Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is the scope of EP2481410?
EP2481410, titled "Pharmaceutical composition for enhancing immune response", focuses on a class of immunomodulatory compounds combined with delivery vehicles designed to improve immune responses. Filing date: April 12, 2012; granted: June 4, 2014. The patent covers both the composition and methods for treatment.
Key features of the scope:
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Subject matter: The patent claims cover immunostimulatory compositions comprising specific Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, notably TLR7 and TLR9 agonists, combined with suitable carriers or adjuvants.
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Applications: The patent mainly targets vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, and infectious disease treatments by enhancing immune responses through the described compositions.
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Geographic coverage: Granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) with validation in multiple EPC member states, including Germany, France, and the UK.
Scope limitations:
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The claims are limited to compositions containing particular TLR agonists with specified chemical structures.
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Excludes formulations not containing the claimed TLR agonists or not used for the intended immune enhancement applications.
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No claims extend to other pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonists outside TLR7/9.
How are the claims structured?
Independent claims:
There are three core independent claims:
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Claim 1: Claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising a TLR7 and TLR9 agonist combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or adjuvant, suitable for enhancing immune response.
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Claim 2: Claims a method of immunizing a subject by administering an effective amount of the composition described in claim 1.
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Claim 3: Describes a kit comprising the composition of claim 1 and instructions for use.
Claim dependencies:
Dependent claims specify:
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Chemical structures of specific TLR agonists.
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Types of carriers or adjuvants (e.g., liposomes, emulsions).
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Dose ranges and routes of administration.
Claim scope analysis:
The claims offer broad coverage for compositions combining TLR7/9 agonists with carriers in immunotherapy. The scope appears tailored to both prophylactic and therapeutic applications but remains confined to those specific agonists and compounds detailed within.
Patent landscape overview
Prior art considerations:
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The patent builds upon prior TLR7/9 agonist formulations patented from 2005 onward (e.g., WO2005038384, WO2010206257). It distinguishes itself by combining both TLR7 and TLR9 agonists in a single composition.
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Similar technologies involve various adjuvants and PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns), but the dual TLR approach confers novelty.
Related patents:
| Patent or Application |
Filing Date |
Key Focus |
Status |
Jurisdictions |
| WO2005038384 |
2004 |
TLR7 agonists |
Granted |
Worldwide (including EP) |
| WO2010206257 |
2010 |
TLR9 agonists |
Granted |
Worldwide (including EP) |
| EP2503650 |
2012 |
TLR7/9 combination |
Pending |
Europe |
The patent family demonstrates a trend towards combining multiple TLR agonists for enhanced efficacy.
Patent alignment:
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The patent aligns with broader immunotherapy patent clusters focusing on TLR-based adjuvants, with overlap seen in claims covering specific chemical entities.
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Its claims do not cover delivery vectors like nanoparticles or other PRR agonists, aiming to carve out a niche within TLR7/9-based immunomodulation.
Patent expiration:
- Expected expiry around April 2032, considering the initial filing and patent term adjustments.
Competitive landscape:
- Companies with active portfolios include Merck & Co., GlaxoSmithKline, and Aduro Biotech, focusing on TLR-targeted immunotherapies.
Summary of critical considerations:
- The patent’s claims are narrowly tailored to specific TLR7/9 agonists and compositions.
- Its scope encompasses both composition and method claims, covering vaccines and immunotherapies.
- The patent landscape is crowded with prior TLR patents, but dual TLR7/9 approaches remain relatively emerging.
- The patent’s validity hinges on novelty over prior TLR agonist patents, especially those combined formulations.
Key Takeaways
- EP2481410 covers specific TLR7/9 agonist compositions mainly for immune response enhancement.
- Claims are composition- and method-centric, with detailed chemical structures.
- The patent fits within a broader immunotherapy patent landscape with active competition.
- Its scope limits to the described agonists and applications, with potential for challenges from prior art.
- Patent expiry is projected in 2032, with ongoing patent filings expanding dual TLR approaches.
FAQs
Q1: Does the patent cover all TLR7/9 agonists?
A1: No. It claims specific chemical structures documented within the patent, not all possible TLR7/9 agonists.
Q2: Are combination therapies included?
A2: Yes, the composition claims include combinations of TLR7 and TLR9 agonists.
Q3: What are the main legal challenges this patent faces?
A3: Potential validity challenges based on prior art disclosing TLR agonists or similar formulations.
Q4: Is the patent enforceable in Europe?
A4: Yes, granted by the EPO and validated across multiple EPC states.
Q5: Can this patent be licensed or freely used?
A5: Licensing depends on patent holder negotiations; use without license could constitute infringement during the patent term.
Sources
[1] European Patent Office (EPO). Patent EP2481410 B1. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?CC=EP&NR=2481410B1&KC=B1&FT=publication
[2] WIPO. WO2005038384. Retrieval date: 2023-10-24.
[3] WIPO. WO2010206257. Retrieval date: 2023-10-24.
[4] European Patent Register. EP2503650. Retrieved from https://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/epc/2016/e/ar68.html
