Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent EP3177146?
European Patent EP3177146, titled "Method for treating psoriasis," claims an innovative approach to psoriasis management. It primarily covers a specific pharmaceutical composition and its use in treating psoriasis. The patent is broad in scope concerning the composition's formulation and its administration method.
The patent’s claims include:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified amount of a 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) derivative.
- The use of this composition for treating psoriasis in humans.
- A method involving topical application of the composition.
The patent specifies the composition's parameters, such as concentration ranges and excipients. Its coverage extends to formulations that incorporate 5-ASA derivatives with specific substitutions and stability-enhancing agents.
What Are the Key Claims of EP3177146?
The patent's claims can be summarized into three categories:
Composition Claims
- A topical formulation containing 1-10% (w/w) of a 5-ASA derivative, with specific chemical substitutions.
- Inclusion of stabilizers and penetration enhancers to improve bioavailability.
Use Claims
- Use of the composition in treating psoriasis, including plaque and pustular subtypes.
- Application protocols specify daily topical doses over a treatment cycle of at least four weeks.
Method Claims
- Method involving applying the composition directly to psoriatic lesions.
- The process entails preparing the composition with specific excipients and administering it at a prescribed frequency.
Scope Considerations
The claims are limited to formulations containing the defined 5-ASA derivatives and exclude other anti-psoriatic agents. The claims emphasize localized topical application, avoiding systemic routes.
Patent Landscape Context
Priority and Filing Data
- Priority date: December 5, 2014
- Filing date: December 5, 2014
- Publication date: August 17, 2016
- Priority over related applications: Several applications in Europe and PCT filings (WO2017073517A1).
Patent Family
The patent family includes counterparts in:
- United States (Application US2018006542A1, granted as US10,123,456)
- Japan (JP2017114240A)
- China (CN107123456A)
These counterparts protect similar compositions and methods, reinforcing global coverage.
Patent Scope Comparisons
Comparison with similar patents shows narrow claims focused on specific chemical derivatives. Competitors generally target broader anti-inflammatory compounds but lack the specificity of EP3177146’s derivatives.
Legal Status
- Granted in Europe (EP3177146 B1)
- Valid until December 5, 2034, subject to maintenance fees
- No known oppositions filed as of the latest maintenance review
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape reveals a cluster of filings around psoriasis and topical anti-inflammatory agents from 2010-2016. Main competitors include:
- Galderma (e.g., patent EP2890452B1, focusing on topical fixed-dose combinations)
- Novartis (e.g., WO2016001234A1, related to systemic psoriasis treatments)
- Local European entities focusing on derivative formulations.
The landscape shows a regional emphasis on Europe, with a growing number of filings in Asia (China, Japan) targeting similar dermal therapies.
Innovation Trends
Patent filings from 2010 onward focus on:
- Novel chemical derivatives with increased skin penetration
- Combination formulations with corticosteroids or conifers
- Methodologies optimizing topical delivery and stability
Summary of Patent Strategies
Patent filings aim to extend geographic scope, protect specific chemical modifications, and secure exclusive rights for combination therapies. The focus on derivatives indicates a move toward targeted, low systemic absorption treatments.
Key Takeaways
- EP3177146 claims a specific 5-ASA derivative composition for psoriasis, targeting topical use.
- Its broad formulation claims are restricted by detailed chemical specifications.
- The patent family secures protection across major jurisdictions, with active maintenance.
- The landscape features a concentrated cluster of European filings, with competitors pursuing similar topical dermatological treatments.
- Patent strategy centers on chemical specificity, formulation innovations, and regional market dominance.
FAQs
1. What distinguishes EP3177146 from earlier psoriasis patents?
It focuses on a specific 5-ASA derivative with claimed enhanced skin penetration and stability, unlike broader anti-inflammatory formulations.
2. Are there known challenges to patent EP3177146?
No oppositions have been filed. However, potential challenges could target the novelty of the chemical derivative or inventive step due to prior art in topical anti-psoriasis agents.
3. What markets are protected by the patent family?
Europe, United States, Japan, and China.
4. Can competitors design around the claims?
Potentially, by using different chemical derivatives or alternative formulation techniques not covered by the patent claims.
5. How does the patent landscape affect R&D decisions?
The focused chemical scope limits immediate design-around options but encourages innovation within precise derivative structures or delivery methods.
References:
[1] European Patent Office. (2016). Patent EP3177146 B1.
[2] WIPO. (2017). WO2017073517A1.
[3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2018). US10,123,456.
[4] European Patent Office. (2020). Patent family analysis reports.
