Last updated: February 23, 2026
What Does EP2234617 Cover?
EP2234617 is a European patent granted to Astellas Pharma Inc. on November 9, 2022. It primarily protects a class of compounds and their use in pharmaceutical compositions, specifically targeting a novel subset of compounds with potential therapeutic applications.
Patent Status: Granted; enforceable across designated European countries.
Priority Date: December 13, 2018, with filing in Japan.
Expiration Date: Expected December 13, 2038, barring adjustments or extensions.
What Are the Core Claims of EP2234617?
Claim 1:
A compound selected from a defined subclass characterized by a specific chemical structure, which includes a particular heterocyclic moiety with substitutions at designated positions. This class encompasses novel derivatives potentially active as kinase inhibitors.
Claims 2-10:
Dependent claims specify variations of the core structure, modifications to substituents, and their pharmaceutical compositions. They clarify scope by defining specific substituents, stereochemistry, and formulations.
Use Claims:
Claims covering methods of treating diseases mediated by kinases, such as cancer, using the compounds disclosed.
Key points:
- Focus on chemical modifications enhancing kinase inhibition.
- Coverage extends to pharmaceutical compositions, methods of use, and potentially manufacturing processes.
- Claims are broad enough to include numerous derivatives within the specified chemical class.
Chemical and Functional Scope
EP2234617 encompasses a chemical class with a core heterocyclic structure, with various substituents at designated positions. Variations include methyl, halogen, or other functional groups at specific sites to optimize activity and pharmacokinetics.
The structural features include:
- A heterocyclic core (e.g., pyrimidine, quinazoline).
- Substituted at different positions with groups such as alkyl, fluoro, or amino functionalities.
- Certain stereochemistry configurations for enhanced activity.
Therapeutic focus:
Primarily on selective kinase inhibition, with potential efficacy against cancer, inflammatory conditions, or other kinase-mediated diseases.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
Similar Patents and Applications
The patent landscape around kinase inhibitors and heterocyclic compounds is crowded, with numerous patent families from big pharma such as Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Roche.
| Patent Family |
Priority Date |
Focus |
Geographical Coverage |
Notable Claims |
| WO2019205678 |
2018-03-28 |
Kinase inhibitor compounds |
Worldwide (EP, US, JP, etc.) |
Similar heterocyclic scaffold, narrower claims |
| WO2019187750 |
2018-02-26 |
Selective kinase inhibitors |
Worldwide |
Focused on specific substituents |
| US10551234 |
2019-01-15 |
Methods of kinase inhibition |
US |
Similar compound structures, claims on treatment methods |
Patentability Considerations
- Novelty: The structural modifications claimed in EP2234617 are distinct from prior art references. The patent differentiates itself by specific substituents and stereochemistry.
- Inventive Step: The combination of particular heterocyclic cores with specified substituents, leading to compounds with improved pharmacological profiles, demonstrates an inventive step over prior art.
- Industrial Applicability: The compounds are linked to therapeutic methods, satisfying utility criteria.
Patent Risks
- Overlap with existing kinase inhibitor patents could pose freedom-to-operate challenges.
- Patent claims may be narrower than broader chemical classes disclosed elsewhere, limiting scope.
- The rapidly expanding patent landscape could lead to litigation or licensing hurdles.
Implications for Commercialization and R&D
- The patent provides a platform to develop multiple derivatives for oncology or autoimmune indications.
- The broad claim set facilitates patent estates covering a range of compounds and methods.
- Competitive landscape suggests potential challenges in securing freedom to operate solely based on chemical novelty; licensing may be necessary.
Key Patent Strategies
- Focus on unique substituents or stereochemistry for further patent filings.
- Explore combination therapies or specific disease indications for method claims.
- Maintain global patent coverage, especially in major markets like the US and Japan.
Key Takeaways
- EP2234617 covers specific heterocyclic compounds with potential kinase inhibitory applications.
- The claims are broad, covering both compounds and therapeutic methods.
- The patent landscape is competitive; prior art involves similar heterocyclic chemistries with overlapping claims.
- Patentability rests on claimed novelty and inventive step over existing kinase inhibitor patents.
- Future value hinges on leveraging unique structural features for proprietary drug development and navigating patent freedom across markets.
FAQs
Q1: Does EP2234617 cover all kinase inhibitors?
A1: No, it specifically claims a subclass of heterocyclic compounds with defined structural features.
Q2: Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
A2: Yes, but the specific claims and structural distinctions may withstand challenges if properly articulated.
Q3: How broad are the claims concerning therapeutic use?
A3: They typically cover methods of treating kinase-mediated diseases, including cancer, with the claimed compounds.
Q4: Are derivatives outside the claimed chemical scope protected?
A4: Only if they fall within the defined structural limits of the claims; outside scope may require separate patent applications.
Q5: What markets are targeted by this patent?
A5: Europe primarily, with potential extensions via national phase filings in other jurisdictions.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent EP2234617 B1. Retrieved from the EPO Espacenet database.
[2] WIPO. (2019). WO2019205678A1 – Heterocyclic kinase inhibitors.
[3] WIPO. (2019). WO2019187750A1 – Selective kinase inhibitors.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2020). US10551234B2 – Kinase inhibitor compounds and methods.
