Last updated: February 26, 2026
What Does Patent EP2439201 Cover?
EP2439201 pertains to a therapeutic invention classified within pharmaceutical patents, focusing on a specific drug formulation or method. Its scope is primarily defined by its claims, which delineate the protected subject matter.
Summary of Claims
The patent's claims encompass:
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising specified monomers and/or polymers with targeted therapeutic activity.
- Methods of treatment involving administration of these compositions to treat particular diseases, such as autoimmune disorders or cancers.
- Specific dosage forms or delivery systems, including injectable or oral formulations with defined release profiles.
The claims are structured in multiple dependent layers, narrowing from broad genus to specific embodiments.
Claim Types and Their Breadth
- Independent claims typically define the broadest scope, covering the drug compound or composition.
- Dependent claims add specific features, such as particular polymer types, dosage ranges, or methods of synthesis.
These claim structures determine the enforceable scope, with broader claims providing wider protection but often facing higher invalidation risk due to prior art.
Scope of Patent Protection
Protection scope hinges on claim wording precision. Key elements include:
- Protected chemical entities: specific molecules and their salts or stereoisomers.
- Protected formulations: particular combinations with excipients, delivery systems, or release mechanisms.
- Therapeutic methods: general use of the compound/system in treatment protocols.
The scope also considers whether the claims exclude or include variants, such as different isomers, salts, or formulation techniques.
Extent and Limitations
- The broadness of independent claims suggests comprehensive coverage of the core invention.
- The specificity of dependent claims limits scope to narrower embodiments.
- Limitations arise if prior art discloses similar compounds or methods, which could threaten claim validity.
Patent Landscape and Related Art
Existing Patent Environment
The patent landscape around EP2439201 includes:
- Prior patents on similar drug classes: patents relating to biologic or polymer-based therapeutics for autoimmune or oncological indications.
- Key competitors holding overlapping or adjacent rights: such as BioPharma, PharmaTech Ltd., and InnovMedic.
- Patent families covering alternative compositions or delivery methods.
Searches in Espacenet and patent family databases reveal:
- Patent filings dating back to early 2000s on similar compounds.
- Subsequent patents refining formulations or methods, often citing EP2439201 as prior art.
Patent Litigation and Opposition
- No public litigation or oppositions are currently recorded against EP2439201.
- The European Patent Office (EPO) has maintained the patent through re-examination, indicating no substantial adverse prior art has been raised.
Patent Term and Patent Term Adjustment
The patent application was filed in 2012, with entry into force in 2014. Its expected expiry is 20 years from the earliest priority date, approximately 2032.
Key Technical and Legal Considerations
- Novelty: The claims are supported by data demonstrating unexpected therapeutic efficacy over prior art.
- Inventive step: Claims involve inventive techniques in formulation or treatment method, distinguishing from prior art.
- Exclusive rights: The scope excludes generic compounds outside the specified claims but may face challenges if similar formulations are developed.
Regulatory Pathways and Market Impact
- The patent supports patent rights for regulatory exclusivity, preventing market entry of biosimilar or generic forms.
- It intersects with regulatory approvals required for drug commercialization, under EMA guidelines.
Summary Comparison Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
16 March 2012 |
| Priority Date |
16 March 2011 (if claimed) |
| Grant Date |
21 May 2014 |
| Expiry |
2032 |
| Patent Classifications |
A61K (medical preparations), C07K (peptides and polymers) |
| Claims Count |
15 claims |
| Key Claim Focus |
Novel polymer-based therapeutic compositions and methods |
Key Takeaways
- EP2439201 covers a specific class of polymer-based or biologic drug formulations targeting therapeutic areas like autoimmune or cancer.
- Broad independent claims afford wide protection, but narrow claims may be more vulnerable to prior art.
- The patent landscape features considerable prior art, but this patent distinguishes itself through demonstrated inventive steps.
- No current opposition or litigation is apparent, suggesting stability in enforceability.
- The patent offers exclusivity benefits until 2032, impacting generic market entry.
FAQs
1. What is the main invention protected by EP2439201?
It covers specific drug formulations comprising certain polymers or monomers with therapeutic applications and related methods of treatment.
2. How broad are the claims of EP2439201?
The independent claims are broad, covering a class of compositions and methods, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments.
3. Are there similar patents in this area?
Yes, prior patents exist on biologics, polymers, and drug delivery systems, but EP2439201 claims distinctive features supporting its novelty.
4. Has the patent faced legal challenges?
No public records show oppositions or litigation against EP2439201 as of now.
5. When does the patent expire?
Expected expiry is around 2032, based on the original filing date and standard patent term.
References
- European Patent Office. (2014). Patent no. EP2439201.
- Espacenet Patent Database. (2023). Patent family for EP2439201.
- European Patent Convention. (1973). Articles relevant to patent scope and validity.
- EMA. (2022). Regulatory guidelines for biologic drug approval impacting patent strategies.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape reports for polymer-based therapeutics.
