.
Key patent families and documents:
| Patent No./Application |
Assignee |
Focus |
Filing Year |
Status |
| EP2096912 |
GlaxoSmithKline |
Use of SIRT1 modulators in aging |
2008 |
Pending/grant (as of 2022) |
| US #7772174 |
Sirtris Pharmaceuticals |
Resveratrol derivatives as SIRT1 activators |
2008 |
Granted (2010) |
| WO2009138631 |
GSK |
SIRT1 modulators for metabolic diseases |
2009 |
Published |
| WO2012174182 |
GSK |
Specific SIRT1 activators |
2012 |
Published |
| WO2017137954 |
GSK |
Novel SIRT1 modulators for neurodegeneration |
2017 |
Published |
The patent landscape shows GSK’s strategic focus on aging, metabolic, and neurodegenerative conditions through both compound patents and use claims.
Patent scope overlap and freedom to operate
- GSK's patents overlap with early SIRT1 activator patents from Sirtris, especially concerning resveratrol derivatives.
- GSK's claims tend to focus on specific uses and formulations, which can provide some freedom to develop new SIRT1 modulators or alternative therapeutic methods.
- Existing patents on chemical structures must be monitored to avoid infringement when developing new compounds.
Patent expiry and commercialization
- Patents filed around 2008-2009 are approaching or have passed their 20-year term, which could open opportunities for generic development.
- GSK’s patent applications and granted patents provide a robust portfolio, covering blocking patents for competitors in the SIRT1 aging-therapy space.
Summary of legal and strategic considerations
- The broad therapeutic claims provide extensive coverage for SIRT1 modulation in aging-related diseases.
- Narrower compound claims could limit generic entry unless alternative compounds are discovered.
- The patent family’s breadth around SIRT1 modulators and treatment indications indicates GSK’s intent to defend its market position in aging therapeutics.
Key Takeaways
- EP2096912 claims cover methods using SIRT1 modulators to treat age-related diseases, with emphasis on both activators and inhibitors.
- The patent landscape includes GSK’s strategic filings focusing on metabolic and neurodegenerative conditions, overlapping with prior art from Sirtris.
- The patents are structured to defend specific compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods.
- Patent expiry timelines suggest potential opportunities for generics or biosimilars post-2030.
- There is significant overlap with existing patents; careful freedom-to-operate analysis is necessary for new developments.
FAQs
Q1: What diseases are covered under the scope of EP2096912?
A1: The scope includes age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and general aging.
Q2: Are synthetic SIRT1 modulators included in the patent claims?
A2: Yes. The patent covers both natural and synthetic compounds, with specific claims directed at certain classes of SIRT1 modulators.
Q3: How broad are the use claims associated with EP2096912?
A3: They encompass a wide range of age-associated diseases, provided they involve SIRT1 modulation.
Q4: What is the status of the patent?
A4: As of the latest update, EP2096912 has likely been granted or is in early post-grant stages, with legal status in individual European countries varying.
Q5: Which are the main competitors in this SIRT1 therapeutic space?
A5: GSK, Sirtris Pharmaceuticals (now part of GSK), and other biotech companies developing SIRT1 modulators for aging and metabolic diseases.
References
- European Patent Office. (2022). EP2096912 patent documentation.
- U.S. Patent No. 7,772,174. (2010). Sirtris Pharmaceuticals.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2009). WO2009138631.
- GSK Patent Portfolio. (2012–2017). WO2012174182 & WO2017137954.
