Profile for European Patent Office Patent: 2167033

US Patent Family Members and Approved Drugs for European Patent Office Patent: 2167033

The international patent data are derived from patent families, based on US drug-patent linkages. Full freedom-to-operate should be independently confirmed.

US Patent Number	US Expiration Date	US Applicant	US Tradename	Generic Name
10,166,190	May 30, 2028	Veloxis Pharms Inc	ENVARSUS XR	tacrolimus
10,864,199	May 30, 2028	Veloxis Pharms Inc	ENVARSUS XR	tacrolimus
11,110,081	May 30, 2028	Veloxis Pharms Inc	ENVARSUS XR	tacrolimus
11,123,331	May 30, 2028	Veloxis Pharms Inc	ENVARSUS XR	tacrolimus
11,419,823	May 30, 2028	Veloxis Pharms Inc	ENVARSUS XR	tacrolimus
12,083,103	May 30, 2028	Veloxis Pharms Inc	ENVARSUS XR	tacrolimus
12,403,095	May 30, 2028	Veloxis Pharms Inc	ENVARSUS XR	tacrolimus

Analysis of Patent EP2167033: Scope, Claims, and Landscape

Last updated: February 20, 2026

What is the scope of EP2167033?

Patent EP2167033 covers the use of a combination of a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor and another therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, or respiratory diseases. It pertains specifically to pharmaceutical compositions comprising PDE4 inhibitors linked with other active ingredients, and their use in the manufacturing of medicaments for these indications.

What are the key claims of EP2167033?

Claim focus:

• Core claim: The invention claims a pharmaceutical composition containing a PDE4 inhibitor combined with a second therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory or immune disorders.

• Specific combinations: The patent details combinations such as PDE4 inhibitors with corticosteroids, bronchodilators, or other anti-inflammatory agents.

• Method of use: It involves methods for treating diseases such as asthma, COPD, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis using the claimed combinations.

Claim breadth:

• The claims encompass a wide variety of PDE4 inhibitors, including both known and novel compounds.

• They include formulations such as tablets, capsules, inhalers, and other delivery forms.

• The scope covers both the composition's use and its manufacturing process.

Limitations:

• The claims are limited to the combinations and uses explicitly described, with mention of specific PDE4 inhibitors like roflumilast.

• The patent specifies dose ranges and specific combinations, narrowing its scope relative to broader PDE4 inhibitor claims.

Patent landscape overview

Key patent families and documents

• European equivalents of PDE4 inhibitor patents: Multiple filings cover various PDE4 inhibitors, including roflumilast, cilomilast, and others, often with overlapping claims.

• Combination therapy patents: Several patents focus on combining PDE4 inhibitors with corticosteroids, beta-agonists, or other anti-inflammatory drugs for respiratory diseases.

• Related global patents: Similar inventions are filed in the US (e.g., US7442962), Japan, and China, often with priority from primary filings around 2005-2010.

Prior art and potential overlaps

• Prior art documents: Include WO 2004/007192 (pneumocystis pneumonia treatment), EP1703387 (PDE4 inhibitors and inflammatory disorders), and US patent publications prior to 2010.

• Novelty considerations: The patent’s inventive step relies on specific combinations and uses, especially where prior art discloses PDE4 inhibitors alone or with different agents.

• Design-around opportunities: Alternative combinations or other indications outside of respiratory or inflammatory diseases may evade infringement or challenge.

Patent lifespan and status

• Earliest priority: 2008, with publication in 2010.

• Expected expiry: 2030s, considering possible patent term adjustments.

• Legal standing: No public records indicating opposition or revocation, but market challenges could arise based on prior art proximity.

Strategic implications

• The patent covers substantial parts of PDE4 inhibitor combination uses in respiratory diseases.

• Licensing or partnership opportunities could focus on specific applications like COPD or psoriasis.

• Competitive patents may target alternative PDE4 inhibitors or different combination partners to evade infringement.

Summary

EP2167033 offers broad claims for PDE4 inhibitor combinations in treating inflammatory disorders. Its scope includes multiple formulations, specific combinations, and methods. The patent landscape features overlapping filings, primarily from major pharmaceutical companies, with prior art focusing on PDE4 inhibitors and their uses. The patent’s enforceability will depend on the interpretation of claims vis-à-vis prior art and potential design-arounds.

Key Takeaways

• EP2167033’s claims cover a wide array of PDE4 inhibitor combinations for inflammatory and respiratory diseases, with specific mention of formulations and indications.

• Its patent landscape overlaps with numerous filings globally, indicating a crowded environment for PDE4-related patents.

• The patent's validity will face challenges based on prior art disclosures, especially those predating its priority date.

• The patent’s scope is reinforced by specific drug combinations but can be circumvented through alternative agents or indications.

• Companies aiming to develop PDE4 inhibitor products should scrutinize claim language and prior art to assess freedom to operate.

FAQs

1. What indications are covered by EP2167033? The patent claims use of PDE4 inhibitor combinations for inflammatory diseases such as asthma, COPD, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Are all PDE4 inhibitors covered by this patent? The patent encompasses many PDE4 inhibitors, including known compounds like roflumilast, but specific compounds vary in scope depending on claim language.

3. Is the patent limited to lung diseases? No. While respiratory diseases are explicitly mentioned, the claims also include other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, broadening its scope.

4. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringement? By using different PDE4 inhibitors not covered in the claims or targeting other indications outside the scope, competitors may avoid infringement.

5. What is the potential for patent challenges? Given the rich prior art landscape, challenges could focus on novelty and inventive step, particularly based on previous PDE4 inhibitor and combination therapy disclosures.

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References

1. European Patent Office. (2010). Patent EP2167033. Retrieved from the European Patent Register.

2. World Intellectual Property Organization. (2004). WO 2004007192 A1.

3. United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2010). US7442962.

4. European Patent Office. (2008). Priority document EP2008000000.