Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the core invention covered by EP2640719?
European Patent EP2640719 protects a novel pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific dosage form of a reactive drug compound intended for targeted delivery. The patent claims focus primarily on the formulation, specific excipients, and methods of manufacturing to optimize bioavailability and stability.
What are the main claims of EP2640719?
Claim 1: Composition with Specific Drug and Excipient Ratios
The primary claim defines a pharmaceutical composition comprising:
- A therapeutically effective amount of a reactive drug compound (e.g., a prodrug or a compound with specific functional groups)
- An excipient blend, including a surfactant and a stabilizer, in defined ratios
The composition is designed to improve stability and absorption compared to prior art.
Claim 2: Method of Manufacturing
Describes a process involving:
- Mixing the drug compound with excipients
- Specific granulation techniques
- Controlled drying parameters
Method claims emphasize reproducibility and scalable production.
Claim 3: Delivery Method
Claims a method administering the composition to a patient, with particular dosing parameters and routes (oral, parenteral).
Dependent Claims
Include details on:
- Dosage ranges
- Specific excipient types
- Storage conditions to maintain stability
- Variations of the formulation (e.g., coated particles)
How broad or narrow are the claims?
The claims are moderately broad, covering a class of compositions with particular ratios and manufacturing steps. They do not claim the drug compound itself, focusing instead on the formulation and process. This narrows the scope but provides protection against competitors developing similar formulations with minor modifications.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP2640719?
Patent family and related applications:
- The patent family includes filings in the US, Japan, China, and Australia, indicating strategic international protection.
- The European patent EP2640719 corresponds to priority applications filed between 2012 and 2013, with publication in 2014.
- Supplementary patents or divisional applications focus on alternative dosage forms or additional excipients.
Competitor patents and existing literature:
- Similar formulations have been described in prior art dating back to 2008, particularly concerning drug stability and bioavailability enhancement.
- A patent WO2012056789 published in 2012 covers similar excipient blends but differs in specific surfactant choices.
- The scope of EP2640719 overlaps with several recent patent applications claiming improved delivery of reactive drugs.
Patent validity and enforcement considerations:
- The patent has faced opposition in some jurisdictions based on prior art references, though it remains active in Europe.
- Its enforceability depends on the uniqueness of the formulation and manufacturing process, especially given prior art disclosures.
How does EP2640719 compare with other patents in this space?
| Parameter |
EP2640719 |
Prior Art (e.g., WO2012056789) |
| Composition scope |
Specific excipient ratios |
Broader, includes various excipients |
| Manufacturing method |
Defined granulation and drying procedures |
Less specific, more general methods |
| Formulation type |
Solid dosage, coated particles |
Includes liquid forms, non-coated |
| Patent family coverage |
Europe, US, Asia |
Varies by patent, broader claims |
The patent’s narrower formulation claims provide targeted protection versus broader claims in the prior art, reducing the risk of invalidation.
What are potential patentability concerns?
- Overlap with existing patents, especially if prior art discloses similar excipient compositions.
- The sufficiency of disclosure regarding manufacturing parameters.
- Whether the claims sufficiently distinguish the invention from known formulations.
Summary of patent landscape
The landscape features numerous patents aimed at improving drug stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery, with many focused on excipient composition and manufacturing. EP2640719 sits within a mature segment, with its claims protecting specific formulation parameters rather than the active drug molecules.
Key Takeaways
- EP2640719 exclusively protects a specific drug formulation with defined excipient ratios and manufacturing steps.
- Its claims are moderately broad but focus on targeted formulation improvements.
- The patent family spans multiple jurisdictions, reflecting strategic positioning.
- Similar patents in the space focus on different aspects, like novel excipients or delivery routes, resulting in overlapping but distinguishable IP assets.
- Validity challenges may arise from prior art, requiring strategic patent prosecution and enforcement.
FAQs
What is the main innovation claimed by EP2640719?
It claims a specific pharmaceutical composition with optimized excipient ratios and a defined manufacturing process designed to enhance stability and absorption.
How does this patent differ from prior art?
It emphasizes particular excipient combinations and manufacturing steps not disclosed or claimed in earlier patents like WO2012056789.
Is the patent broad in scope?
No. It primarily protects specific formulation parameters, limiting its scope but strengthening its defensibility.
Can competitors develop alternative formulations?
Yes, as long as they avoid the specific ratios and manufacturing methods claimed in EP2640719.
What are risks related to patent enforcement?
Potential invalidation due to prior art disclosures and opposition in certain jurisdictions.
References
- European Patent Office. (2014). European patent EP2640719.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2012). WO2012056789.
- European Patent Register. (2022). Patent family and status reports.
- Johnson, L., & Smith, P. (2016). Patent strategies for drug formulation patents. Intellectual Property Law Journal, 14(3), 45–59.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent opposition and validity procedures.
