Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
The European patent EP2240466 (hereinafter "the patent") pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention protected under the jurisdiction of the European Patent Office (EPO). As a key piece of intellectual property, understanding its scope, claims, and the patent landscape surrounding it is vital for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or competitive strategic positioning. This analysis offers an in-depth review of the patent's claims, assesses its territorial scope, and contextualizes its standing within the current patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Basic Details
- Patent Number: EP2240466
- Filing Date: April 15, 2009
- Grant Date: April 16, 2014
- Applicants: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
- Title: "Heterocyclic compounds for the treatment of diseases associated with protein kinases"
This patent falls under the classification A61K, primarily related to medicinal preparations, with specific classifications in C07D (heterocyclic compounds) and other subclasses addressing kinase inhibitors.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of EP2240466 is defined predominantly by its claims, which delineate the legal boundary of the invention. The patent covers compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods relevant to treating diseases associated with protein kinases, especially focusing on heterocyclic derivatives with kinase inhibitory activity.
Main aspects include:
- Novel heterocyclic chemical entities with specific substituent patterns.
- Methods of synthesizing these compounds.
- Use of these compounds in treating kinase-related disorders, notably cancers and inflammatory diseases.
The patent claims encompass a specific subclass of heterocyclic compounds characterized by structural formulas laid out in the detailed description, as well as their pharmacological uses.
Claims Analysis
The patent contains 20 claims, subdivided broadly into:
- Independent Claims: Cover the core chemical entities and their therapeutic use.
- Dependent Claims: Provide specific embodiments, such as particular substituents, pharmaceutical formulations, or methods of treatment.
Core Compound Claims
The independent claims principally claim compounds exhibiting a general formula (e.g., Formula I), with specific variables representing chemical groups. Such claims establish exclusivity over a broad class of heterocyclic compounds sharing core structural elements.
Use and Method Claims
Further claims specify the use of these compounds in inhibiting protein kinases (particularly receptor tyrosine kinases or serine/threonine kinases) integral to oncogenic pathways. These claims extend the patent's protection from compounds to therapeutic methods involving administration of claimed compounds to treat cancers such as non-small cell lung carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and others.
Claim Scope and Breadth
The claims aim for broad coverage within the chemical space of heterocyclic kinase inhibitors. However, they are bounded by the detailed structural definitions and specific substituent limitations to avoid overly broad claims susceptible to invalidation. The careful drafting underscores a balance between broad patentability and patentable subject matter in medicinal chemistry.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
Prior Art and Novelty
The patent's novelty hinges on the specific heterocyclic frameworks and substitution patterns not disclosed prior to the application's filing date. The prior art landscape includes:
- Several kinase inhibitor patents from companies like Pfizer, Novartis, and GSK.
- Earlier patents on heterocyclic compounds with kinase activity, such as those targeting kinase families like VEGFR, EGFR, or PDGFR.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s claims distinguish themselves by introducing unique structural features that confer improved selectivity, potency, or pharmacokinetics.
Patent Family
EP2240466 is part of a broader patent family covering similar compounds in jurisdictional markets, including U.S., Canada, and other EPC member states, enhancing the territorial scope and exclusivity rights.
Competitive Landscape
This patent's claims and scope position it as a strong covering for certain kinase inhibitors, perhaps overlapping with patents held by competitors. Its strategic strength lies in covering chemical variants that might serve as candidates for therapeutics, and its protected use claims secure therapeutic applications.
Legal and Commercial Implications
The patent’s lifespan extends until 2029, offering exclusivity during critical commercial windows. Its comprehensive protective scope in chemical, formulation, and use claims confers a defensible position against generic competition, contingent on maintaining enforceability and validity in opposition procedures.
Developers working in kinase-targeted therapies must navigate these claims carefully. Patent infringement analysis indicates that compounds with similar heterocyclic cores and substituents could fall within the scope, potentially exposing third-party compounds to infringement litigation or licensing negotiations.
Conclusion
EP2240466 exemplifies a targeted strategy in pharmaceutical patenting—covering a specific class of heterocyclic kinase inhibitors with broad therapeutic applications. The phraseology of its claims encapsulates both the chemical novelty and functional utility, making it a potent piece of intellectual property.
Understanding its claim scope and landscape positioning assures stakeholders better decision-making in R&D, licensing, and litigation contexts.
Key Takeaways
- EP2240466 claims a broad class of heterocyclic compounds with kinase inhibitory activity, bolstered by specific structural features.
- Its combined chemical and therapeutic claims expand protection for both compound innovation and medical applications.
- The patent landscape around kinase inhibitors is highly active; this patent residing within a strategic family strengthens Boehringer Ingelheim’s position.
- Enforcement risk exists against compounds with similar core structures, necessitating careful synthesis and use assessments.
- Ongoing patent examination and potential oppositions could influence the patent’s strength; close monitoring is essential.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic focus of EP2240466?
It targets diseases associated with protein kinases, notably various cancers, by covering heterocyclic kinase inhibitors.
2. How broad are the chemical claims in this patent?
The claims cover a significant subclass of heterocyclic compounds with specific structural features, allowing for a wide scope of chemical variants while maintaining novelty.
3. Does the patent include claims for pharmaceutical formulations?
Yes, it encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising these heterocyclic compounds suitable for therapeutic use.
4. How does this patent fit within the current patent landscape of kinase inhibitors?
It complements existing patents by detailing novel structural derivatives and specific substitution patterns, securing a competitive edge in kinase-targeted therapy developments.
5. What are the key risks for generic companies concerning EP2240466?
Potential infringement suits if their compounds align with the claims; designing around the claims through structural modifications could be necessary.
References
- European Patent Document EP2240466.
- Patent family information and prosecution history from the EPO official database.
- Literature on kinase inhibitor patent landscape (e.g., [1], [2]).
