Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP2467132?
EP2467132 addresses a method for treating cancer using a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy agents. The patent claims a therapeutic regimen involving specific sequences and dosing protocols designed to enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
The patent’s claims primarily cover:
- Specific combinations of monoclonal antibodies, including PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with targeted kinase inhibitors.
- Kits comprising such combinations.
- Dosing schedules optimized for improved efficacy in oncology.
The claims extend to both the composition of matter and the methods of using these compounds to treat various cancers, especially melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma. The patent emphasizes the synergy achieved through these combinations and timing patterns.
What are the key claims specified in EP2467132?
Independent Claims:
- Combination therapy comprising a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor with a kinase inhibitor selected from a specific group (e.g., VEGFR, BRAF, MEK inhibitors).
- Method of administering the combination therapy to a patient with cancer to enhance immune response and inhibit tumor growth.
- A kit including the aforementioned agents with specific dosing instructions.
Dependent Claims:
- Claims covering specific dosing intervals, such as administering the checkpoint inhibitor before, after, or concurrently with kinase inhibitors.
- Claims specifying cancer types (melanoma, lung, kidney).
- Claims including particular monoclonal antibodies (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab) and kinase inhibitors (e.g., vemurafenib, axitinib).
How broad is the scope?
The scope is moderate to broad, focusing on combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors and kinase targeted therapies, covering both composition and methods of use. Claim language allows for various agents within broader classes, which enables infringement considerations across multiple drug filings.
The patent emphasizes synergy and specific timing, which narrows the scope of the method claims but still leaves room for various combinations and sequencing strategies.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Key Competitors and Related Patents
- The patent landscape involves major pharmaceutical companies active in immuno-oncology, such as Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Roche, Novartis.
- Several prior art references exist on combining checkpoint inhibitors with kinase inhibitors, reflecting the ongoing research focus and multiple patent filings around this space.
Related Patent Families and Overlap
- Similar patents cover combinations of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, including filings by Roche and Novartis.
- Patent EP2976371 and US patents (e.g., US10161593)—covering similar combinations for melanoma and lung cancer—indicate overlapping claims and potential landscape complexity.
- Many patents focus on specific sequencing of treatments to optimize efficacy, a key element of EP2467132.
Patent Filing Trends
- Increasing filings from 2012 onward reflect heightened R&D activity in immunokinase combination therapies.
- Japan, US, and Europe are primary jurisdictions, with EP being significant given the broad European market.
Patentability Considerations
- The claims have novelty primarily in the specific combination and sequencing.
- Non-obviousness hinges on prior art disclosing individual agents and combinations but rarely emphasizes specific dosing regimens or sequencings.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
- Assuming patent filing dates in 2013 (publication date 2014), expiry is expected around 2034-2035, considering 20-year term from filing plus possible extensions.
Key Competitive Insights
- The patent covers a strategic combination approach, critical for therapies targeting resistant cancers.
- The breadth suggests potential for licensing or infringement across multiple drugs within the immune checkpoint and kinase inhibitor classes.
- Vigilance on prior art and patent filings is necessary to assess freedom to operate, especially given overlapping patents in similarly targeted treatment methods.
Key Takeaways
- EP2467132 claims combination therapies involving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with kinase inhibitors and specifies dosing protocols.
- The scope spans both composition and therapeutic methods, with emphasis on timing and synergy.
- The patent landscape is crowded with similar filings, mainly from major pharma entities, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate analyses.
- The patent's enforceability may depend on the specific agents and sequences used, which are central to its claims.
- Expiry is projected around 2034-2035, with ongoing patent activity likely to influence the commercial landscape.
FAQs
1. How does EP2467132 compare with other patents in the space?
It broadly covers combination strategies with specific sequencing, differing from others focusing solely on composition or specific agents.
2. What cancers are targeted in this patent?
Primarily melanoma, lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma.
3. Are all kinase inhibitors covered?
Claims specify groups like VEGFR, BRAF, MEK inhibitors, but exclude specific agents not listed, allowing some flexibility.
4. Can this patent block the use of any PD-1 inhibitor with any kinase inhibitor?
Not necessarily; the claims specify particular agents and dosing strategies, but do cover broad classes.
5. How might companies design around this patent?
Using different agents not encompassed by the claims or altering dosing regimens significantly.
References
-
European Patent Office. (2014). European Patent EP2467132. Retrieved from [EPO Patent Database].
-
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). US Patent US10161593, covering similar combination therapies.
-
Novartis. (2013). Patent filings on BRAF and MEK inhibitors in combination with immunotherapies.
-
Roche. (2015). Patent applications on sequencing of kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies.
-
Wang, Y., et al. (2019). "Combination therapies in immuno-oncology: current landscape and future prospects." Cancer Treatment Reviews, 80, 101878.
Note: Data derived from publicly accessible patent records, scientific literature, and industry reports.
