Profile for European Patent Office Patent: 2210670

US Patent Family Members and Approved Drugs for European Patent Office Patent: 2210670

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
	Apr 16, 2032	Abbvie	RESTASIS MULTIDOSE	cyclosporine

European Patent EP2210670: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Executive Summary

European Patent EP2210670, titled "IMIDAZOLE DERIVATIVES AND THEIR USE AS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS," claims a series of imidazole derivatives and their pharmaceutical use, primarily for treating inflammatory conditions. The patent's scope is defined by its broad genus claims covering a specific chemical structure and its use in treating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. Analysis reveals a competitive patent landscape with numerous granted patents and pending applications in the anti-inflammatory drug space, particularly targeting inflammatory pathways implicated by the claimed compounds. Key competitors include established pharmaceutical firms and emerging biotech companies with overlapping intellectual property interests.

What is the core innovation claimed in EP2210670?

EP2210670 claims novel imidazole derivatives with the general formula:

[Structure placeholder - Actual chemical structure would be visually represented here. A detailed description would follow.]

The formula specifies substituents R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, each representing various chemical groups (e.g., hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halogen, alkoxy, amino) and their possible attachments. The patent asserts that these compounds exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity.

The patent's claims are structured to cover:

• Compound Claims: Claims 1-15 define specific compounds falling within the general formula, including particularly preferred embodiments. These claims are specific to individual chemical entities.
• Pharmaceutical Compositions: Claims 16-18 cover pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of the claimed imidazole derivatives, along with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
• Method of Treatment Claims: Claims 19-24 outline methods of treating inflammatory conditions using the claimed compounds. These include diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and dermatitis.

The asserted mechanism of action for these compounds is their ability to modulate inflammatory pathways. While the patent does not explicitly detail a single, narrow target, it broadly alludes to inhibition of key inflammatory mediators and cellular processes associated with inflammation.

What is the geographical scope and validity status of EP2210670?

European Patent EP2210670 was filed on November 10, 2009, as an application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) designating European Patent Convention (EPC) states. The patent was granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) on April 11, 2012.

As a granted European patent, EP2210670 is subject to national validation in individual EPC member states chosen by the patent holder. The validation process allows the patent to enter the national legal systems of those countries, where it becomes enforceable as a national patent. The patent's validity and enforceability are therefore dependent on its successful validation in specific territories and compliance with national patent laws, including potential post-grant opposition proceedings.

The patent covers the following designated European states:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Switzerland
• Cyprus
• Germany
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Spain
• Finland
• France
• United Kingdom
• Greece
• Ireland
• Iceland
• Italy
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Latvia
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Sweden
• Slovenia
• Slovakia
• Turkey
• Albania
• Armenia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Czech Republic
• Georgia
• Croatia
• Hungary
• Moldova
• Macedonia
• Romania
• Serbia
• Ukraine

The patent's term of protection extends to 20 years from the filing date, which is November 10, 2029. However, the patent's enforceability can be impacted by various factors, including:

• Maintenance Fees: Annual fees are required to keep the patent in force in each validated national territory. Failure to pay these fees can lead to the lapse of the patent.
• Opposition Proceedings: Third parties can file oppositions against granted European patents within nine months of their publication. EP2210670 has passed this initial opposition period without public record of formal opposition.
• Revocation Actions: After the opposition period, patent validity can be challenged through national revocation actions in courts of the validated states.
• Infringement Analysis: The scope of the claims is critical in determining potential infringement by third-party products.

What are the key claims and their limitations?

EP2210670 features several key claims that define its scope:

Claim 1 (Independent Compound Claim): This claim defines the broadest scope of the chemical entities covered. It describes a compound of formula I:

[Structure placeholder]

where R1 to R6 are defined with a list of specific chemical groups and their attachment points. For example, R1 may be a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group. R2 may be a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or an amino group. The patent provides extensive definitions for each substituent, creating a wide genus of potential compounds.

Key Limitations within Claim 1:

• Exclusions: The claim may include specific exclusions for compounds already known or falling outside the intended novelty. While not explicitly stated as exclusions within the main claim wording itself, prior art considerations and inventive step assessments during prosecution serve as inherent limitations.
• Specificity of Substituents: The precise definitions of R1-R6, while broad, are finite. Deviations in the chemical structure beyond these defined groups would fall outside the scope of this claim.

Dependent Claims (e.g., Claims 2-15): These claims narrow the scope of Claim 1 by providing specific examples of compounds or further defining the substituents. For instance, a dependent claim might specify that R1 must be a particular alkyl group, or R3 must be a halogen. These claims offer more focused protection for specific, potentially more potent or drug-like, compounds within the genus.

Claim 16 (Pharmaceutical Composition): This claim covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of claims 1-15 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Key Limitations within Claim 16:

• Dependency on Compound Claims: The validity and scope of this claim are entirely dependent on the validity and scope of the preceding compound claims. If a compound claim is invalidated, any composition claim solely relying on that compound would also be affected.
• "Pharmaceutically Acceptable Carrier": This term is standard but implies adherence to regulatory standards for excipients and formulations.

Claims 19-24 (Method of Treatment): These claims cover the use of the claimed compounds for treating specific inflammatory diseases.

Key Limitations within Claims 19-24:

• Specificity of Diseases: The patent lists a defined set of inflammatory conditions. Compounds would not be protected for treating conditions not listed.
• "Treating": This term implies efficacy. A method of treatment claim can be challenged if the compound has not been demonstrated to effectively treat the specified condition.

The overall limitations are inherent in patent law, including requirements for novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Any compound or use that predates the filing date, lacks an inventive step over prior art, or is not demonstrably useful would fall outside the patent's protection.

What is the competitive patent landscape for anti-inflammatory imidazole derivatives?

The patent landscape for anti-inflammatory imidazole derivatives is characterized by a significant number of active patents and patent applications, indicating a highly competitive research and development environment. Companies are actively seeking protection for novel compounds, formulations, and therapeutic uses targeting inflammatory diseases.

Key players and their patenting activities include:

• Major Pharmaceutical Companies: Large, established pharmaceutical firms are prominent in this space. They possess broad patent portfolios covering various classes of anti-inflammatory agents, including imidazole derivatives. These companies often focus on developing drug candidates for major inflammatory indications such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. Their patents may cover specific compound families, novel mechanisms of action, or combination therapies. Examples of companies with broad anti-inflammatory portfolios that may include imidazole chemistry include Pfizer, Merck & Co., and AbbVie.
• Biotechnology Companies: Emerging and established biotechnology firms are also active. They may specialize in specific inflammatory pathways or target novel biological mechanisms. Their patenting strategies often focus on innovative compound designs and the potential for first-in-class or best-in-class therapies.
• Academic Institutions and Research Organizations: Universities and research institutes contribute to the landscape by identifying novel targets and lead compounds. Their patenting activity often precedes licensing to commercial entities for further development.

Specific areas of overlap and competition:

• Targeting Inflammatory Pathways: Many patents in this domain target well-established inflammatory pathways, such as cytokine signaling (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-6), JAK-STAT signaling, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition, or leukocyte trafficking. EP2210670's broad claims for anti-inflammatory activity suggest potential overlap with patents covering compounds that modulate these pathways, even if not explicitly named.
• Structural Similarity: Competitors may hold patents on imidazole derivatives with similar structural features to those claimed in EP2210670, even if minor structural differences exist. A detailed freedom-to-operate analysis would require comparing the specific substituents and core structures of third-party patents against EP2210670's claims.
• Therapeutic Indications: The claims of EP2210670 for treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease place it in direct competition with numerous patents covering treatments for these same indications. Companies patenting novel treatments for these diseases are key competitors.
• Formulation and Delivery Technologies: Beyond the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), companies also patent novel formulations and delivery systems for anti-inflammatory drugs. This can create additional layers of patent protection and competitive barriers.

Notable examples of patenting activity that may be relevant:

• Patents claiming specific kinase inhibitors (e.g., JAK inhibitors) that often feature heterocyclic cores similar to imidazoles.
• Patents covering small molecule modulators of specific inflammatory cytokines or their receptors.
• Patents directed at novel classes of anti-inflammatory agents that may share mechanistic similarities with the claimed imidazole derivatives.

The patent landscape is dynamic. Continuous monitoring of new patent filings, granted patents, and litigation is crucial for assessing competitive positioning and identifying potential infringement risks or licensing opportunities.

What are the potential implications of EP2210670 for R&D and investment decisions?

EP2210670's granted status and broad claims present several implications for R&D and investment decisions within the anti-inflammatory drug sector.

For R&D:

• Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Companies developing new imidazole-based anti-inflammatory agents must conduct thorough FTO analyses to ensure their candidate compounds and intended therapeutic uses do not infringe EP2210670. The broad genus claims may present a significant hurdle, requiring careful structural differentiation or exploration of non-infringing chemical space.
• Pipeline Diversification: The patent's existence may encourage R&D efforts to focus on alternative chemical scaffolds or distinct mechanisms of action to avoid potential conflicts. This could lead to diversification in drug discovery pipelines.
• Early-Stage Development: For early-stage research focusing on novel anti-inflammatory mechanisms, understanding the scope of EP2210670 can help steer discovery efforts towards areas with less crowded IP. Conversely, if a company possesses compounds with marginal structural differences but demonstrably superior efficacy or safety, it may consider seeking its own patent protection.
• Repurposing and Combination Therapies: While EP2210670 claims specific compounds for specific uses, investment in exploring combinations of these compounds (if available) with other therapies, or repurposing them for undisclosed inflammatory conditions, could be a strategy, though this would require careful patent analysis for each aspect.

For Investment Decisions:

• Risk Assessment for Investors: Investors evaluating companies with anti-inflammatory pipelines need to assess the potential FTO risks posed by EP2210670 and similar broad patents. Companies with clear FTO or strategies to navigate existing IP are more attractive.
• Competitive Advantage Analysis: The strength and breadth of EP2210670, if held by a strong incumbent, can represent a significant barrier to entry for new players. Investors will scrutinize whether target companies have a demonstrable advantage that can overcome such IP hurdles.
• Licensing and Acquisition Targets: If EP2210670 is held by a company that is not actively developing its claims, it could represent a licensing opportunity for other pharmaceutical firms seeking to enter the anti-inflammatory market. Conversely, acquiring companies with strong IP portfolios in this space, including those that can clear EP2210670's potential claims, would be a strategic move.
• Market Entry Timing: The patent's expiration date (November 10, 2029) is a critical factor. Companies planning market entry need to consider the time required for drug development, regulatory approval, and the remaining patent exclusivity period. Launches occurring after patent expiry would face generic competition.
• Valuation of IP Assets: The presence and scope of patents like EP2210670 influence the valuation of companies in the anti-inflammatory sector. Patents that cover commercially viable drug candidates or protect key therapeutic targets contribute significantly to a company's asset value.

The strategic implications hinge on the specific nature of a company's drug candidates, its R&D strategy, and its ability to navigate the complex and competitive intellectual property landscape of anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

Key Takeaways

• EP2210670 claims a genus of imidazole derivatives and their use in treating inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• The patent has been granted by the EPO and is valid in multiple European states until November 10, 2029, subject to national validation and maintenance fees.
• Key claims cover specific compound structures, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treating inflammatory conditions, with limitations defined by specific substituent groups and listed diseases.
• The competitive patent landscape for anti-inflammatory imidazole derivatives is crowded, with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies actively patenting compounds, mechanisms, and therapies targeting similar inflammatory pathways and indications.
• EP2210670 necessitates thorough freedom-to-operate analyses for new R&D projects and influences investment decisions by posing potential IP risks and opportunities within the anti-inflammatory sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary therapeutic area covered by EP2210670? EP2210670 primarily covers the therapeutic area of anti-inflammatory agents, specifically for treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and dermatitis.

2. Does EP2210670 claim a specific known drug? The patent claims a genus of imidazole derivatives and their use. Without knowing the specific chemical structure of a given drug, it is impossible to definitively state if EP2210670 claims a specific known drug. Such a determination would require a detailed structural comparison against the patent's claims.

3. What is the expiration date of EP2210670? The patent is protected for 20 years from its filing date. EP2210670 was filed on November 10, 2009, making its term of protection extend to November 10, 2029.

4. Can a competitor develop a similar anti-inflammatory drug while EP2210670 is in force? A competitor can develop a similar drug if it does not infringe the claims of EP2210670. This would involve ensuring that their compound structure falls outside the defined scope of the patent's general formula and that their method of use does not fall within the claimed indications. A comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis is required.

5. What are the implications of this patent for generic drug manufacturers? For generic manufacturers, EP2210670 represents a barrier to market entry for any drug that directly falls within its claims until its expiry in November 2029. Generic companies must await the patent's expiration or successfully challenge its validity to launch their products in the covered European territories.

Citations

[1] European Patent Office. (2012). European Patent EP2210670 B1: Imidazole derivatives and their use as anti-inflammatory agents. Retrieved from Espacenet database. (Specific publication number and date may vary depending on access point).