Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP2523731 (hereinafter "the patent") pertains to a specific innovation within the pharmaceutical domain. Understanding its scope and claims, coupled with positioning it within the broader patent landscape, is essential for stakeholders including pharma companies, generic manufacturers, and patent strategists. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of the patent's claims, the scope of protection, and its standing within the European patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
The patent EP2523731 was filed by Glaxo Group Limited and published on April 24, 2013. It relates to a novel class of compounds, methods for their synthesis, and their application as therapeutic agents, particularly targeting diseases where modulation of the adrenergic system provides benefits. The patent lists both compound claims and method claims, emphasizing compositions and use.
Scope of the Patent
1. Composition of Matter Claims
The core claims of EP2523731 are compound claims directed toward specific chemical entities. These claims specify a chemical scaffold with defined substituents, allowing variation within certain parameters. The scope encompasses compounds within a specified chemical formula, characterized by structural flexibility that underpins a broad IP coverage.
Example: Claims encompass compounds with a core quinazoline or quinazoline-like structure, substituted at various positions with groups such as alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl. The claims specify variations allowing structural analogs that retain the pharmacological activity.
2. Method Claims
The patent covers methods of preparing these compounds, including synthetic routes facilitating the efficient production of the claimed molecules. It also claims the use of the compounds in treating specific conditions, especially cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, or psychiatric conditions where adrenergic modulation offers benefit.
3. Pharmaceutical Formulations
Claims extend to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, including dosage forms, formulations, and combinations with other active agents.
Claimed Subject Matter and Limitations
The claims are moderately broad, centered on a chemical family with a well-defined pharmacophore. The limitations primarily relate to the specific substitution patterns and reactivity points on the core scaffold.
Key features include:
- Structural core with variable groups at defined positions.
- Substitutions that influence selectivity and potency.
- Use in treating specific medical conditions via administration.
The scope leaves room for patentability of analogs that modify the core or side groups, provided they fall outside the prior art and meet novelty and inventive step criteria.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
1. Related Patents and Applications
The patent is part of a family of patents targeting similar chemical classes and therapeutic applications, with counterparts filed in other jurisdictions such as the US, Japan, and China. Several continuation and divisional applications expand or narrow the scope.
Prior art disclosures include earlier quinazoline derivatives and adrenergic receptor modulators, but the specific substitutions and synthesis methods claimed in EP2523731 distinguish it.
2. Competitor Landscape
Several companies, including AstraZeneca and Pfizer, have filed patents covering related adrenergic compounds, often focusing on selective α or β adrenoceptor modulators for cardiovascular therapy. EP2523731 occupies a competitive niche by emphasizing specific chemical modifications to achieve targeted activity with potentially improved safety profiles.
3. Patent Challenges & Litigations
While no major litigations are publicly associated with this patent, potential challenges could stem from prior art or obviousness arguments based on existing quinazoline derivatives. The patent's validity hinges on demonstrating unexpected synergistic effects or novel structural features not obvious at the time of filing.
Legal Status and Lifecycle
As of 2023, the patent EP2523731 is granted and active in Europe, with a standard term expiring around 2032, considering standard extensions. The patent's enforceability can influence generic entry strategies and licensing negotiations.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical innovators can leverage this patent to develop next-generation adrenergic agents.
- Generic manufacturers must analyze the claims for freedom-to-operate and potential design-around opportunities.
- Legal teams should monitor ongoing patent landscape changes and related filings in jurisdictions of strategic interest.
Conclusion
European Patent EP2523731 secures a relatively broad patent for specific quinazoline derivatives with therapeutic relevance as adrenergic modulators. Its scope encompasses chemical compositions, methods of synthesis, and medical uses, offering strategic value within the cardiovascular and psychiatric pharmaceutical markets. Continuous monitoring of related patents and competitive filings remains critical to safeguard innovation and commercial interests.
Key Takeaways
- EP2523731 claims a chemical class of adrenergic agents, with a scope that covers various substitutions within a defined core structure.
- The patent’s claims extend to composition, synthesis, and therapeutic application, providing broad protection.
- The patent landscape includes competitors' patents on similar adrenergic compounds, necessitating careful freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Exploiting the patent’s therapeutic focus and chemical scope can facilitate product development and licensing opportunities.
- Ongoing patent filings and legal challenges in this domain underscore the importance of surveillance for strengthening patent portfolios.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the chemical claims of EP2523731?
A: The claims are moderately broad, covering a core chemical scaffold with various allowable substituents, enabling protection over a wide class of compounds within specified parameters.
Q2: What are the key therapeutic applications claimed?
A: The patent primarily covers compounds for treating cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, and psychiatric disorders involving adrenergic receptor modulation.
Q3: Can other companies develop similar adrenergic compounds?
A: Yes, provided they do not infringe on the specific claims, especially by designing around the claimed substitutions or synthesis methods.
Q4: How does this patent compare with related patents globally?
A: It forms part of a patent family with counterparts filed in multiple jurisdictions, which collectively strengthen the territorial protection of the innovation.
Q5: What strategic steps should patent holders consider regarding this patent?
A: Regularly monitor related filings, consider filing continuations or divisional applications to expand scope, and enforce rights where infringement is identified.
References
- European Patent Office – EP2523731 Patent Document.
- Patent family and related filings from public patent databases.
- Literature on quinazoline derivatives and adrenergic receptor modulators.
- Market reports on cardiovascular and psychiatric therapeutics.
