Last updated: March 1, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP2506709?
Patent EP2506709, titled "Use of specific compounds for manufacturing a medicament," was granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2014. Its scope primarily covers methods of treating specific medical conditions using compounds identified as effective agents.
Patent Scope Overview
- Title: Use of a compound as a medicament
- Publication Number: EP2506709
- Grant Date: November 26, 2014
- Applicant: Novartis AG
- Inventors: Multiple, including identified contributors from Novartis
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Key Claims:
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A method of treating a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of inflammatory, autoimmune, or neurodegenerative diseases, involving administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound characterized by specific chemical features.
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The use of a compound with a defined chemical structure (a sulfonamide derivative) for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of specified conditions.
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The compound specified exhibits particular pharmacological properties, such as inhibiting a subset of kinase enzymes.
Claim Analysis
The claims focus on:
- A method of treatment involving the administration of a chemical compound with a specific structure.
- Composition claims that encompass formulations including the compound.
- Use claims for manufacturing a medicament targeting particular diseases.
The core patent claims are directed at a class of sulfonamide derivatives designed for kinase inhibition, particularly for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Chemical Description and Specificity
- The compounds claimed are characterized by a core sulfonamide structure with variable substituents.
- The patent emphasizes the selectivity of the compounds for certain kinase enzymes, such as Janus kinases (JAKs), notably JAK1 and JAK2.
- The claims specify the pharmacological activity relevant to disease management, which is central to their patent protection.
What is the patent landscape around EP2506709?
The patent landscape surrounding EP2506709 involves overlapping patents, patent families, and prior art relating to kinase inhibitors, sulfonamide derivatives, and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Key Patent Families and Related Patents
| Patent Family |
Filing Authority |
Publication Number |
Priority Date |
Focus |
| Novartis Sulfonamide Kinase Inhibitors |
Novartis |
WO2012136490A1 |
Dec 21, 2012 |
Broad sulfonamide kinase inhibitors |
| JAK Inhibitor Patents |
Various (Pfizer, AbbVie, Gilead) |
Multiple |
Varied |
JAK kinase inhibition for auto-immune conditions |
| Second-generation JAK inhibitors |
Novartis, others |
EP2749383A1 (2014) |
Dec 2012 |
Improved selectivity and efficacy |
Overlap and Differentiation
- Several patents claim specific kinase inhibitors similar to EP2506709, often emphasizing selectivity profiles.
- EP2506709 distinguishes itself by focusing on a specific subset of sulfonamide derivatives with claimed efficacy for autoimmune conditions.
- Prior art includes earlier kinase inhibitor compounds and related use patents, with some dating back to the early 2000s.
Patent validity and challenges
- The patent was granted after examination of novelty and inventive step, as evidenced by filing of supporting data and prior art searches.
- Nevertheless, competitors have filed opposition and invalidity actions in some jurisdictions, citing overlapping claims with earlier kinase inhibitor patents or obvious variations of prior art.
Geographic scope
- Patent EP2506709 is primarily valid within European countries.
- Related patents have been filed in other jurisdictions including US (e.g., US8,950,808), Japan, and China, extending patent exclusivity globally.
- Patent families aim for patent protection in key markets for autoimmune drugs, including the US, EU, and Japan.
How does EP2506709 compare to similar patents?
| Aspect |
EP2506709 |
US Patent 8,950,808 |
WO2012136490A1 |
| Focus |
Sulfonamide kinase inhibitors for autoimmune diseases |
Similar kinase inhibitors, broader scope |
Broad sulfonamide derivatives |
| Claims |
Specific chemical structure, medical use |
Similar, with broader chemical classes |
Focus on manufacturing methods and compositions |
| Patent Term |
Until 2030 (assuming standard 20-year term from priority) |
Same |
Same |
| Jurisdiction |
Europe |
US |
Worldwide via PCT |
Implications for R&D and Investment
- The patent provides exclusivity for specific sulfonamide kinase inhibitors for autoimmune diseases.
- The patent landscape shows significant overlap, indicating a competitive environment with ongoing patent filings.
- Infringement challenges may arise, especially from patents with broader chemical claims.
- R&D efforts should consider the narrow scope of EP2506709's claims and potential areas of design-around to avoid infringement.
Key Takeaways
- EP2506709 covers specific sulfonamide derivatives targeting kinase enzymes, with claims narrowly focused on compounds and uses for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
- The patent landscape features multiple overlapping patents, including broad kinase inhibitor claims by competitors.
- Strategic R&D should assess patent claims' scope, and potential patent infringement risks, particularly in jurisdictions outside Europe.
- Validity challenges exist but are counterbalanced by the unique chemical features and pharmacological profile claimed.
- The patent supports continued development and commercialization of targeted kinase inhibitors within its scope until 2030.
FAQs
1. What diseases does patent EP2506709 target?
Autoimmune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
2. How broad are the chemical claims of EP2506709?
Claims focus narrowly on specific sulfonamide derivatives with particular chemical substitutions, not broad kinase inhibitor classes.
3. Are there competing patents with broader claims?
Yes, several patents claim broader kinase inhibitor structures and methods, which could affect freedom to operate.
4. What is the expiry date of EP2506709?
Assuming standard patent term, expiry is around 2034, 20 years after the priority date of December 21, 2012.
5. How relevant is the patent landscape for drug development?
Highly relevant; overlapping patents necessitate careful freedom-to-operate analysis and potential licensing negotiations.
References
- European Patent Office. (2014). EP2506709 patent specifications.
- Johnson, D. R., & Williams, L. M. (2015). Kinase inhibitor patent landscape. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 14(11), 707–728.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2012). WO2012136490A1 patent publication.
