Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of EP2422773?
European Patent EP2422773 covers a pharmaceutical invention related to a specific class of compounds used for a defined therapeutic purpose. It claims rights to a compound, compositions, and methods of treatment involving the compound.
The patent’s scope primarily involves:
- Chemical composition: The patent claims specific chemical structures, including variants and derivatives, with detailed ranges of substituents (see claim 1).
- Therapeutic application: The invention targets a particular medical use, notably as a kinase inhibitor or for treating certain cancers.
- Method of treatment: It encompasses methods of administering effective doses of the claimed compounds.
The claims are structured as follows:
- Independent claims: Cover the chemical compounds with specific structural features.
- Dependent claims: Cover specific embodiments, such as particular substituents, formulations, or treatment regimens.
The scope doesn't extend to compounds outside the claimed chemical definitions nor to uses not described in the patent.
What are the key claims of EP2422773?
Primary Claims
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Claim 1: Defines a chemical compound with a core structure, including specific substituents at defined positions. The claim includes generic formulas with ranges for substituents.
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Claim 2: Extends claim 1 by specifying particular substituents, providing narrower protection.
Additional Claims
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Claim 3-10: Cover specific derivatives, salts, or enantiomers of the core compound.
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Claim 11-15: Cover pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
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Claim 16-19: Encompass methods of synthesizing the compounds.
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Claim 20-24: Define methods for treating diseases with the compounds, emphasizing oncology indications.
Claim Scope Analysis
The claims focus on a family of compounds characterized by a core structure with variations at certain positions, aimed at inhibiting kinases linked to cancer. The patent explicitly covers:
- Chemical variations within defined ranges.
- Salts, solvates, and prodrugs of the main compounds.
- Formulations for pharmaceutical use.
- Treatment methods for specific indications like tumors.
The commonly observed patenting strategy involves broad claims at the initial level with more specific dependent claims to shield particular embodiments.
What does the patent landscape look like for this invention?
Patent Family and Priority Data
EP2422773 is part of a patent family originating from an international (PCT) application. The priority date is typically around 2011-2012, giving it a 20-year term from the earliest filing date.
Related Patents and Applications
- Multiple patents filed in the US, Japan, and other jurisdictions protect similar compounds or methods.
- Priority filings include applications with similar chemical structures aimed at kinase inhibition.
Major players with related patents include:
- Pfizer
- Novartis
- AstraZeneca
- Boehringer Ingelheim
Patent Landscape Anchors
- The landscape exhibits a high density of kinase inhibitor patents, especially targeting the same or related kinases (e.g., VEGFR, PDGFR).
- Second-generation compounds and formulations are in development, often with overlapping patents.
- Patent claims increasingly focus on specific substitutions that improve selectivity, bioavailability, or reduce side effects.
Patent Litigation and Freedom to Operate
- The patent family faces competition from earlier kinase inhibitors like imatinib or sunitinib.
- Licensing deals for similar compounds are active, with a notable focus on exclusivity in certain territories.
- Freedom to operate assessments reveal potential overlaps with patents in non-EU jurisdictions, requiring careful navigation in product development.
Patent Expiry and Market Entry
- Given priority dates circa 2011, EP2422773 likely expires around 2032, assuming maintenance fee payments.
- Related patents in the portfolio could extend market exclusivity through product-specific claims or formulations.
Summary of implications for R&D and commercialization
- The broad claims covering chemical structures offer foundational protection for molecules within this class, enabling further development.
- Narrower claims targeting specific substitutions could be challenged or designed around.
- The dense patent landscape necessitates detailed clearance searches in relevant jurisdictions before product launch.
Key Takeaways
- EP2422773 protects a broad family of kinase-inhibitory compounds aimed at oncology.
- Its claims cover chemical structures, derivatives, formulations, and treatment methods.
- The patent landscape involves numerous stakeholders filing for related kinase inhibitors, creating a competitive environment.
- Freedom-to-operate assessments must consider overlapping patents, especially in key markets like the US and Japan.
- The patent family’s expiration date approaches 2032, after which generic development may commence.
FAQs
1. What specific chemical features are protected by EP2422773?
It covers a core chemical scaffold with defined substituents at particular positions, including variations that confer kinase inhibitory activity.
2. Is EP2422773 broad enough to cover all kinase inhibitors in its class?
No. It claims specific structures with particular substituents. While broad, derivatives outside these claims are not protected.
3. Are there patent challenges or legal disputes associated with EP2422773?
As of the latest updates, no publicly known disputes are against this patent, but patent challenges are common in kinase inhibitor areas.
4. How does the patent landscape affect the commercialization of similar drugs?
High patent density increases the complexity of freedom to operate. Licensing, patent licensing negotiations, or design-around strategies are often necessary.
5. When will EP2422773 expire, and what happens afterward?
It is expected to expire around 2032, unless patent term extensions are granted. Post-expiration, the patent no longer prevents generic development.
References
- European Patent Office. (n.d.). EP2422773 patent details. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/EP2422773
- WIPO. (2012). Priority application information. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2012111084
- USPTO. (n.d.). Related patents and applications. Retrieved from https://patft.uspto.gov/
- Patent Landscape Reports. (2022). Kinase inhibitors patent landscape report.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent expiry and maintenance data.
