Last updated: March 7, 2026
What Are the Main Features of Patent EP3106164?
EP3106164 claims a pharmaceutical formulation for treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases. It covers a compound, its salts, metabolites, and pharmaceutical compositions. The patent emphasizes the use of a specific class of small molecules that modulate neurodegeneration pathways.
Patent Filing Details:
- Filing date: December 11, 2015
- Publication date: September 13, 2017
- Priority date: December 11, 2014
- Terms: 20 years from the filing date, with extensions possibly available
What Are the Key Claims and Their Boundaries?
Core Claims:
- Compound Composition: Claims cover a class of compounds—including specific chemical structures—used to treat neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Method of Use: Methods involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the compound for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
- Pharmaceutical Composition: Claims extend to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and suitable carriers.
Claim Scope:
- The chemical scope focuses on molecules derived from a specific heteroaryl core with various substitutions.
- The claims include salts, solvates, and prodrugs.
- The use of the compounds for inhibiting or modulating particular neurodegeneration pathways is also claimed, broadening the patent's applicability.
Limitations:
- Claims are confined to compounds with specific substituents and configurations.
- Use claims are limited to the treatment or prevention of particular neurodegenerative disorders.
Analysis indicates a relatively narrow chemical scope designed to protect specific compounds but allow freedom in related analogs outside the patent's claims.
How Does Patent EP3106164 Fit Into Broader Patent Landscapes?
Overlap and Cited Patents:
- The patent references prior art in neuroprotective agents, including WO2014182314 and US20160113400, which focus on similar molecules and mechanisms.
- It references earlier patents for chemical scaffolds used in neurodegeneration.
- Several patent families focus on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor modulators, tau protein aggregations, and other neurodegenerative pathways.
Patent Family and Territorial Coverage:
- EP3106164 is part of a broader family, with corresponding filings in the US, Japan, and China.
- The European patent has a priority claim from an application filed in the US (US2015/065946).
- The patent is active in key markets targeting neurodegenerative therapies.
Competitor Patents:
- Several patents by pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim target similar chemical classes, claiming different aspects like specific synthesis methods or combination therapies.
- The landscape is densely populated with competing patents, especially in the area of small-molecule modulators for neurodegeneration.
How Strong Is the Patent and Its Legal Position?
- The claims are supported by experimental data demonstrating efficacy.
- The chemical scope and method claims are straightforward and defensible but could face challenges if prior art demonstrates common use of similar compounds.
- The patent’s narrow scope limits potential infringement risks but also constrains its commercial exclusivity.
What Are the Potential Risks and Opportunities?
Risks:
- Prior art in similar chemical scaffolds could challenge validity.
- Patent claims may be circumvented by designing around specific substitutions.
- Regulatory challenges based on efficacy and safety data.
Opportunities:
- The patent covers novel chemical entities with potential for therapeutic drug development.
- Licensing opportunities exist with companies focused on neurodegeneration.
- The patent's broad method of use claims facilitate multiple therapeutic applications.
Summary of Patent Landscape Trends:
| Aspect |
Key Points |
| Chemical class covered |
Heteroaryl compounds targeting neurodegenerative pathways |
| Geographic scope |
Europe, US, Japan, China |
| Major competitors |
Novartis, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Patent family status |
Active, with extensions possible in some jurisdictions |
| Litigation risk |
Moderate; dependent on prior art validity |
Key Takeaways
- EP3106164 claims specific heteroaryl compounds for neurodegenerative disease treatment, with active protection in key markets.
- The scope is primarily chemical, including salts and prodrugs, with use claims covering therapeutic methods.
- The landscape is competitive, with several patents overlapping in molecular classes and mechanisms.
- The patent’s strength depends on its novelty over prior art and clarity in defining compounds.
- Opportunities exist for licensing, further patenting of related compounds, or combination therapies.
FAQs
Q1: Can the patent EP3106164 be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. The validity depends on the novelty of the specific chemical structures and their use, against prior art such as WO2014182314.
Q2: What types of neurodegenerative diseases does the patent target?
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders involving neurotoxicity pathways.
Q3: How broad are the compound claims?
They cover a specific heteroaryl core with varying substitutions, salts, and prodrugs, but exclude other chemical scaffolds.
Q4: Are method claims enforceable separately from compound claims?
Yes, method of use claims can be enforced independently, but they are often vulnerable if compounds become generic.
Q5: Is there scope for patent extensions or additional filings?
Yes, patent term extensions are possible, and follow-up applications can include new uses, formulations, or expanded chemical variants.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2017). Patent EP3106164 B1.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2014). WO2014182314.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2016). US20160113400.
