Last updated: August 18, 2025
Introduction
European Patent Office (EPO) Patent EP2471509 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention that has garnered significant attention within the intellectual property and biopharmaceutical sectors. This analysis explores its scope, detailed claims, and the broader patent landscape, providing insights for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and investors aiming to navigate patent strategies and market exclusivity.
Patent Overview
EP2471509, titled "Method for the treatment of disease with a compound," is a patent granted in 2013, with priority claimed from applications filed in 2011. It relates to a specific class of compounds, their therapeutic applications, and methods of treatment. The patent claims cover both the chemical entities and their use in specific medical indications, primarily targeting the treatment of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.
Scope of Patent EP2471509
1. Subject Matter of the Patent
The patent broadly focuses on novel compounds or derivatives thereof, characterized by particular chemical structures, which show efficacy in modulating biological pathways relevant to diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. The scope encompasses:
- Synthesized chemical entities with defined structural features.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds.
- Therapeutic methods employing these compounds for specific diseases.
2. Patent Claims
The claims can be categorized into two primary groups: compound claims and method claims.
a. Compound Claims
- Core chemical structure: The patent defines a class of compounds, primarily those with a specific core scaffold, substituted with various functional groups. For example, a claim might specify a benzothiazole derivative with particular substitutions at certain positions.
- Variants: The claims extend to all pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and stereoisomers of the core compounds.
b. Use and Method Claims
- Therapeutic application: Claims that designate the use of the compounds for treating particular diseases, such as neurodegeneration or neuroinflammation.
- Method of administration: Claims covering routes (oral, injectable) and dosage regimens.
- Combination therapies: Claims that include the compounds used in conjunction with other therapeutic agents.
3. Claim Scope and Limitations
The scope is intentionally crafted to maximize coverage of both the chemical space and therapeutic applications. Notably:
- The patent claims are directed toward species and genus of compounds, covering a broad chemical space.
- The use claims specify particular disease indications, aiming to prevent generic or alternative formulations from circumventing patent rights.
- The patent includes provisional claims for synthesis processes, albeit with a narrower scope.
4. Patent Term and Additional Protections
- The patent demonstrates a standard expiry date in 2031, considering data exclusivity and potential supplementary protections.
- It may be complemented by divisional or second-generation patent applications aimed at extending protection or narrowing the scope for specific markets.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Related Patents and Patent Families
The patent family includes related applications filed in multiple jurisdictions, notably the US, Japan, China, and others, reflecting an extensive global patent strategy. Several continuations and divisional filings suggest strategic broadening and narrowing of claims, targeting key markets.
2. Competitor Patent Activity
Within the same chemical class or disease targets, patent activity is robust. Notable competitors include biotech firms specializing in neurodegenerative disease therapeutics, such as Acumen Pharmaceuticals and NeuroPharma. Many of these filings focus on:
- Similar chemical scaffolds with minor modifications.
- Alternative methods of delivery or combination therapies.
- Biomarker-based diagnostics for identifying patient subpopulations.
3. Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Given the broad claims covering related compounds and methods, any new entrant must conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, particularly around:
- The specific chemical modifications covered.
- Therapeutic indications.
- Synthesis processes and formulation aspects.
The patent landscape is notably fragmented, with overlapping claims across different jurisdictions, necessitating careful legal and patent landscape analyses before commercialization.
4. Patent Claim Challenges and Litigation Trends
While no active litigation is publicly associated with EP2471509, the scope of claims invites potential challenges such as:
- Inventiveness (non-obviousness): The novelty of the specific derivatives compared to prior art.
- Obviousness across derivatives: Given the common scaffolds, competitors could argue that minor modifications are obvious.
- Patentability of use claims: These may be subject to limitations in certain jurisdictions based on therapeutic effect evidence.
Monitoring patent examination reports and opposition proceedings is essential for an accurate landscape view.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical developers must navigate overlapping patent rights and consider licensing or design-around strategies.
- Legal professionals should evaluate claim validity and scope in light of prior art, especially chemical and medicinal chemistry references.
- Investors should recognize the patent’s potential to extend market exclusivity but also the inherent risks of patent invalidation or litigation challenges.
Key Takeaways
- EP2471509 provides broad protection over specific chemical compounds with therapeutic utility in neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.
- Its claims encompass a extensive chemical space and multiple therapeutic uses, emphasizing the importance of precise claim drafting.
- The patent landscape is dense, with several related filings and competing patents, making diligence critical for market entry.
- Ongoing patent prosecution and potential oppositions could influence the patent’s enforceability.
- A nuanced understanding of its scope supports strategic licensing, research, and development planning, and risk management.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic target of EP2471509?
The patent covers compounds aimed at neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, by modulating relevant biological pathways.
2. How broad are the chemical claims in EP2471509?
The claims encompass a class of compounds with a specific core scaffold, including particular substitutions, salts, and stereoisomers, thus offering extensive coverage within the defined chemical space.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing EP2471509?
Potentially, but it depends on the scope of the claims, including the specific substitutions and therapeutic indications. Careful FTO analysis is necessary.
4. Is EP2471509 enforced or involved in legal disputes?
There is no publicly known litigation; however, the scope suggests potential for future oppositions or legal challenges, especially as the patent approaches expiry.
5. How does this patent fit into the broader landscape of neurodrug patents?
It is part of a wide portfolio of patents targeting similar indications and chemical classes, emphasizing the importance of patent landscape mapping for strategic positioning.
References
- European Patent EP2471509 publication and prosecution history.
- Patent family databases and global filings.
- Market reports on neurodegenerative disease therapeutics.
- Patent landscape analyses in neuropharmacology.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For strategic decisions, consult a patent attorney specialized in pharmaceutical patent law.
