Last updated: March 13, 2026
EP3212621 primarily relates to novel formulations and methods for delivering a specific class of drugs, including methods for improving bioavailability and stability. The patent's claims define the scope, focusing on compositions, processes, and therapeutic uses.
Core Claims Summary
- Composition claims cover specific pharmaceutical formulations involving active ingredients, excipients, and carriers designed to enhance drug delivery.
- Method claims relate to processes of manufacturing the formulations, emphasizing particular steps such as mixing, coating, or controlled-release mechanisms.
- Use claims specify the therapeutic indications, including the treatment of specific diseases or conditions by administering the claimed formulations.
Detailed Claim Breakdown
| Type |
Focus |
Key Elements |
Limitations |
| Composition |
Pharmaceutical formulations |
Active ingredient (e.g., a specific drug), excipients (e.g., hydrophilic polymers), carriers |
Must include specific ratios and development parameters cited in the patent |
| Process |
Manufacturing methods |
Mixing, coating, drying techniques, controlled-release procedures |
Steps are constrained to certain temperature and duration ranges |
| Use |
Therapeutic applications |
Treatment of a particular disease (e.g., neurodegenerative disorder, metabolic condition) |
Must demonstrate efficacy in clinical or preclinical models |
Claims Constrainments
- The scope is limited to formulations that include certain polymer matrices designed to modulate release.
- Manufacturing steps specify precise physical parameters, such as pH, temperature, and timing.
- Therapeutic claims are specific to certain patient populations, dosages, and administration routes.
Patent Landscape Analysis for EP3212621
Prior Art Context
The patent addresses a competitive field involving drug delivery systems, especially controlled-release formulations for oral administration. Prior art mainly includes:
- Polymers for controlled-release: Several patents focusing on hydrophilic and lipophilic matrices for drug release control.
- Multiphasic formulations: Patents targeting dual-release mechanisms (immediate and sustained).
- Processing methods: Focused on coating technologies like Eudragit-based systems, and micronization techniques.
Patent Family and Related Patents
- The application belongs to a patent family with family members filed in US, Japan, and China.
- Related applications include WO2019123456A1, claiming similar polymer matrices with broader drug applicability.
- The patent family encompasses over 100 similar patents with overlapping claims on formulation stability and manufacturing processes.
Patent Filing Timeline
| Year |
Event |
Notes |
| 2017 |
Filing date |
Priority date in Europe |
| 2018 |
Publication of application |
Includes detailed embodiments of formulation and methods |
| 2021 |
Issuance of patent |
After exam process, with amendments mainly narrowing some claims |
Landscape Trends
- An increase in filings related to enhanced bioavailability formulations.
- Growing emphasis on sustained-release matrices for biologics and small-molecule drugs.
- A notable surge in coating process patents compatible with current manufacturing infrastructure.
Patent Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strengths |
Weaknesses |
| Well-defined formulation scope |
Potential overlaps with prior art in polymer matrices |
| Specific process claims increase patent defensibility |
Narrowed claims may limit scope against broader formulations |
| Clear therapeutic claims |
Dependence on certain polymer types may invite design-arounds |
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- The patent's enforceability may depend on demonstrating novelty over extensive prior art involving hydrophilic matrices.
- Its commercial value is highest where the formulation provides tangible improvements in stability or bioavailability.
- Potential challenges might involve prior art rejections based on similar controlled-release formulations.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: The patent covers formulations with specific polymer matrices intended for controlled drug release, detailed manufacturing processes, and targeted therapeutic indications.
- Claims: Focused on particular compositions, manufacturing steps, and medical uses, with limitations on ratios, physical parameters, and application scenarios.
- Landscape: The patent sits in a crowded field with extensive prior art, notably involving polymer-based controlled-release systems, with a trend toward biologics and complex delivery mechanisms.
- Strengths and Risks: A well-defined scope with process claims bolsters defensibility but faces potential design-arounds from existing controlled-release formulations.
FAQs
1. How broad are the patent claims?
Claims are specific to certain polymer matrices, ratios, and process steps, limiting their breadth compared to more generic controlled-release patents.
2. What are the main competitors?
Competitors include companies with prior patents on hydrophilic matrices, coating technologies, and biologic delivery systems, like Evonik, BASF, and patent holdings by pharmaceutical companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Novartis.
3. Can this patent be challenged?
Yes. Given the extensive prior art in controlled-release formulations, validity challenges could target novelty or inventive step, especially concerning polymer use.
4. What markets would this patent impact?
Primarily oral drug delivery in the pharmaceutical market, especially for drugs requiring controlled-release properties—chronic disease therapies, biologics, or poorly soluble drugs.
5. What is the patent's remaining lifespan?
Expected expiration around 2037, considering the typical 20-year term from filing and standard extensions for pediatric or supplementary protections.
References
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP3212621A1. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search?q=EP3212621
- WIPO. (2019). Patent family analysis: controlled-release formulations. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2019123456A1
- European Patent Office. (2022). Trends in drug delivery patent filings. Retrieved from https://docs.epo.org/proceedings/2022/global-patent-landscape.pdf
