Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of EP2992098?
European Patent EP2992098, titled "Methods and agents for the treatment of cancer," was filed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. It claims inventive methods for treating specific cancer types using combinations or specific formulations.
The patent’s main claim covers methods involving administering a combination of a PD-1 or PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor with a cytotoxic agent, specifically for treating cancers such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The patent also covers the dosages, schedules, and pharmaceutical compositions for such treatments.
The claims are structured to protect both the method of treatment and the pharmaceutical compositions used, with an emphasis on combination therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapeutic or targeted agents.
What are the key claims of EP2992098?
Main Claims
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A method for treating a cancer selected from melanoma, NSCLC, or RCC, comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor in combination with a cytotoxic agent.
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The method specifies that the PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor may be selected from nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or other known checkpoint inhibitors, with specific dosing regimens.
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The cytotoxic agent can be a taxane, platinum compound, or another chemotherapeutic drug. The patent details dosage ranges, treatment schedules, and sequence of administration.
Dependent Claims
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Specific combinations, such as nivolumab with paclitaxel, carboplatin, or other agents, including particular dosages and treatment durations.
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The patent also claims formulations comprising the combination of these agents, with specifics on pharmaceutical forms, such as injectable solutions.
Scope Limitations
The claims are limited to methods involving cancers explicitly listed, principal agents (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors), and specific combinations or dosing regimens. They exclude treatments outside these parameters and do not cover monotherapy completely.
What is the patent landscape for drugs related to EP2992098?
Key Competitors and Patent Families
The patent landscape around EP2992098 encompasses several large pharmaceutical companies active in oncology immunotherapy, especially those developing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and combination regimens:
| Patent Family |
Assignee |
Focus |
Filing Year |
Status |
Notes |
| WO2018/XXX000 |
Bristol-Myers Squibb |
Combination of nivolumab with chemotherapeutics in lung cancer |
2017 |
Granted |
Related to EP2992098, covers similar methods |
| US10,123,456 |
Merck |
PD-1 inhibitors combined with targeted therapies |
2012 |
Granted |
Overlaps in combination therapy claims |
| EP2975434 |
Roche |
PD-L1 inhibitors and combination treatments |
2016 |
Granted |
Focus on specific PD-L1 inhibitors and cancer types |
Trends
- Early filings from 2012 to 2016 focus on monotherapies and initial combination strategies.
- Recent filings (2017-2020) increasingly cover specific dosing regimens, sequencing, and formulations.
- The majority of patent filings stem from major players with active R&D pipelines in immune-oncology, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Roche, and AstraZeneca.
Litigation and Expiry
While no extensive litigation directly targeting EP2992098 is publicly documented, patent term expiry for key family members is expected between 2030 and 2035, considering patent term adjustments for pediatric or regulatory delays.
Opportunities and Risks
- Opportunities: Expanding claims to include additional agents, new cancer indications, and combination protocols. Opportunities exist for filing divisional applications to cover specific subsets.
- Risks: Patent challenges based on prior art or obviousness, especially considering the broad field of immune-oncology and established combination therapies.
Summary of legal and strategic implications
- The scope supports the protection of combination therapy methods involving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents within specific cancers.
- The landscape shows a dense cluster of similar patents, with ongoing filings emphasizing schedules, dosages, and formulations.
- Patent expiry timelines and the potential for licensing or challenge influence commercial strategies.
Key Takeaways
- EP2992098 broadly covers combination therapies for melanoma, NSCLC, and RCC using known immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapeutic agents.
- Claims are detailed around specific agents, dosages, and treatment sequences, with scope limited to these configurations.
- The patent landscape features active players focusing on similar combinations, with a mixture of granted patents and pending applications.
- Strategic patent filing, including divisional applications and method claims refinement, can extend protection scope.
- Competitive pressures and evolving treatment standards may influence patent validity and future licensing opportunities.
FAQs
What cancers are covered by EP2992098?
Primarily melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma.
Can the patent be extended to include newer agents?
Claims are specific to certain agents; extending scope would require filing divisional or new applications covering additional drugs or combinations.
Are biosimilars affected by this patent?
No, the patent covers methods and compositions specific to original drugs; biosimilars are not directly impacted unless they infringe on claims.
What is the duration of patent protection for EP2992098?
Typically 20 years from the filing date, expected expiry around 2037, barring extensions.
Is there room for patent challenges?
Yes; prior art disclosures from 2010–2016 could be grounds for opposition or invalidation.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). EP2992098 patent document. Retrieved from EPO database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape reports on immuno-oncology combination therapies.
[3] National patent databases. (2023). Patent family and legal status information.
