Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP2182988 B1 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention with significant implications in the area of drug development and intellectual property rights. A comprehensive understanding of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and research institutions. This analysis explores EP2182988 in detail, focusing on its claims, scope, and positioning within the patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
EP2182988 B1, designated as a patent entitled "Method of Treating or Preventing an Obesity-Related Condition," was granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) on March 29, 2017. The application was filed on March 22, 2010, with priority from earlier filings, reflecting a strategic effort to secure rights in a competitive obesity treatment landscape.
The invention centers on specific chemical compounds, their formulations, and methods demonstrating efficacy in mitigating obesity-related conditions, often targeting associated metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risks.
Scope and Claims
Main Claims
The core of the patent’s strength resides in its claims, which define the legal scope of protection.
-
Claim 1:
A method of treating or preventing an obesity-related condition in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from a specified class of chemical entities.
This independent claim broadly covers any method of treatment involving the specified compounds, indicating a primary focus on a certain chemical scaffold with potential therapeutic benefits.
-
Claim 2:
The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is a 2-aryl-4(3H)-quinazolinone derivative.
Here, exclusivity extends towards specific derivatives, suggesting a chemical class of interest.
-
Claim 3:
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in any of claims 1 or 2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
The patent encompasses formulations, expanding its scope from compounds to compositions.
-
Claims 4–10:
These include specific embodiments, dosage regimes, and methods of synthesis, providing detailed protections that reinforce the patent’s breadth.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, detailing particular chemical variants, delivery methods, or treatment regimens. For instance:
- Specific substitutions on the quinazolinone core.
- Use of compounds in combination with other therapeutics.
- Methods for preparing the compounds.
This layered claim structure allows for flexibility and robustness, safeguarding various aspects of the invention.
Scope of the Patent
The patent’s scope primarily encompasses:
- Chemical compounds: Specifically, 2-aryl-4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives, with variations covered by substituent claims.
- Methods of use: Treatment or prevention of obesity-related conditions.
- Pharmaceutical formulations: Compositions including the compounds with carriers.
- Synthesis methods: Techniques for preparing the compounds.
This multifaceted scope strives to protect not only the chemical inventions but also their application and manufacturing.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding EP2182988 features multiple filings focused on obesity, metabolic disorders, and quinazolinone derivatives:
-
Prior art on quinazolinone derivatives: Existing patents have disclosed various derivatives for diverse therapeutic areas, including anticancer and antihypertensive agents. For instance, EP0951705 pertains to quinazolinone-based compounds with pharmacological activity, though it targets different indications.
-
Obesity-related patents: Several prior patents, such as WO2010065380, disclose compounds and methods for treating obesity, often involving appetite suppressants and metabolic modulators. EP2182988 differentiates itself via specific substitution patterns and claimed therapeutic use.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations
The scope of EP2182988 overlaps with prior patents in chemical class and therapeutic indications, necessitating careful FTO analysis before commercialization. Notably, the claimed compounds and methods may infringe upon or be challenged by existing IP, emphasizing the importance of detailed patent landscaping.
Potential for Patent Extensibility
The detailed claims around synthesis, composition, and specific derivatives offer avenues for patenting further modifications, formulations, or combination therapies, creating a strategic patent thicket to secure market dominance.
Legal Status and Patent Life
EP2182988 has a legal status indicating grant and maintenance in multiple jurisdictions. Its expiry date is potentially around 2030, given the typical 20-year term from the filing date, subject to renewal fee payments. The patent’s enforceability remains critical, especially given ongoing patent disputes that frequently target chemical and therapeutic patents.
Implications for Industry
The patent’s broad claims on quinazolinone derivatives position it as a strong piece of IP in the obesity therapeutics space. Companies working with similar chemical scaffolds must consider licensing or designing around this patent to avoid infringement. Conversely, patent holders can leverage EP2182988 to partner or license further developments.
Conclusion
European Patent EP2182988 B1 encapsulates a robust protection strategy for a class of quinazolinone derivatives aimed at obesity-related treatment. Its claims are strategically framed to cover chemical entities, methods of use, and formulations, with a layered structure that can withstand legal challenges. The patent landscape around this invention is populated with prior art, yet the specificity of claims provides a defensible position, especially if further innovations build upon this foundation.
Key Takeaways
- EP2182988’s broad claims cover chemical compounds, treatment methods, and formulations, offering comprehensive protection in the obesity treatment domain.
- The patent’s landscape includes prior quinazolinone and obesity-related patents, necessitating careful FTO analysis.
- Strategic licensing and further innovation around specific derivatives and combinations can extend commercial advantage.
- Continuous monitoring of patent validity and competitor filings remains essential given the competitive and litigious nature of the pharmaceutical patent landscape.
- Effective use of this patent requires navigating potential overlapping rights and leveraging its claims through targeted research and development.
FAQs
1. What is the core chemical scaffold protected by EP2182988?
The patent primarily protects 2-aryl-4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives, a chemical scaffold associated with various therapeutic applications across multiple disease areas.
2. Can this patent be used as a foundation for developing combination therapies?
Yes, the patent explicitly mentions formulations and methods involving combinations, allowing subsequent innovations that improve or complement the original invention.
3. How does EP2182988 compare with prior art in obesity treatment?
While prior patents target different chemical classes or mechanisms, EP2182988’s specific derivatives and claims provide a strategically novel approach, though overlapping with related prior art requires thorough legal analysis.
4. What is the potential expiry date of this patent?
Likely around 2030, considering a 20-year term from its filing date, although legal and procedural factors may adjust this timeline.
5. How should companies approach patent infringement risk with EP2182988?
Conduct a detailed patent landscape assessment, including claims interpretation and prior art analysis, to navigate or design around existing rights effectively.
Sources
[1] European Patent Office official documentation for EP2182988.
[2] Patent landscape analyses of quinazolinone derivatives in pharmaceutical applications.
[3] WO2010065380 – Obesity-related patent referencing similar chemical classes.
