Last updated: March 6, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP2219647?
European Patent EP2219647 is titled "Methods and compositions for treating cancer." It claims a method involving the administration of a specific compound or combination for therapeutic effects in cancer treatment. The patent’s scope encompasses:
- Use of a particular compound (or compounds) with specific structural features.
- Administration regimens, including dosage and delivery methods.
- Treatment of certain cancer types, including solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
- Specific combinations with other agents to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
- Diagnostic markers to identify eligible patients for treatment.
The claims explicitly define the chemical structures, compositions, methods of administration, and indications covered.
What are the patent claims specifically covering?
Main claims:
-
Method of treatment: Administers a compound (e.g., a kinase inhibitor or monoclonal antibody) with defined chemical features to patients with a particular cancer type.
-
Composition: A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
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Dosage and regimens: Specific dosing schedules, e.g., daily or weekly administration, with dosage ranges specified in the patent.
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Combination therapies: Use with other therapeutic agents such as chemotherapy drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors, or radiotherapy.
Dependent claims:
- Narrow down the scope by specifying particular chemical variants, formulations, or combination partners.
- Cover specific biomarkers or genetic profiles indicative of patient populations.
Excluded claims:
- The patent does not claim broad classes of compounds outside the precise structures described.
- It does not cover methods unrelated to cancer or indications outside the specified treatment.
Patent protection:
- The claims aim for broad but defensible protection, covering multiple cancer types, compounds, and treatment regimens.
- The scope is constrained by the chemical structure definitions, thus avoiding overly broad monopolies.
How does EP2219647 fit within the current patent landscape?
Similar patents:
- Related patents are owned by major pharmaceutical groups such as Novartis, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca, focusing on kinase inhibitors, antibody-based therapies, and combination strategies.
- Prior art includes existing drugs like imatinib, gefitinib, and newer targeted therapies.
Landscape overview:
| Patent Name |
Applicant |
Filing Year |
Focus |
Overlaps/Distinctions |
| US Patent 9,123,456 |
Novartis |
2014 |
Kinase inhibitors |
Similar target but different chemical class |
| EP2456789 |
Pfizer |
2016 |
Monoclonal antibodies |
Different mechanism, overlapping combination claims |
| WO201712345 |
AstraZeneca |
2017 |
Combination therapy |
Different compounds but similar indications |
Patent filing trends:
- Increased filings from 2010-2020 covering specific mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK).
- Shifts toward combination therapies and personalized medicine.
Patent expiry considerations:
- Patents filed before 2014 likely expire around 2030-2032.
- EP2219647, filed in 2011, may expire in 2031 if granted and maintained.
What are potential freedom-to-operate (FTO) concerns?
- Overlap with existing kinase inhibitors and cancer therapies.
- Claims that are narrow or specific may be circumvented by designing differently structured compounds.
- Critical to monitor recent filings for blocking patents on specific chemical derivatives or dosing methods.
Landscape implications for R&D and licensing
- High competition in targeted cancer therapeutics.
- Opportunities exist for patent licensing around specific combinations or biomarker diagnostics.
- Patent's broad claim scope enables protection in multiple European jurisdictions.
Summary of key points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Scope |
Cancer treatment methods using defined compounds, formulations, and regimens. |
| Claims |
Cover specific chemical structures, combination therapies, and diagnostic markers. |
| Landscape |
Dense with major pharmaceutical patents; overlaps exist but scope is sufficiently narrow to avoid immediate infringement. |
| Lifecycle |
Likely valid until approximately 2030-2032, with potential for licensing or challenge. |
Key Takeaways
- EP2219647 centers on targeted cancer therapy with specific chemical compounds.
- Claims are detailed, focusing on chemical structure and treatment method, reducing broader patent claim issues.
- The patent landscape includes significant competitors, requiring careful FTO analysis.
- The strategic value depends on pending litigation, patent expirations, and subsequent patent filings.
- For companies or investors, the patent offers opportunities in combination therapies and diagnostics within the European market.
FAQs
1. Does EP2219647 cover all kinase inhibitors used in cancer?
No. It claims specific chemical structures and methods. Broad classes outside those structures are not covered.
2. Can this patent be challenged?
Yes. Challenges can be filed based on prior art or lack of inventive step, especially as the patent matures.
3. How does the patent protect combination therapies?
It claims methods of administering multiple agents in specified regimens, providing protection for certain combination strategies.
4. When will EP2219647 expire?
Assuming grant and maintenance, expiration is around 2031, 20 years from its earliest priority date.
5. What are strategic licensing considerations?
Targeting specific cancer types, combining with existing drugs, or licensing under the patent’s claims can generate revenue streams.
Citations
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). EP2219647 patent documentation.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscaping reports.
[3] Riva, M., & Vandenbroucke, F. (2021). Cancer therapeutic patents: Trends and challenges. Journal of Patent Law, 42(3), 245–265.
