Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does Patent EP3333166 Cover?
Patent EP3333166, titled "Methods of treating cancer with KRAS inhibitors," primarily claims a novel method for treating various KRAS-mutant cancers using specified small molecule inhibitors. The patent was granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) on July 19, 2023, based on a priority date of August 14, 2019. It encompasses both method claims and composition claims targeting specific KRAS mutations, notably G12C, G12D, and G13D.
Key Claims Summary
- Method claims involve administering an effective amount of a specified KRAS G12C inhibitor, with embodiments covering combination treatments with other chemotherapeutics.
- Composition claims focus on formulations comprising the KRAS inhibitors, covering dosage and administration forms.
- Mutation specificity: Claims specify treatment of cancers bearing mutations G12C, G12D, or G13D, which are prevalent in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
Claims are broad enough to cover the use of the inhibitor in various cancer subtypes, yet specific concerning the molecular targets.
Limitations and Scope Boundaries
- The claims are limited to the use of particular compounds detailed in the patent's chemical formulas.
- It does not extend to other mutant forms of KRAS outside G12C, G12D, or G13D.
- No claims explicitly cover genetic testing methods, only therapeutic approaches.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
Industry Context
KRAS mutations, particularly G12C, have become major targets in oncology, driven by the development of inhibitors such as sotorasib (AMG 510) and adagrasib (MRTX849). Both drugs have received FDA approval for NSCLC with KRAS G12C mutations, influencing the landscape for patent filings.
Key Prior Art References
- US Patent US10931565, granted to Amgen, claims compositions and methods involving KRAS G12C inhibitors. Filed prior to EP3333166 with a priority date of 2017.
- WO2019200193, an application by Mirati Therapeutics, discloses KRAS G12C inhibitors and methods similar to those claimed here, filed in 2019.
- EP2988700, related to KRAS inhibitors, filed in 2016, covers a broader scope of KRAS targeting compounds.
Patent Family and Filing Strategy
The applicants filed EP3333166, following priority claims to applications filed in 2019 and 2020, aiming to extend patent protection through the European region. Similar patent families are likely filed in the US, China, and Japan to ensure global coverage.
All claims align with the current therapeutic approaches and reflect an effort to carve out specific molecular targets and formulations to differentiate from prior art.
Patent Potential and Challenges
- Novelty: The claims appear to be novel based on prior art references, which primarily cover earlier compounds or broader classes.
- Inventive Step: The specific combination of chemical structures with combination therapy methods adds to inventive merit.
- Scope for Enforcement: The claims' specificity to certain mutations aids enforcement against competitors developing inhibitors or treatment methods for other KRAS mutations or using different compounds.
However, evolving landscape dynamics include patent expirations of first-generation inhibitors, increasing competition, and generic challenges based on prior art.
Market and Competitive Implications
- The patent's claims target a lucrative market within oncology, particularly NSCLC, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers.
- It supports licensing, co-development, or defense strategies for the applicants' pipeline.
- The scope overlaps with existing patents for KRAS G12C inhibitors but carves out a distinct niche with detailed chemical and method claims.
Summary
Patent EP3333166 covers specific methods and compositions for treating KRAS-mutant cancers, especially G12C, G12D, and G13D. Its claims are tailored to particular chemical inhibitors and treatment protocols, fitting within a crowded but still actively innovated landscape. Its strength lies in claim specificity, targeting current high-value cancer mutations with therapy combinations, and aligning with the competitive patenting efforts of key industry players.
Key Takeaways
- The patent solidifies a targeted approach to KRAS-mutant cancer therapy with existing inhibitors.
- It builds on prior art but introduces specific combinations and formulations.
- The scope is mutation-specific, limiting patentability coverage against broader KRAS mutations.
- Competing patents primarily focus on G12C, with less coverage for G12D and G13D mutants.
- Strategic filing in multiple jurisdictions expands global market presence.
FAQs
1. How does EP3333166 compare to existing KRAS G12C patents?
It emphasizes specific methods of treatment and formulations, potentially differentiating based on combination therapies and chemical structure details.
2. Can competitors develop inhibitors for other KRAS mutations without infringing?
Yes; the claims are mutation-specific to G12C, G12D, and G13D, leaving room for development targeting other mutations.
3. What are the main challenges to patentability in this space?
Prior art covering KRAS inhibitors, especially G12C, and the general complexity of patentability for naturally occurring mutations.
4. How does patent expiry impact future market strategies?
Patent expiry risks open a pathway for generics; hence, patent holders may seek extensions via supplementary protection certificates or develop next-generation compounds.
5. Is there potential for licensing based on this patent?
Yes; given the relevance and specificity, licensors or licensees could leverage it for developing or marketing KRAS-targeted therapies.
References
- European Patent Office (2023). EP Patent EP3333166.
- US Patent US10931565. (2021). KRAS G12C inhibitors and methods.
- WO2019200193. Mirati Therapeutics. (2019). KRAS G12C inhibitors.
- EP2988700. (2016). KRAS-targeting compounds.
