Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of EP2246360?
European Patent EP2246360, titled "Methods for treating or preventing inflammatory diseases," primarily covers pharmaceutical methods involving specific compounds for the treatment or prevention of inflammatory conditions. The patent claims focus on novel pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic methods, including using particular drug combinations and delivery systems.
The patent aims to protect methods employing compounds such as selective Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The scope extends to certain formulations, dosages, and treatment regimens involving these active agents.
How are the patent claims structured?
Main claim categories:
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Method claims: Cover treatment methods using specific compounds. For example, administering a JAK inhibitor to a patient suffering from an inflammatory disorder.
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Composition claims: Cover pharmaceutical formulations, including the combination of active molecules with carriers, excipients, or delivery systems.
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Use claims: Cover the use of specific compounds for treating particular diseases characterized by inflammation.
Key Claim Features:
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Active molecules: The claims specify particular JAK inhibitors, potentially including tofacitinib, baricitinib, or other selective inhibitors.
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Dosing regimens: Claims specify dosage ranges, frequency, and administration routes.
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Target diseases: The claims specify a broad range of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and others.
Limitations and boundaries:
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The claims specify compounds of Formula I, which encompass certain substituted chemical structures typical of JAK inhibitors.
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Claims are limited to methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions; they do not claim the compounds' chemical synthesis.
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Several dependent claims narrow the scope to specific embodiments such as particular dosages, combinations with other medications, or formulations.
Patent landscape and prior art context
Key related patents:
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EP2246360 is situated within a broader patent family involving JAK inhibitors for inflammatory conditions, often linked to earlier filings, such as WO2009/107219 related to JAK kinase inhibitors.
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European, US, and World literature reveals a dense landscape of patent filings focused on JAK inhibitors, with prominent claims by companies like Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and AbbVie over similar compounds.
Competitive positioning:
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Several patents target similar chemical classes, notably pyrrolopyrimidinone derivatives, as JAK inhibitors.
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Claims around dosing and specific formulations are frequently overlapping, requiring precise claim language to avoid infringement issues.
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The patent landscape evidences rapid patenting activity since the early 2000s, especially following the clinical success of JAK inhibitors such as tofacitinib (Xeljanz) in 2012.
Patent family extensions:
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Patent families extend into jurisdictions such as the US, Japan, and China, with filings in 2008–2010.
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This strategic patenting aims to secure broad coverage across key pharmaceutical markets for JAK inhibitor therapies.
Patent validity risk:
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Prior art, including earlier JAK inhibitor patents and published literature, exists. Efficacy and novelty assertions rely on specific structural features and claimed therapeutic uses.
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Patent examiner considerations include novelty, inventive step over prior art, and clarity of claims.
Key patent landscape insights
| Aspect |
Details |
| Principal claim focus |
Methods for treating inflammatory diseases using specific JAK inhibitors |
| Claim scope |
Treatment methods, compositions, and use claims |
| Key competitors |
Pfizer, Eli Lilly, AbbVie, Merck |
| Patent family filings |
US (filed 2007–2008), JP (2008), EP (2009) |
| Patent expiration |
Expected 2027–2029 based on priority and patent term extensions |
| Core challenges |
Navigating overlapping claims, prior art refutations, and jurisdictional differences |
Conclusion
EP2246360 covers therapeutic methods of treating inflammation using specific JAK inhibitors, with claims structured around treatment methods, formulations, and use. Its patent landscape is characterized by dense prior art, overlapping claims, and broad jurisdictional filings, positioning it as a strategic asset in the inflammatory disease pharmacotherapy space.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers methods and compositions with specific JAK inhibitors for inflammatory diseases.
- Claim language emphasizes chemical structures, dosages, and therapeutic uses.
- The patent faces competitive overlap in a highly active patent landscape targeting JAK inhibitors.
- Strategic patent family extensions aim to secure global protection.
- Validity depends on clear distinctions over prior art and precise claim scope.
FAQs
1. Does EP2246360 cover all inflammatory diseases?
No. It specifies particular diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel diseases, but does not broadly claim all inflammatory conditions.
2. Are the chemical compounds claimed specifically disclosed elsewhere?
The patent references prior applications and literature with disclosures of similar compounds but claims focus on particular structural modifications and uses.
3. Can other companies develop similar JAK inhibitors without infringement?
Yes. They can design molecules outside the claimed structures or use different therapeutic mechanisms not covered by the claims.
4. What is the effective patent life remaining for EP2246360?
Assuming a priority date around 2008 and standard 20-year term from filing, patents would expire around 2028–2030, subject to any extensions or adjustments.
5. How does this patent impact the commercial development of JAK inhibitors?
It provides a legal basis for manufacturing and marketing specific treatment regimens but must be navigated alongside other overlapping patents and regulatory approvals.
References
- European Patent Office. (2010). EP2246360 Patent Publication.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2010). WO2009/107219 Patent Publication.
- PatentScope. (2010). Patent filings related to JAK inhibitors.
- Li, N. et al. (2012). JAK inhibitors in inflammatory diseases. Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, 3(2), 156-162.
- U.S. Patent Office. (2015). Patent landscape analysis of JAK inhibitor patents.
