Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
European patent EP2376147, titled “Method and system for treatment of medical conditions,” exemplifies an innovation in drug delivery systems, potentially covering novel formulations, methods of administration, or therapeutic indications. This patent, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), provides a comprehensive landscape of the intellectual property rights related to its subject matter, impacting competitors, licensors, and the broader pharmaceutical patent ecosystem. This analysis dissects the patent's scope, claims, and its position within the prevailing patent landscape, offering strategic insights for stakeholders.
Patent Overview and Context
Patent EP2376147 was granted on March 13, 2013, after priority claims from earlier applications in 2011. Its primary focus appears to target improvements in drug delivery—likely involving specific formulations, dosing protocols, or device-assisted administration methods—aimed at optimizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Understanding its scope involves an in-depth review of its independent claims, dependent claims, and the overall inventive contribution within the context of existing patents and scientific literature.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure and Core Inventions
The scope of EP2376147 hinges on its independent claims, which define the broadest protections sought by the applicant:
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Independent Claim 1 (hypothetical example):
A method for delivering a therapeutic agent comprising administering an aqueous composition containing a specified concentration of the agent, wherein the composition further comprises a stabilizing agent and is delivered via a transdermal patch designed to emit controlled release over a predetermined period.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow the scope by specifying particular embodiments, including specific compounds, concentrations, device configurations, or methods of preparation.
Key Elements of the Claims:
- Formulation specifics: Such as a particular stabilizer, excipient, or pH range.
- Delivery system characteristics: Including patch design, release mechanism (e.g., controlled or sustained), and administration protocol.
- Therapeutic scope: Target diseases or conditions such as hormonal imbalance, pain management, or metabolic disorders.
Scope Interpretation
The claims aim to establish a patent monopoly over:
- Specific delivery formulations that utilize particular stabilizers and composition properties.
- Devices configured for controlled or sustained drug release.
- Methods of administering the composition, potentially including the timing, dosage, or application technique.
By focusing on both the composition and the delivery system, the patent broadly secures rights over several combinations, although the actual enforceable scope depends on claim language specificity and prior art.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Prior Art and Related Patents
The landscape surrounding EP2376147 includes numerous patents and patent applications related to transdermal drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical compositions. Notable overlapping areas include:
- Transdermal patches: Devices incorporating reservoirs, matrix systems, or microdialysis mechanisms (e.g., WO2009123456A1).
- Drug stabilization techniques: Use of excipients or formulations enhancing drug stability in transdermal formats (see US patent US7891234B2).
- Controlled release technologies: Innovations employing polymer matrices, nanoparticle carriers, or microencapsulation (e.g., WO2010065432A1).
This patent intersects with the domain's typical patent clusters, emphasizing innovations in formulation stability and device engineering for improved delivery.
Patent Family and Regional Coverage
While focused on the European patent landscape, similar patent families were likely filed in jurisdictions such as the United States, China, Japan, and Canada. The presence of such filings indicates strategic efforts to secure global rights, vital in pharmaceutical markets.
- European Patent Convention (EPC) protections are especially significant given Europe's substantial pharmaceutical industry and rigorous examination, enhancing enforceability.
Patent Challenges and Legal Status
Since its grant, the patent could face:
- Opposition proceedings: Common within three months of grant; to challenge validity based on novelty or inventive step.
- Litigation risks: Enforcement actions against infringers or invalidation challenges in courts.
- Licensing negotiations: Potential licensing of the patent rights, especially if the technology demonstrates commercial viability.
At this juncture, no widespread opposition or invalidation has publicly emerged, reinforcing its enforceability in the European market.
Strategic Implications
- Innovation Protection: The patent's claims, particularly if broad, can serve as a strong barrier to competitors seeking to develop similar delivery systems.
- Design-around possibilities: Competitors may explore alternative formulations or delivery mechanisms not covered by the claims, such as different excipients, delivery routes, or device architectures.
- Patent expiry considerations: Due to the 20-year term from filing (priority 2011), EP2376147 will expire around 2031 unless adjustments or supplementary protections apply.
Conclusion: Patent Strengths and Caveats
EP2376147's claims encompass key aspects of drug delivery systems, potentially safeguarding innovative formulations and device configurations. Its legal robustness depends on the specific claim language and prior art landscape; however, its broad scope provides a competitive moat.
Attorneys and innovators should carefully analyze the claims' scope during licensing, design-around strategies, or infringement assessments while monitoring ongoing opposition or litigation proceedings to ensure strategic positioning.
Key Takeaways
- Breadth of Claims: The patent secures rights over specific formulations and delivery systems, with claims likely designed to prevent easy circumvention.
- Landscape Position: It intersects with established patent clusters in transdermal delivery, drug stabilization, and controlled release technologies, requiring a detailed freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis.
- Protection Duration: With a typical 20-year term, rights extend into the early 2030s, demanding strategic licensing or enforcement for commercial advantage.
- Innovation Area: The patent emphasizes advancing drug stability and controlled delivery, critical for chronic and specialized therapies.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: Ongoing vigilance for oppositions, invalidations, or infringement will be key to maintaining competitive edge.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main inventive concept of EP2376147?
A: The patent primarily covers a specific drug formulation combined with a device system designed to deliver the drug in a controlled or sustained manner, enhancing stability and efficacy.
Q2: How broad are the claims in EP2376147?
A: The claims are formulated to encompass particular compositions and device configurations but remain sufficiently broad to cover multiple embodiments within the specified technical field.
Q3: Are there similar patents that could challenge EP2376147?
A: Yes, patents related to transdermal delivery, drug stabilization, and controlled release mechanisms exist, requiring detailed FTO analysis to identify potential overlaps.
Q4: Can the patent be challenged or invalidated?
A: It can be challenged through opposition proceedings within three months of grant or via patent litigation; validity depends on prior art and claim clarity.
Q5: What strategic moves should patent owners consider with EP2376147?
A: Owners should enforce rights selectively, explore licensing opportunities, and monitor for potential infringing products, while considering innovations to strengthen or extend patent coverage.
References
[1] European Patent EP2376147 B1, Method and system for treatment of medical conditions, granted March 13, 2013.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Landscape Reports, 2012–2022.
[3] European Patent Office (EPO) Espacenet Database, patents family and legal status information.
[4] Scientific literature on transdermal drug delivery and controlled-release systems, e.g., International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2011–2022.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Stakeholders should consult patent professionals for specific strategic decisions.
