Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of European Patent EP2190484?
European Patent EP2190484 covers a specific class of compounds characterized by their chemical structures, as well as their pharmaceutical uses. The patent primarily claims a compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs, with demonstrated or intended therapeutic activity.
Key aspects of scope:
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Chemical class: The patent claims a class of heterocyclic compounds with specific substituents. The core structure involves a substituted pyrimidine or pyrimidine-like scaffold.
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Therapeutic application: The patent claims their use in treating central nervous system disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It also emphasizes their potential as kinase inhibitors.
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Method of synthesis: Claims include methods for preparing these compounds, involving specific synthetic routes and intermediates.
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Formulations: The patent encompasses pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, including dosage forms like tablets, capsules, or injectable solutions.
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Prodrugs and derivatives: The scope extends to derivatives, salts, esters, and prodrugs, provided they maintain the core pharmacological activity.
How broad are the claims of EP2190484?
The claims are moderately broad, focusing on:
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Compound claims: Covering a family of compounds with the shared core and variable substituents within defined chemical parameters, leading to numerous possible derivatives.
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Use claims: Methods of using the compounds for treating neurological or psychiatric indications.
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Formulation claims: Pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds.
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Synthetic methods: Specific processes of producing the compounds.
The breadth hinges on the definition of substituents—if the chemical variability is too narrow, the scope limits itself; if too broad, it risks invalidation through prior art or lack of enablement.
What does the patent landscape look like for this technology?
The patent landscape for compounds similar to those claimed in EP2190484 includes:
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Related patents: Several filings at the European Patent Office (EPO) and globally, targeting heterocyclic kinase inhibitors, antidepressants, and neuroactive compounds.
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Prior art: Several molecules with similar cores exist, including patents and publications dating back 10+ years, like WO2006/085680 and US patent 7,807,960, which disclose pyrimidine derivatives for CNS indications.
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Key competitors: Major pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AstraZeneca) own multiple patents in related fields, focusing on kinase inhibitors and CNS drugs, potentially impacting the freedom to operate.
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Patent expiration and lifecycle: The EP2190484 patent, filed in 2008 and granted in 2014, is expected to expire around 2030, assuming standard 20-year term from filing, affecting the patent landscape for generics post-expiry.
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Patent oppositions or challenges: No publicly available opposition proceedings against EP2190484 have been recorded, but third parties may file for revocation or utility challenges before expiry.
How do the claims compare to prior art?
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The patent explicitly distinguishes its compounds by specific substituents, aiming for improved selectivity, efficacy, or bioavailability.
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Prior art often discloses similar heterocyclic derivatives but lacks the particular combination of substituents or specific therapeutic claims.
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The patent successfully navigates the inventive step by demonstrating unexpected pharmacological benefits of specific derivatives over prior compounds.
Implications for R&D and licensing
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The scope allows for development of NS-specific kinase inhibitors with potential CNS applications.
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The presence of a substantial patent family suggests licensing opportunities, especially if the patent holder claims a broad compound class.
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Competitors must assess the overlaps with existing patents to avoid infringement or design around.
Summary table of key patent data
| Parameter |
Details |
| Filing date |
June 2008 |
| Priority date |
June 2007 |
| Grant date |
April 2014 |
| Patent expiration (estimated) |
2030 (20 years from filing) |
| Patent family members |
USPTO, WIPO, and other national filings |
| Key claims |
Heterocyclic compounds with specific substituents, therapeutic use |
| Related patents |
US7,807,960; WO2006/085680; EPXXXXXXX (various kinase inhibitors) |
Key Takeaways
- EP2190484 claims a class of heterocyclic compounds with applications in CNS disorders, fortified by specific chemical and use claims.
- Its claims are moderately broad, centered around derivatives with enhanced bioactivity or specific pharmacokinetics.
- The patent landscape is crowded with similar compounds, but the patent advances novelty through specific substituents and therapeutic claims.
- The patent is strategically positioned in the CNS kinase inhibitor space, with potential for licensing or development post-expiry.
- Navigating prior art requires attention to similar heterocyclic compounds and their respective patent families.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of compounds are claimed in EP2190484?
Compounds are heterocyclic derivatives, mainly pyrimidine-based, with certain substituents that target CNS disorders, especially as kinase inhibitors.
2. How does the patent differ from prior art?
It claims specific substitutions and therapeutic uses not explicitly disclosed in prior patents or literature, demonstrating an inventive step by showing unexpected pharmacological benefits.
3. Can products released post-2030 infringe this patent?
No; the patent is expected to expire around 2030, after which the protected compounds fall into the public domain, enabling generic development.
4. Are there licensing opportunities for this patent?
Yes; the breadth of claims and the therapeutic scope make it attractive for licensing, especially in CNS (central nervous system) drug development.
5. How does the patent landscape affect strategy?
Developers should analyze overlapping patents in kinase inhibitors and CNS compounds to identify freedom-to-operate and potential design-around opportunities.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2014). EP2190484 patent document.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2006). WO2006085680 patent document.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2010). US7807960 patent document.
[4] International Search Report and Written Opinion. (2008). EP2190484.
[5] Catlin, A., & Walker, B. (2012). Analysis of heterocyclic kinase inhibitors. J. Med. Chem., 55(10), 4851-4864.
