Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP2292235, titled "Pharmaceutical compositions comprising (−)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-amine derivatives", exemplifies the strategic patenting of novel chemical entities aimed at therapeutic use. This patent addresses the formulation and claims around a specific class of indane derivatives, likely with applications in neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders. An insight into its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for pharmaceutical players to evaluate freedom-to-operate, licensing opportunities, or subsequent innovation pathways.
Scope of EP2292235
Patent Classification & Relevance
EP2292235 principally falls under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes C07D, which covers heterocyclic compounds, and A61K, specifically pertaining to medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients (chemical compounds). The patent’s scope incorporates the chemical class, pharmaceutical compositions, and their therapeutic uses.
Core Technical Focus
The patent claims broadly cover (−)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-amine derivatives, including their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use. The focus is on novel heterocyclic structures with specific substitutions designed to enhance therapeutic properties, such as activity in central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Scope of Claims
The claims can be segmented as follows:
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Chemical Compound Claims: Cover specific derivatives within the (−)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-amine scaffold, including modified substitutions that potentially optimize activity, selectivity, or pharmacokinetics.
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Pharmaceutical Composition Claims: Cover formulations comprising these derivatives, possibly combined with carriers or other excipients, tailored for administration routes such as oral, injectable, or topical.
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Method of Use Claims: Claim therapeutic methods involving administering these compounds to treat certain conditions, which, given the context, likely include neurological or psychiatric diseases like depression, schizophrenia, or neurodegenerative disorders.
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Synthesis & Process Claims: May include enzymatic, chemical, or other synthetic pathways for preparing the claimed compounds.
Claim Language & Breadth
The claims are drafted to balance specificity with breadth. They encompass specific compounds as well as functional grouped claims that cover subclasses or variations within the chemical scaffold. This multi-tiered claim structure allows the patent to secure protection at multiple levels, ensuring robustness against design-around strategies.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Patent Family
The patent landscape prior to EP2292235 suggests considerable existing intellectual property around indane derivatives and CNS-active agents. For instance:
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Several prior patents cover chemical classes like aromatic amines or indole derivatives used in neuropharmacology (e.g., US patents related to SSRIs and other antidepressants).
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The patent family of EP2292235 appears to include counterparts filed in jurisdictions such as the US, Japan, and China, strengthening its global coverage.
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The inventors' prior work likely includes publications or patents targeting similar chemical scaffolds, indicating a focused research and development effort.
Related Patents & Competitors
Within the immuno-psychiatric drug space, competitors include patent families around serotonin receptor modulators, NMDA receptor antagonists, and other novel neuropharmacological agents. Notably:
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US patents related to Indane-Based Compounds for CNS Therapies (e.g., US7651964 or US8202691) may intersect or serve as background art.
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Subsequent filings aiming to design around EP2292235 focus on structurally similar but different heterocycles, such as contributing indene derivatives with alternative substitutions or targeting different receptor profiles.
Legal Status & Maintenance
As of the latest public records, EP2292235 remains granted and in force across major jurisdictions, subject to maintenance fee payments. Its enforceability is critical for controlling infringement risks.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Innovators: The patent's breadth around the chemical class provides robust protection for related compounds and formulations, though close legal scrutiny may challenge the scope's breadth, particularly regarding the novelty of specific derivatives.
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Competitors: Strategies may include designing chemical variants outside the specific claims, such as different heterocyclic cores, or targeting alternative therapeutic pathways.
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Patent Owners: The patent must be strategically enforced against infringers and used to leverage licensing negotiations, especially with entities involved in CNS disorder therapeutics.
Conclusion
EP2292235 plays a pivotal role in patenting specific chemical frameworks—(−)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-amine derivatives—with clear coverage over compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods. Its scope is sufficiently comprehensive to act as a barrier against competitors developing similar neuroactive agents, while the patent landscape remains competitive and evolving with new chemical innovations.
Key Takeaways
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Scope & Claims: The patent claims a broad chemical class, including derivatives, formulations, and methods, offering multi-layered protection in CNS therapeutic innovation.
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Patent Landscape Dynamics: The patent fits into a competitive sphere involving indane derivatives, with prior art focused on neuropharmacology compounds. Its robustness hinges on claim specificity and patent family breadth.
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Strategic Relevance: For R&D and licensing, EP2292235 offers a solid foundation to secure rights, but close review of claim scope concerning specific derivatives and routes around strategies is necessary.
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Legal & Commercial Outlook: Maintaining patent enforceability requires ongoing fee payments; competitors may explore alternative heterocyclic frameworks to circumvent claims.
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Innovation Pathways: Future development may focus on modifying substitutions within the claimed chemical class or expanding therapeutic indications beyond current claims.
FAQs
1. What is the main chemical class protected by EP2292235?
It primarily protects (−)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-amine derivatives, a class of heterocyclic compounds with potential CNS activity.
2. How broad are the claims within this patent?
The claims cover specific derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and therapeutic methods, providing substantial coverage in the targeted chemical space.
3. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing?
Yes, by designing molecules outside the scope of the claims—such as different heterocyclic cores or substitution patterns—they may avoid infringement.
4. What is the importance of patent family filings related to EP2292235?
They extend territorial protection and reinforce market exclusivity across multiple jurisdictions, reducing risks of patent clearance issues.
5. How does this patent influence drug development strategies?
It provides a protective backbone for compounds within its scope, guiding R&D efforts and licensing negotiations in the neuropharmacology sphere.
References
[1] European Patent Application EP2292235. "Pharmaceutical compositions comprising (−)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-amine derivatives."
[2] CPC Classification data for compounds related to heterocyclic pharmacophores.
[3] Patent family information and legal status reports from EPO and WIPO databases.
