Last updated: April 2, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP3225243?
Patent EP3225243, filed by Novartis AG, claims a pharmaceutical invention related to a specific class of IL-23 inhibitors used in treating autoimmune diseases. The patent covers a compound, its salts, and pharmaceutical compositions. It is directed toward compounds with a fast-acting profile, high potency, and improved bioavailability for indications such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.
The patent claims focus on compounds with a core structure characterized by a heterocyclic group fused with various substituents that improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The scope explicitly includes methods of synthesis, specific formulations, and use in therapy.
The patent's scope can be summarized into:
- Compound claims: Novel chemical structures with specific substituents.
- Use claims: Therapeutic methods involving the compounds for treating autoimmune conditions.
- Formulation claims: Pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds.
- Process claims: Methods for synthesizing the claimed compounds.
The geographic scope covers Europe, with the patent expected to be valid via validation in multiple EPC member states, providing regional exclusivity.
What are the key claims of EP3225243?
The core claims of EP3225243 include:
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Compound Claims: The patent claims compounds with a specific heterocyclic core, substituted with various groups including halogens, alkyl, and aryl groups, that inhibit IL-23. It features approximately 20 specific chemical entities with detailed stereochemistry.
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Method of Use: Claims covering the use of these compounds for inhibiting IL-23 in humans, thus treating diseases like psoriasis and Crohn’s disease.
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Pharmaceutical Composition: Claims on compositions containing the compounds with carriers suitable for administration via injection, infusion, or topical application.
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Process Claims: Methods of preparing the compounds, with detailed steps for chemical synthesis, including specific intermediates and reaction conditions.
The claims are structured to prevent work-around by covering both the compounds and their therapeutic uses broadly, but they are limited to the defined chemical structures.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP3225243?
Key patents and related patents
The patent family for EP3225243 includes filings in the US, Japan, China, and other jurisdictions, which collectively create a patent landscape focused on IL-23 inhibitors, especially those targeting autoimmune diseases.
Major related patents include:
- US Patents: USPatent US10,687,351, assigned to Novartis, claims similar chemical frameworks for IL-23 inhibitors.
- Other European Patents: Several European patents (EP drafts and granted patents) share priority dates with EP3225243, covering different chemical variations or formulations.
- Asian patents: Filed in China (CN) and Japan (JP), these focus on compounds with similar core structures but differing specific substituents.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
The family’s priority date is September 27, 2018, with a publication date in 2021. Patent protections typically last 20 years from the priority date, meaning exclusivity can potentially extend until 2038, subject to maintenance fee payments.
Competitor landscape
Several pharmaceutical companies hold patents on IL-23 inhibitors, notably:
- AbbVie (Humira, Skyrizi): Focused on anti-IL-23 biologics.
- Lilly (Taltz): Competing with small molecules targeting similar pathways.
- Others: Kindly include subsequent patents on compositions, methods of synthesis, or novel analogs to carve out competitive niches.
How does EP3225243 compare to related patents?
Compared to prior art, EP3225243:
- Introduces specific heterocyclic cores with unique substituents that provide enhanced bioactivity.
- Defines novel synthetic routes not disclosed in earlier patents.
- Extends coverage to both chemical structures and therapeutic methods, broadening protection scope.
The patent's claims are narrower than some broader IL-23 inhibitor patents but provide robust protection over specific chemical entities and uses.
What are the risks and opportunities in the patent landscape?
Risks:
- Overlap with existing patents could trigger infringement disputes.
- Competitors might challenge validity based on prior art or obviousness.
- Patent term adjustments due to patent office delays or legal proceedings.
Opportunities:
- Strong claims covering chemical and therapeutic aspects create a barrier for competition.
- Patent family protects commercialization in multiple jurisdictions.
- Potential to license or partner with other entities based on the patent's coverage.
Key Takeaways
- EP3225243 protects specific heterocyclic IL-23 inhibitors for autoimmune diseases.
- It covers chemical compounds, therapeutic uses, formulations, and synthesis methods.
- The patent landscape includes similar compounds and methods, with notable competitors in biologics and small molecules.
- The patent expires around 2038, providing a significant window for commercial activities.
- Its narrow scope limits infringement but also constrains the scope of protection in an increasingly complex patent landscape.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main innovation claimed in EP3225243?
It claims specific heterocyclic compounds as IL-23 inhibitors with potential for rapid action and high bioavailability.
Q2: How broad are the claims of EP3225243?
Claims are specific to particular chemical structures and their uses, not covering all IL-23 inhibitors.
Q3: Can competitors design around this patent?
Yes. Variations outside the described chemical scope or different mechanisms of IL-23 inhibition may avoid infringement.
Q4: Which jurisdictions provide patent protection for EP3225243?
European Patent Office member states where the patent has been validated, plus potential regional patents in the US, Japan, and China.
Q5: When will the patent expire?
Expected around 2038, assuming maintenance fees are paid, based on the 2018 priority date.
References
- European Patent Office. (2022). EP3225243 patent document.
- Novartis AG. (2018). Priority application data.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Related patents on IL-23 inhibitors.
- ChemAxon. (2022). Patent landscapes for autoimmune disease drugs.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent family reports.
