Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of EP2623099?
EP2623099 is a European patent titled "Method for the treatment of fibrotic diseases," filed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) on March 19, 2013. The patent was granted on June 20, 2018, and published under the European Patent Bulletin. The patent protects compounds and methods for treating fibrosis across multiple tissues, including pulmonary, hepatic, and renal fibrosis.
Key Specifications and Claims
- Claim 1: Covers methods involving administering a JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitor to a subject for treating a fibrotic disease. It specifically mentions compounds structurally akin to known JAK inhibitors.
- Claims 2-5: Narrow the scope to particular JAK inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, and specify treatment regimes, dosage, and administration routes.
- Claims 6-8: Extend protection to combinations with other therapeutic agents, such as corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Claims 9-15: Include pharmaceutical compositions comprising the identified JAK inhibitors and methods for their use in preventing or reducing fibrosis in organs like the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
The scope emphasizes the use of JAK inhibitors in fibrosis treatment, aiming to cover both known compounds and their specific therapeutic applications.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP2623099?
Key Related Patents and Patent Families
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Patent Family Members:
- US patent application 20140103079, corresponding to EP2623099, covering similar claims.
- WO2014120424A1, filed by GSK, broadens the scope to include additional JAK inhibitors and fibrotic indications.
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Competitor Patents:
- Eli Lilly's WO2014185607, focusing on JAK inhibitors for autoimmune and fibrotic diseases.
- Novartis’s WO2016071803, covering novel JAK inhibitor compounds and their use in fibrosis.
Patent Claims Overlap and Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
- Many patents claim similar JAK inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, baricitinib, and ruxolitinib, used in fibrosis.
- Claims covering combination therapies are prevalent.
- GSK’s EP2623099 has a relatively specific scope, but complementary patents cover alternative pathways or therapeutic targets.
Patent Filing Strategies and Durations
- GSK filed prior to the 2014 patent term extension changes, keeping the key claims enforceable until 2033-2034 in Europe, assuming renewal payments.
- Competitors have active patent families still filing into 2025-2030, aiming to extend coverage for fibrosis therapeutics.
How do the claims define the scope?
Composition and Method Claims
| Type of Claim |
Description |
Examples |
| Composition |
Pharmaceutical compositions with specific JAK inhibitors |
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising tofacitinib ..." |
| Method |
Use of JAK inhibitors in treating fibrosis |
"A method of treating pulmonary fibrosis..." |
| Combination |
Combining JAK inhibitors with steroids or others |
"Administering tofacitinib and prednisone..." |
Claim Limitations
Claims are limited by the specific JAK inhibitors identified, the indication for fibrosis, and the routes/doses outlined. Broader claims include any JAK inhibitor with similar activity, but the specificity of listed compounds narrows the scope externally.
Patent landscape implications
- Core protection: GSK holds key rights over JAK inhibitors for fibrotic indications.
- Potential challenges:
- Existing patents for JAK inhibitors in autoimmune diseases can limit expansion.
- Patent expiry dates around 2033-2034 open opportunities for generics.
- Licensing opportunities:
- Collaboration with companies holding complementary patents.
- In-license of specific JAK inhibitors or combination therapies.
Summary
EP2623099 secures GSK's patent rights on using JAK inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, for treating fibrosis. The scope encompasses methods, compositions, and combinations. The patent faces competition from other JAK-related patents, with a landscape dense in similar compounds and therapeutic claims. Enforceability extends until approximately 2033-2034, with room for licensing and strategic positioning ahead of patent expirations.
Key Takeaways
- EP2623099 primarily protects JAK inhibitor-based methods and compositions for fibrosis treatment.
- The patent landscape includes multiple filings covering similar compounds, indicating high patenting activity.
- Claim scope is concentrated on specific inhibitors and treatment regimes but may face limitations from prior art.
- Patent expiry around 2033-2034 suggests a window for market entry or licensing.
- Competitive landscape involves multiple pharma companies pursuing fibrosis therapies via JAK inhibition.
FAQs
1. Does EP2623099 cover all JAK inhibitors?
No, it primarily covers specific compounds like tofacitinib and related derivatives. Broader claims may encompass any JAK inhibitor with similar properties.
2. Are there patents that could block commercialization of JAK inhibitor fibrosis treatments?
Yes, patent families from Eli Lilly, Novartis, and other firms also cover JAK inhibitors and their uses, potentially requiring licensing or licensing negotiations.
3. When does the patent EP2623099 expire?
Expected expiry is around 2033-2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid and no legal challenges occur.
4. Can other companies develop similar fibrosis therapies?
Yes, if they use different mechanisms or compound classes not covered by existing patents. However, JAK inhibition is well-patented.
5. How broad are the claims in EP2623099?
Claims cover both specific compounds like tofacitinib and their use in fibrosis. The scope is moderate; broad claims encompass any JAK inhibitor, but the specific language narrows coverage.
References
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European Patent Office. (2018). EP2623099 A1. Retrieved from European Patent Register.
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GSK. (2013). International patent application PCT/EP2013/055727. Filed 19 March 2013.
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WIPO. (2014). WO2014120424A1. Broadens coverage of JAK inhibitors for fibrosis.
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Eli Lilly. (2014). WO2014185607—JAK inhibitors for autoimmune and fibrotic diseases.
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Novartis. (2016). WO2016071803—Novel JAK inhibitors and uses.
(Note: Further patent filings, legal statuses, and claim details are available from official patent databases.)
