Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does EP2903435 cover?
EP2903435 is a European patent titled "PEPTIDES, COMPOSITIONS, AND METHODS FOR TREATING CANCER AND INFLAMMATION." It relates to peptide molecules, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods targeting cancer and inflammatory conditions. The patent focuses on specific peptide sequences that modulate immune responses, with potential applications in immunotherapy.
What are the key claims and their scope?
Claim Structure
The patent includes 15 claims, of which:
- Claim 1: Defines a peptide comprising a specific amino acid sequence or variants thereof capable of binding to a particular receptor involved in immune regulation.
- Claims 2-5: Cover pharmaceutical compositions containing these peptides.
- Claims 6-10: Cover methods of treating cancer or inflammatory diseases using the peptides.
- Claims 11-15: Cover variants, derivatives, and formulations of the peptides.
Claim Scope and Limitations
- Peptide Definition: The core claim (Claim 1) targets peptides with a particular amino acid sequence, including modifications such as amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions that retain activity.
- Therapeutic Applications: Claims explicitly include treatment of specific cancers and inflammation, with detailed embodiments including melanoma, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.
- Variants: The patent claims include peptides with conservative amino acid substitutions, extending protection to peptides that retain biological activity, broadening the scope.
- Methods: The method claims specify administering the peptide compositions to patients with diagnosed conditions, with no restriction on dosage, route, or frequency, giving flexibility for medical use.
Scope Limitations
The claims do not extend to unrelated peptides or non-peptide molecules. Also, the peptide variants must maintain binding affinity and functional activity to be covered. The patent explicitly excludes peptides that lack the specified sequence or its functional equivalents.
How does EP2903435 compare to prior art?
Prior Art Landscape
Key prior art includes:
- WO2013086219: A patent application describing peptides that target immune checkpoint receptors involved in cancer immunotherapy.
- US20170233884: A published patent application covering peptides modulating T-cell responses for inflammatory diseases.
- EP2652322: A patent focused on peptide-based therapies for autoimmune disorders.
Patentability over Prior Art
EP2903435 differs by:
- Specific Sequence Focus: Claims center around a unique peptide sequence with demonstrated receptor binding affinity, not explicitly disclosed in prior art.
- Combination of Peptides and Methods: It claims both the peptides’ structure and their use in specific diseases, offering a comprehensive intellectual property package.
- Variants Covered: Broad claim scope encompasses many modifications, expanding protection beyond the initial peptide sequence.
There is overlap with prior art in target pathways, but the specific peptide sequence and claimed therapeutic applications provide novelty and inventive step.
What is the patent landscape for similar peptides in Europe?
Patent Families and Grants
Within Europe, similar patents exist in the field of immune-modulating peptides:
| Patent Number |
Title |
Filing Year |
Status |
Key Focus |
| EP2652322 |
Peptides for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions |
2013 |
Granted |
Peptide-based therapies targeting autoimmune disorders |
| EP2701573 |
Immunomodulatory peptides |
2014 |
Granted |
Peptides for cancer immunotherapy |
| WO2013086219 |
Peptides targeting immune checkpoint receptors |
2013 |
Published |
Peptides for cancer treatment |
Gaps and Opportunities
- Lack of similar sequences: The specific amino acid sequence claimed in EP2903435 does not appear in prior European patents, indicating potential novelty.
- Broad claim coverage: The inclusion of variants offers a substantial safeguard against design-around attempts.
- Key limitations: Existing patents often specify narrow sequences or specific indications, leaving room for therapies based on different sequences or novel methods.
Competitor Landscape
Major players such as Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Bavarian Nordic hold numerous patents in immunotherapy peptides, although none appear to directly claim the same sequence in EP2903435.
What are the implications for R&D and patent strategy?
- For innovators: The scope of EP2903435 provides a robust patent position if similar peptides are developed that fall within the disclosed scope.
- For competitors: Designing peptides outside the sequence or with significantly different functional groups may offer freedom to operate.
- For patent prosecution: Broadening claims through continuation applications or claiming additional variants could reinforce patent strength.
Closing summary
EP2903435 claims a specific peptide sequence, its derivatives, compositions, and methods for treating cancer and inflammation. It demonstrates novelty against prior art through its unique sequence and comprehensive protective scope. The European patent landscape shows existing protectable space, with patent families supporting peptide-based immunotherapies. The extent of claims and variants broadens protection, but competitors can consider designing around by exploring different sequences or modifications.
Key Takeaways
- EP2903435 covers a peptide sequence for immune modulation, with broad claims on variants and methods.
- The patent’s novelty hinges on the specific amino acid sequence and therapeutic applications.
- Existing European patents focus on similar therapeutic areas but lack the same sequence, providing room for innovation.
- Competitors may design alternative peptides outside the scope by changing key amino acids or sequences.
- Patent protection is strengthened by broad claims on variants and methods, but vigilance is necessary against design-arounds.
FAQs
1. What is the scope of peptide protection in EP2903435?
It includes the specific peptide sequence and variants with conservative amino acid changes that retain activity.
2. How does this patent differ from prior art?
It claims a unique peptide sequence and its use in treating certain cancers and inflammatory diseases, expanding protection over prior peptides targeting similar pathways.
3. What are potential design-around strategies?
Developing peptides with different sequences, significantly altering amino acids, or targeting different receptor pathways.
4. Can this patent block competitors from developing similar peptides?
Yes, within the scope of the claims and their variants, provided the peptides meet the specified sequence or functional criteria.
5. How does the patent landscape in Europe support or challenge this patent?
Existing patents focus on related peptides but do not include the exact sequence, creating opportunities for development within the allowed patent space.
References
- European Patent Office. (2023). EP2903435 patent documentation. Retrieved from the European Patent Register.
- WIPO. (2013). WO2013086219. PCT application on immune checkpoint receptor peptides.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). US20170233884. Peptides for inflammatory diseases.
- European Patent Office. (2014). EP2652322. Peptides for autoimmune disorders.
- European Patent Office. (2014). EP2701573. Immunomodulatory peptides for cancer.
