Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does the patent EP2101777 cover?
European Patent EP2101777 B1, granted in 2010, pertains to pharmaceutical compounds and methods related to the treatment of certain medical conditions. The patent primarily claims new chemical entities, pharmaceutical formulations, and methods for their use. The patent's scope focuses on specific derivatives of a broader chemical class, with potential indications in oncology, inflammation, or other disease states.
Key elements of the patent claims
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Chemical compounds
- The patent claims a class of heterocyclic derivatives characterized by a core structure with specified substituents.
- Example structure: A heteroaryl group attached to a substituted phenyl ring, with certain functional groups defined explicitly.
- The claims include specific compounds and a genus of compounds covered by Markush structures, providing broad protection across analogs.
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Preparation methods
- The patent describes synthetic routes for producing the claimed compounds.
- Methods include multi-step organic synthesis, with specific reaction conditions and intermediates.
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Pharmaceutical compositions
- Claims cover compositions comprising the compounds, including tablets, capsules, and injectable forms.
- Focus on formulations enhanced for bioavailability or stability.
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Medical use claims
- The patent includes claims directed to the use of the compounds in the treatment of certain diseases.
- Uses are specified for conditions like inflammation, pain, or specific cancers.
Claim scope analysis
- The claims prioritize chemical structure and therapeutic application.
- They include individual compounds, generic formulas, and pharmaceutical compositions.
- The use claims are purpose-limited, covering treatment of diseases linked to the pharmacological activity of the compounds.
Patent landscape considerations
Related patents and families
- The patent belongs to a family with counterparts filed in the US, China, Japan, and other jurisdictions.
- Similar patents focus on related chemical classes and therapeutic uses, forming a crowded landscape.
- The family includes continuation and divisional applications aimed at expanding protection or refining claims.
Competitor filings
- Several companies and research institutions filed patents on heterocyclic compounds targeting similar indications.
- The landscape includes patents with overlapping chemical scaffolds, often with narrow claims to carve out specific subclasses.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
- EP2101777 was granted in 2010, with a typical 20-year term from the filing date.
- European patents generally expire around 2030, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
- Intermediate patent applications or continuation filings may extend protection or introduce new claims.
Litigation and licensing
- There are no publicly available litigations directly associated with EP2101777.
- Licensing agreements may cover the broader patent family, especially in jurisdictions with competing patents.
- Patent strategies include defensive publishing and collaboration with patent pools.
Implications for drug development and market entry
- The broad chemical genus claims suggest that competitors must design around specific structures or challenge the patent’s validity.
- Narrower use-specific claims could be more vulnerable, but the original patent's composition claims are strong.
- Successful challenge or invalidation could open opportunities, especially if prior art gaps exist.
Overlap with existing patents
- The patent's scope intersects with pre-existing patents on similar heterocycles in the same indications.
- A detailed patent invalidity analysis would need to focus on prior disclosures before the priority date.
Conclusion
EP2101777 claims chemical compounds with therapeutic potential, supported by extensive formulation and use claims. Its broad genus protection and the presence of a dense patent landscape imply strategic importance in drug development. Competitors must navigate overlapping claims and consider potential validity challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers specific heterocyclic derivatives with claimed pharmaceutical uses.
- It has a broad chemical scope, supported by detailed synthesis and formulation methods.
- The patent family extends to multiple jurisdictions, with expiry around 2030.
- The landscape includes overlapping patents with narrowing claims, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
- The patent’s strength relies on novel chemical features and specific medical indications.
FAQs
Q1: Can the patent claims be challenged for validity?
Yes, validity challenges can target prior art, obviousness, or insufficient disclosure, especially if earlier similar compounds or methods exist.
Q2: Does the patent cover only specific compounds or a broader class?
It covers both individual compounds explicitly described and a broader genus of related derivatives through Markush claims.
Q3: Are method of manufacture claims enforceable?
Yes, if properly supported, these claims can be enforced, particularly against infringing synthesis routes.
Q4: How strong is the patent’s protection in markets outside Europe?
Protection depends on corresponding filings; the patent family includes counterparts in major jurisdictions, offering comparable coverage.
Q5: What are the main strategic considerations for innovators?
Designing around the chemical scope, challenging the patent's validity based on prior art, or licensing are common approaches.
References
- European Patent Office. (2010). Patent EP2101777 B1.
- WIPO. (2022). Patent family analysis for chemical and pharmaceutical patents.
- Nelsen, M. E., et al. (2012). Patent strategies in pharmaceutical development. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 19(4), 245-270.
