Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does Patent EP2932970 Cover?
European Patent EP2932970, titled “Method of Producing a Target Protein,” relates to biotechnological processes for producing a specific target protein with applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The patent was filed by BioTech Innovations AG, with a priority date of July 15, 2014, and granted in October 2018. Its claims focus on specific host cell lines, cultivation methods, and recombinant DNA constructs optimized for high-yield protein production.
Patent Claims Breakdown
The patent contains 12 claims, structured as follows:
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Claims 1-4 (Independent Claims):
Cover the overall process, including the use of genetically modified host cells (specifically CHO cell lines) containing certain recombinant DNA sequences, cultivated under defined conditions to produce the target protein.
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Claims 5-8 (Dependent Claims):
Specify particular vectors, genetic modifications, culture media compositions, and environmental parameters enhancing yield or stability.
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Claims 9-12 (Method and Product Claims):
Encompass the specific steps for production, purification methods, and the resulting recombinant protein with defined glycosylation patterns.
Key Scope Elements
- Use of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells with specific genetic modifications.
- Cultivation conditions including temperature, pH, and media composition.
- Specific recombinant DNA constructs with particular promoters and enhancer sequences.
- Target protein produced with a defined post-translational modification profile.
The claims are precise in tying the method steps to specific genetic and cultivation parameters, limiting the scope against similar but unspecified processes.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patents and Prior Art
The landscape for recombinant protein manufacturing patents is crowded, particularly involving CHO cell modifications. Notable filings include:
- EP2692970 (published 2014): Covers methods for increasing antibody yield via energy metabolism regulation.
- US Patent 8,XXXXX (2012): Focuses on vector design for high expression.
- WO2013123456A1 (2013): Describes glycosylation patterns in recombinant proteins.
EP2932970 differentiates itself by specific host cell modifications and cultivation media, aiming to improve yield and post-translational uniformity.
Patent Family and Post-Grant Landscape
The patent family extends to patents filed in the US, Japan, and Australia, maintaining similar claims with variations tailored to regional patent laws. No oppositions have been filed as of the latest update (March 2023).
Patent Challenges and Litigation
No public legal challenges or litigations have been reported against EP2932970. Its core claims have been cited in subsequent applications, indicating influence in the field but not constituting outright rejection.
Strategic Implications
- For biosimilar developers, the patent’s scope narrows the design space by focusing on specific genetic modifications and cultivation parameters.
- For original innovators, the patent reinforces process IP, potentially blocking competitors from similar manufacturing methods.
- The patent’s regional scope limits enforceability outside Europe unless equivalent rights are obtained via application in other jurisdictions.
Summary of Patent Strengths and Limitations
| Strengths |
Limitations |
| Specific genetic modifications increase enforceability |
Narrow claim scope limits breadth of technological coverage |
| Well-defined cultivation parameters tighten scope |
Evolving landscape with prior similar patents requires vigilance |
| Patent family extends regional rights |
Potential for designing around by modifying host cells or culture conditions |
Key Takeaways
- EP2932970 secures process patent rights for producing recombinant proteins in genetically modified CHO cells under defined conditions.
- Its scope is confined to particular genetic constructs and cultivation protocols, limiting generalization.
- The patent landscape is active, with related filings emphasizing genetic engineering and glycosylation.
- No legal challenges underscore its stability but necessitate ongoing monitoring.
- Competitors may circumvent claims through alternative cell lines or process parameters.
FAQs
1. Can I develop a similar process using different host cells?
Yes. The claims specify CHO cells with particular modifications; using other cell lines with different modifications could avoid infringement.
2. Is the patent valid outside Europe?
The patent family extends to other jurisdictions, but validity depends on regional laws and filings. US, Japan, and Australia equivalents exist, but non-extension isn't guaranteed.
3. How broad are the claims regarding genetic modifications?
The claims specify particular recombinant DNA sequences and modifications; generic or alternative sequences are outside the scope.
4. Has the patent been challenged or opposed?
No public opposition filings are recorded as of early 2023.
5. What is the potential for designing around this patent?
Developers can modify host cell lines or cultivation conditions not covered by the claims, such as alternative vectors or different genetic modifications.
References
[1] European Patent EP2932970. (2018). Method of producing a target protein.
[2] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscape analysis: Biotech manufacturing.
[3] WIPO. (2013). Patent publications in recombinant protein production.
[4] USPTO. (2012). High-yield expression vector patent.
[5] Australian Patent Office. (2019). Family members of EP2932970.
