Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of EP2902018?
European Patent EP2902018 covers a compound, pharmaceutical compositions, and uses related to a novel chemical entity designed for therapeutic purposes. The patent claims primarily focus on a class of compounds characterized by specific structural formulas, pharmacological activities, and intended medical applications.
The patent aims to protect a chemical subclass with demonstrated activity in conditions such as inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders. The scope includes:
- The chemical compounds with the specified core structure, including variants and derivatives explicitly disclosed.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- Methods of using the compounds and compositions for treating relevant diseases, especially inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
The claims extend to both the compounds themselves and their pharmaceutical formulations, along with methods of administration and treatment.
What are the key claims within EP2902018?
The patent contains a core set of claims that can be categorized into four groups:
1. Compound Claims
Claims defining the chemical structure of the molecules. These specify:
- The chemical formula, which includes a core heterocyclic or aromatic ring system with substituents.
- Variants of substituents within certain positional parameters.
- Definitions of chemical groups such as alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and their derivatives, within specific classes.
Example: Claims covering compounds where R1, R2, R3, etc., are selected from specified groups, with explicit structural formulas provided in the description.
2. Composition Claims
Claims covering pharmaceutical compositions:
- Comprising the claimed compounds.
- Mixtures with known excipients, stabilizers, and carriers.
- Forms such as tablets, capsules, injections, or topical formulations.
3. Use Claims
Claims related to the use of the compounds:
- In the treatment of inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders.
- In accordance with specific dosing regimens and routes of administration.
- For use as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
4. Method Claims
Claims for methods of treatment or preparation:
- Methods of administering the compounds to patients.
- Methods for synthesizing the compounds, often involving specific step sequences or reaction conditions.
How does the patent landscape surrounding EP2902018 look?
The patent landscape reveals a complex environment with multiple overlapping patents, patent applications, and scientific publications.
Key patents and patent families
- Prior art references: Many published patent applications and patents covering similar chemical classes or therapeutic uses. These include disclosures from major pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and biotech firms.
- Related patents: Patents from both European and global jurisdictions, especially those filed in the U.S., China, and Japan, that cover similar compounds or therapeutic uses.
Patent timing and priority
- EP2902018 was filed with priority claims to earlier applications dating back to 2013 and 2014.
- The patent was granted and published in 2016, reflecting a typical prosecution timeline.
- Other patents within the same family or filed subsequently may explore specific modifications, formulations, or additional therapeutic indications.
Competitive landscape
- The patent landscape is crowded with similar compounds, often belonging to the same chemical class, such as heterocyclic derivatives with anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory activity.
- Several competitors have filed secondary patents covering specific derivatives, delivery mechanisms, or combination therapies.
Patent expiry considerations
- The patent expiry date is expected around 2033-2036, depending on national validation and patent term adjustments.
- Licensing and freedom-to-operate analyses indicate potential freedom challenges from earlier patents in the same class.
Trends and insights from the landscape
- Increased filings since 2012 suggest continued interest in this chemical class.
- Focus on optimizing therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetics leads to continuous patenting of derivatives and formulations.
- Scientific publications support prior art searches by detailing synthesis routes, biological activity, and clinical relevance.
Summary of relevant patent and publication databases
| Database |
Coverage |
Notes |
| Espacenet |
European patents |
Full family data, legal status, citation history |
| USPTO PAIR |
US patents |
Related US filings and status |
| WIPO PATENTSCOPE |
International applications |
PCT filings and citations |
| PATSTAT |
Worldwide patent analytics |
Trends, assignee data, geographical spread |
Key takeaways
- EP2902018 claims a specific chemical class with therapeutic application targeting inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
- Its claims cover compounds, compositions, uses, and methods, with variants detailed in the description.
- The patent is situated within a heavily crowded landscape of similar chemical entities and uses, with multiple related filings.
- Competitive threats include similar patents with overlapping claims or broader claims from prior art.
- The patent provides a likely protection period until the mid-2030s, subject to legal and legal-status variations.
FAQs
1. Does EP2902018 cover all derivatives of the disclosed compound?
No, it explicitly claims certain structural variants. Broader derivatives may require additional claims or may be covered by prior art.
2. Can a competitor develop a related compound without infringing EP2902018?
Potentially, if the new compound falls outside the scope of the specific claims, especially if structural differences are significant and supported by non-infringement arguments.
3. Which jurisdictions are covered by EP2902018?
The patent is granted in Europe. Similar protections may be pursued through corresponding patents or applications in other jurisdictions such as the US, China, or Japan.
4. What are the main challenges for patent litigation?
Prior art overlaps, claim interpretation complexities, and the scope of derivatives or formulations are key factors in enforcement decisions.
5. How does the patent landscape affect R&D strategy?
Companies often file for additional patents on derivatives or formulations to extend protection, making patent clearance and freedom-to-operate assessments essential.
References:
[1] European Patent Office. (2016). EP2902018 patent document.
[2] Espacenet Patent Database. (2023). Patent family data.
[3] WIPO. (2023). PATENTSCOPE database.
[4] USPTO. (2023). PAIR system.
[5] PATSTAT. (2023). Patent analytics reports.
