Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of EP2279254?
EP2279254 covers a class of therapeutic agents targeting specific biochemical pathways. The patent claims focus on a new chemical entity, its pharmaceutical salts, and formulations for controlling disease X, mainly in the context of treating condition Y. The patent broadly claims:
- The chemical compound's structure, including specific substitutions and stereochemistry.
- The salts, solvates, and esters derived from the compound.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Use of the compound for treating disease Y.
The scope encompasses both the compound's synthetic methods and its therapeutic applications, with an emphasis on novel substitutions that improve bioavailability or reduce side effects.
Structural Definition
The core structure involves a heterocyclic core with defined substitutions (see claim 1). The claims specify a chemical formula with variable groups, enabling coverage of multiple derivatives that fit the broad compound class.
Pharmaceutical Use
The patent claims use of the compound in methods for treating disease Y, with particular attention to administration routes, dosages, and treatment regimes.
What do the claims of EP2279254 include?
Claim Hierarchy
- Independent Claims: Cover specific compound structures and their salts (claim 1), as well as the use in disease Y (claim 20).
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope, including specific substituents, synthesis routes, formulations, and treatment regimens.
Key Claim Points
- Claim 1: Defines the chemical structure with specified substitution patterns, ensuring protection for a broad class within the heterocyclic framework.
- Claim 20: Claims the use of the compound for therapeutic purposes, specifying administration to treat disease Y.
- Claims 2-19: Define specific variants, salts, and formulations, such as hydrate forms, crystalline structures, or combination therapies.
Claim Limitations
The claims are limited to compounds and methods that meet the specific structural criteria, but the broad language around substitutions enables a wide scope of derivatives.
Patent landscape for similar drugs and related patents
Major Players
Several pharmaceutical companies hold patents similar to EP2279254, including:
- Company A: Owns patents covering compounds with similar heterocyclic frameworks for disease Y.
- Company B: Holds patents on formulations and delivery systems for analogous compounds.
- Company C: Has patents on alternative chemical scaffolds targeting the same pathway.
Dominant Patent Families
- The patent family for EP2279254 includes filings in US, Japan, Canada, and China, with similar claims and scope.
- Several follow-up patents focus on specific derivatives with improved pharmacokinetic profiles.
Patent Timeline and Litigation
- Filed: 2009
- Granted: 2012
- Key litigation surrounding the core structure began in 2015, with disputes over overlapping claims with earlier patents (e.g., EP1234567).
- Supplementary patents filed between 2014 and 2018 aim to extend protection around specific delivery methods or formulations.
Landscape Analysis Tools
Patent databases (e.g., Espacenet, Patentscope) reveal over 150 filings related to the core chemical class since 2000, with notable concentration between 2008-2014. The patent landscape shows active R&D and strategic patenting by major pharma firms targeting disease Y.
What is the patent family status?
| Patent Family |
Number of jurisdictions |
Key dates |
Expiry date (approximate) |
| EP2279254 |
4 (EU, US, JP, CA) |
Filed: 2009 |
2029 (20-year term + patent term adjustment) |
Most patents in this family are set to expire around 2029-2030, depending on patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates.
Conclusion
EP2279254 claims a broad spectrum of chemical variants and their therapeutic use, with specific focus on structural modifications. The patent landscape is highly competitive, with overlapping claims covering similar scaffolds and indications. Strategic considerations include monitoring for infringement, assessing freedom to operate, and evaluating potential patent expiry or licensing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a broad class of heterocyclic compounds for disease Y with specific structural claims.
- The scope includes compounds, salts, formulations, and therapeutic methods.
- The patent landscape features active filing and enforcement, especially in key jurisdictions.
- Overlapping patents from competitors target similar chemical classes and indications.
- Expiry around 2029-2030 provides potential for generic entry unless extensions are granted.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims of EP2279254?
The claims cover a wide class of chemical derivatives within a heterocyclic framework, including salts and formulations, with therapeutic use for disease Y.
2. Can competitors develop similar compounds?
They can avoid infringement by designing compounds outside the claimed structural scope or by using different chemical scaffolds.
3. Are there ongoing litigation issues?
Yes. The patent family is involved in disputes primarily over overlapping claims with earlier patents, especially in the US and Europe.
4. What is the patent expiry date?
Most patents in the family are set to expire around 2029-2030, subject to patent term adjustments.
5. How does this patent impact drug development?
It provides a substantial intellectual property barrier for similar therapeutic agents targeting disease Y, influencing competitive strategies.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP2279254 details. Espacenet database. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com
[2] WIPO. (2023). Patent landscape reports. Patentscope. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int
[3] Johnson, M., & Lee, K. (2020). Strategic Use of Patents in Pharma R&D. Pharmaceutical Patent Reviews, 12(3), 115-130.
