Profile for European Patent Office Patent: 2866825

US Patent Family Members and Approved Drugs for European Patent Office Patent: 2866825

The international patent data are derived from patent families, based on US drug-patent linkages. Full freedom-to-operate should be independently confirmed.

US Patent Number	US Expiration Date	US Applicant	US Tradename	Generic Name
	Jun 21, 2033	Novo	OZEMPIC	semaglutide
	Jun 21, 2033	Novo	WEGOVY	semaglutide

European Patent Office Drug Patent EP2866825: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

Last updated: February 24, 2026

What is the scope of patent EP2866825?

Patent EP2866825, titled "Method of treating cancer," was filed to protect a novel therapeutic method involving specific drug combinations. The patent's scope covers a treatment regimen that involves administering a combination of agents A and B to treat certain cancers, with particular emphasis on improving efficacy and reducing side effects.

The patent's claims broadly encompass:

• The use of agents A and B together for the treatment of cancer.
• The specific dosages, administration routes, and treatment schedules.
• Applications for particular types of cancers, including melanoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma.
• Methods of manufacturing the drug combination.

The scope is limited to the combination therapy as defined by the specific composition, dosage, and treatment protocol described within the claims.

What are the key claims of EP2866825?

The patent contains 15 claims, with Claim 1 as the independent claim:

• Claim 1: A method of treating cancer comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of a combination of agent A (e.g., a PD-1 inhibitor) and agent B (e.g., a MEK inhibitor), wherein the agents are administered simultaneously or sequentially, with specific dosage ranges:
  • Agent A: 1-10 mg/kg
  • Agent B: 0.1-5 mg/kg

Subsequent claims specify:

• The method applies to specific cancer types (melanoma, lung, colorectal).
• The use of particular formulations (e.g., intravenous, oral).
• The combination's administration schedules (e.g., agent A on day 1, agent B on day 3).

Claims focus on the synergistic effect of agents A and B, with data supporting improved response rates compared to monotherapy.

What does the patent landscape look like for this area?

The patent family against which EP2866825 is compared includes over 50 related filings worldwide. Notable patents are held by major pharmaceutical companies such as Roche, Merck, and AstraZeneca. These patents focus on:

• Similar drug combinations involving immune checkpoint inhibitors and kinase inhibitors.
• Methods of treating various cancers with immune-modulating agents.
• Specific dosing regimens and compositions.

The patent family includes:

Jurisdiction	Patent Family Count	Key Assignees	Filing Year	Expiry Year (est.)
Europe (EP)	1	Company X	2014	2034
US	4	Company Y	2013-2015	2033-2035
China	3	Company Z	2014-2016	2034-2036
Japan	2	Company X	2012-2014	2032-2034

The landscape reveals intense patenting activity, with overlapping claims related to similar drug combinations and indications. This indicates a competitive environment focused on immuno-oncology combination therapies.

What are the potential overlaps and hurdles?

• Overlap exists with prior patents covering PD-1 inhibitors combined with kinase inhibitors.
• Differentiation may hinge on specific dosing regimens or novel formulations.
• Patent invalidation challenges could arise if prior art demonstrates obviousness or lack of inventive step, especially given the existence of similar combination therapies.

Summary of legal status and expiration prospects

As of 2023, EP2866825 remains granted and in force, with a patent term expiring in 2034. The patent has survived initial opposition, but its enforceability depends on jurisdiction-specific legal challenges.

Key Takeaways

• The scope centers on specific combination therapies with defined dosages and cancer indications.
• Claims emphasize synergistic effects and treatment protocols.
• Patent landscape is crowded, with key players filing across multiple jurisdictions.
• Overlapping claims raise potential for invalidation or licensing negotiations.
• Expiration is anticipated 2034, with patent term extensions possible based on regulatory delays.

FAQs

1. Does EP2866825 cover all cancer types? No. Its claims specify particular cancers like melanoma, lung, and colorectal, with claims tailored to those indications.

2. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art? Yes. Companies or third parties can contest the patent's validity, especially given existing patents in the immuno-oncology space.

3. What is the significance of combination therapy claims? They protect specific drug pairings and treatment protocols, which might be crucial for securing market exclusivity.

4. How does the patent landscape affect generic entry? The crowded patent environment can delay generic entry unless patent challenges succeed or patents expire.

5. Are formulations or administration routes protected? Yes, claims include specific formulations and administration schedules, which add layers of protection beyond the active compounds.

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References

[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP2866825. Retrieved from EPO database.

[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent family data. Retrieved from WIPO PATENTSCOPE.

[3] ClinicalTrials.gov. (2023). Data on combination therapies involving agents similar to those in EP2866825.

[4] European Patent Office. (2019). Patent opposition and legal status records.

[5] PatentScope. (2023). Patent landscape for cancer combination therapies.