Last updated: August 26, 2025
Introduction
European Patent Office (EPO) patent EP2861072 pertains primarily to innovations in pharmaceutical compositions, targeting therapeutic applications with a focus on specific compounds or treatment methods. As a key asset within the pharmaceutical patent landscape, EP2861072 exemplifies strategic patenting practices in drug development, signaling both technical advances and market exclusivity ambitions. This detailed analysis dissects the scope and claims of EP2861072 and contextualizes its position within the broader patent landscape.
Overview of EP2861072
EP2861072, granted on September 16, 2015, is entitled "Substituted pyrazoline derivatives with anti-inflammatory properties," indicating its focus on specific chemical compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Its priority date is December 20, 2011, indicating contemporaneity with several innovation waves within the pharmaceutical space, particularly in anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of EP2861072 hinges on the chemical entities, their synthesis, and their medical applications. It covers:
- Novel chemical compounds: Specifically substituted pyrazoline derivatives with defined heteroatom substitutions.
- Methods of synthesis: The patent claims encapsulate processes to produce these derivatives, emphasizing certain reaction conditions and intermediates.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: The claims extend to formulations incorporating these derivatives, suitable for administration in anti-inflammatory treatments.
- Therapeutic methods: Use of the compounds in treating inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis, rheumatoid conditions, or other inflammatory disorders.
The scope emphasizes chemical novelty with potential broad therapeutic utility, constrained by specific structural motifs and formulations.
Claims Analysis
Claims delineate the legal boundaries, comprising independent and dependent claims:
Independent Claims
The core of EP2861072, these define:
- Chemical structure: The patent claims a class of pyrazoline derivatives characterized by certain substitutions at specific positions on the heterocyclic ring. Typical claim language encapsulates the general formula (e.g., Formula I) with variable substituents designated as R1, R2, R3, etc., fulfilling particular chemical criteria.
- Synthesis methods: A claim might specify steps involving reagents, temperature conditions, and reaction intermediates—broad enough to cover variations but precise to secure novelty.
- Therapeutic application: Claims extend to medical use, particularly methods of treating inflammation via administration of the compounds, serving as a secondary, use-related claim category.
Dependent Claims
These narrow the scope, referencing the independent claims to:
- Define specific substituents (e.g., R1 as methyl, halogen, or specific aromatic groups).
- Cover particular salts, esters, or stereoisomers.
- Include specific formulations or dosages.
Key points:
- The claims aim to protect a chemical compound class, emphasizing particular substitutions that confer anti-inflammatory activity.
- The broadness of the claims is balanced with specificity, crucial in avoiding prior art and establishing novelty.
- The inclusion of synthesis processes broadens the scope for manufacturing patents.
Patentability Aspects and Novelty
The patent claims focus on "new chemical entities" characterized by specific substitution patterns on the pyrazoline core. As indicated in the patent’s background, these derivatives purportedly overcome limitations of prior art, such as better bioavailability, increased efficacy, or reduced side effects.
The novelty is supported by:
- Structural features not previously disclosed.
- Synthetic pathways or intermediates unique to this invention.
- Demonstrated or claimed biological activity (e.g., anti-inflammatory effects).
The examiner’s assessment for novelty, based on prior art searches, confirms substantial differentiation from earlier pyrazoline derivatives, especially with specific substitutions and synthesis routes.
Patent Landscape Context
The patent landscape for pyrazoline derivatives comprises a maturing field with several notable patents, including:
- Earlier patents focusing on pyrazoline derivatives with antimicrobial or anti-cancer activities.
- Patent families assigned to key pharmaceutical players such as Pfizer, Novartis, and Boehringer Ingelheim, targeting similar heterocyclic scaffolds.
EP2861072 differentiates itself via:
- Unique substituents linked to anti-inflammatory efficacy.
- Specific synthetic methodologies not previously patented.
- Potential for broad therapeutic claims encompassing various inflammation-related conditions.
This strategic positioning limits patent landscape overlaps, carving a niche for EP2861072 in anti-inflammatory drug innovation.
Legal Status and Market Implications
As a granted patent, EP2861072 secures 20 years from the filing date (2011), safeguarding the core compounds and their uses until roughly 2031-2032. This exclusivity offers substantial strategic value, enabling:
- Market differentiation for subsequent pharmaceutical products.
- Incentivizing investment in clinical development based on protected chemical entities.
- Licensing opportunities and collaborations centered around the protected derivatives.
However, potential challenges include non-infringement defenses based on process alternatives or compound variations outside the scope.
Conclusion and Strategic Significance
EP2861072 exemplifies a targeted, structurally defined approach to patenting inovative pyrazoline derivatives for anti-inflammatory therapy. Its claims delineate a specific chemical class with demonstrated therapeutic utility, supported by synthesis and use claims. In the broader patent landscape, it fills a technical niche, providing market protection for innovative compounds that could translate into anti-inflammatory drugs with improved efficacy and safety profiles.
The patent's effective scope and claims make it a cornerstone for right holders aiming to develop, manufacture, and commercialize pyrazoline-based anti-inflammatory agents, with the potential to block subsequent competitors from entering key segments.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Scope: EP2861072’s claims meticulously cover a chemical class with specific substitutions and synthesis methods, broad enough to protect related derivatives but precise enough to demonstrate novelty.
- Patentability Strengths: Structural novelty, unique synthesis processes, and demonstrated biological activity underpin the patent's validity.
- Landscape Positioning: It occupies a niche in the pyrazoline derivative patent space, with differentiation from prior art focusing on anti-inflammatory applications.
- Market and Licensing Potential: Secured rights provide exclusivity, attractive for licensing, R&D, and commercialization within anti-inflammatory drug development.
- Future Considerations: Competitive efforts involve designing around the claims via alternative substitutions or synthesis methods, emphasizing ongoing innovation.
FAQs
1. What are the primary therapeutic applications covered by EP2861072?
The patent primarily covers compounds for treating inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and rheumatoid diseases, through specific pyrazoline derivatives exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity.
2. How broad are the claims, and what scope do they cover in practice?
The independent claims define a class of chemical structures with variable substituents, while dependent claims specify particular modifications. In practice, the claims protect a wide set of derivatives within the defined chemical framework.
3. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Given its demonstrated novelty and inventive step, challenging EP2861072 would require prior art disclosures with similar structures and activities, which do not appear to exist within the scope of the patent's claims.
4. How does EP2861072 position itself within the current patent landscape?
It targets a specific niche within pyrazoline derivatives for anti-inflammatory uses, distinct from prior patents typically focusing on antimicrobial or anticancer activities, thereby avoiding direct overlap.
5. What are the key strategic implications for companies developing anti-inflammatory drugs?
Companies seeking to develop pyrazoline-based therapeutics must consider licensing or designing around the patent claims, especially if their compounds fall within the scope, to avoid infringement and secure market exclusivity.
Sources
[1] European Patent Register, EP2861072, available at the European Patent Office.
[2] Patent document itself: EP2861072B1, "Substituted pyrazoline derivatives with anti-inflammatory properties."
[3] Patent landscape reports on pyrazoline derivatives and anti-inflammatory drugs.
