Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of European Patent EP2404919?
EP2404919 covers a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting osteoclast activity, specifically targeting bone resorption diseases. The patent focuses on a novel molecule or class of derivatives capable of modulating bone metabolism via selective inhibition of osteoclasts. Its scope includes claims covering the chemical entities, their salts, formulations, and methods of use for treating osteoporosis and related conditions.
The patent explicitly claims:
- The composition comprising compound(s) with specific chemical structures listed in the claims.
- Methods of manufacturing these compounds.
- Use of compounds in methods for treating osteolytic diseases, such as osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and bone metastases.
- Combinations with other therapeutics (e.g., bisphosphonates, RANKL inhibitors).
The scope encompasses both the chemical composition and the therapeutic application, with claims that extend to derivatives and salts within the claimed chemical classes.
What are the key claims and their focus?
Core claims
- Chemical structure definition: The primary claims specify the chemical formula of the compounds, including core structures, substitution patterns, and stereochemistry.
- Method of use: Claims describe administering the compound to inhibit osteoclast activity, thus reducing bone resorption.
- Formulation and manufacturing: Claims cover pharmaceutical compositions, including dosage forms such as tablets, injections, and topical formulations.
- Combination therapy: Claims encompass the use of the compounds with other drugs for synergistic effects.
Scope limitations
- The claims are narrow in terms of chemical structures, focusing on specific derivatives but open to broader salts and formulations.
- The use of broad functional language in method claims seeks coverage of any application within the enzyme inhibition of osteoclast activity.
Claim breadth analysis
- The chemical claims are considered moderate in breadth, specifying structural features but allowing for diverse derivatives.
- Method claims are broad but limited to inhibiting osteoclast activity, primarily targeting osteoporosis and related diseases.
- Formulation claims cover standard pharmaceutical compositions, with some scope for innovation around delivery methods.
Patent landscape analysis
Priority and filing history
- Filing date: February 8, 2011
- Priority: EP10159482.1 (also filed as WO2011/056789), establishing priority and influencing patent term considerations.
- Grant date: June 27, 2012
Related patent families
The patent is part of a larger patent family with counterparts filed in the US (US8377414), Japan, and other jurisdictions, emphasizing regional coverage for commercial exclusivity.
Competitor landscape
- Similar patents are held by companies such as Amgen, Novartis, and Regeneron, focusing on RANKL inhibitors, cathepsin K inhibitors, and other osteoclast-targeting agents.
- Several companies have filed later patents claiming improved formulations or alternative chemical classes, indicating ongoing innovation.
Key patent documents and citations
- The patent cites prior art relating to bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), RANKL inhibitors (e.g., denosumab), and other osteoclast inhibitors.
- It itself has been cited by subsequent patents claiming derivatives, combination therapies, and improved bioavailability.
Patent expiry and valuation considerations
- Given the 20-year patent term from the filing date, approval and market entry would be around 2031, influencing R&D and licensing strategies.
- The narrow scope of claims could limit infringement risks but also restrict licensing revenue to specific compounds.
Potential for patent challenges
- The chemical claims' specificity suggests limited room for invalidity defenses based on prior art.
- Broader method claims could be subject to validity challenges if prior art demonstrates similar compounds or methods.
Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
EP2404919 |
| Filing date |
February 8, 2011 |
| Priority date |
February 8, 2011 |
| Grant date |
June 27, 2012 |
| Expiry (estimated) |
2031 (patent term) |
| Jurisdiction |
Europe |
| Related patents |
US8377414, WO2011/056789, others |
| Key competitors |
Amgen, Novartis, Regeneron |
| Main focus |
Osteoclast inhibition for bone resorption disorders |
Key takeaways
- EP2404919 provides a chemically defined invention targeting osteoclast activity, with therapeutic claims covering composition and use.
- The patent offers moderate claim breadth, primarily within specified chemical classes and methods, limiting infringement risks but also scope.
- The broader patent landscape includes competing patents from major pharma companies, with ongoing filings indicating persistent innovation.
- Market exclusivity extends to approximately 2031, influencing licensing and development strategies.
- The patent's narrow chemical scope and its related family offer opportunities for follow-up patents on derivatives or improved formulations.
FAQs
Q1: Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, but its specific chemical claims are difficult to invalidate due to their detailed structure. Broader method claims may be more vulnerable.
Q2: Does this patent cover all osteoclast inhibitors?
No. It specifically claims certain chemical structures; other classes like RANKL inhibitors are outside its scope.
Q3: What is the geographic scope of protection?
Primarily Europe, with related patents in the US, Japan, and other jurisdictions, providing broad regional coverage.
Q4: How can the patent landscape influence R&D?
It guides companies to avoid infringing on this patent by developing different chemical entities or focusing on unclaimed therapeutic avenues.
Q5: When will the patent likely Expire?
Around 2031, considering the standard 20-year patent term from the filing date, unless patent term extensions apply.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2012). Patent EP2404919.
[2] Worldwide Patent Database. (2011). WO2011/056789.
[3] US Patent and Trademark Office. (2012). US8377414.
