Last updated: February 23, 2026
What Does EP3463340 Cover in Pharmaceutical Innovation?
European Patent EP3463340, granted to AstraZeneca, pertains to a novel class of selective positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). The patent's scope and claims encompass compounds, methods of preparation, and their application in imaging prostate cancer. EP3463340's priority date is August 6, 2018, and it was published December 29, 2021.
What Are the Core Claims of EP3463340?
Composition Claims
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Chemical entities: The patent covers specific low-molecular-weight compounds with a core structure designed for high affinity to PSMA. These include detailed structural formulas, with variations allowing for a broad compound family.
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Radionuclide labeling: Claims encompass compounds labeled with radionuclides suitable for PET imaging, such as Gallium-68, Fluorine-18, or Copper-64.
Method Claims
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Preparation methods: Methods for synthesizing the compounds involve specific steps, such as conjugation protocols and purification processes optimized for radiolabeling.
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Imaging methods: Claims include the use of compounds in detecting prostate cancer, particularly in PET imaging procedures, with an emphasis on diagnostic accuracy.
Use Claims
- The patent claims the use of the compounds for diagnosing prostate cancer, enabling visualization of PSMA-expressing tumors.
Broadening the Scope
- Variations cover different linker groups, chelators, and radionuclide attachments, extending the patent's coverage across several potential compounds and methods.
How Does EP3463340 Fit Within Its Patent Landscape?
Prior Art and Novelty
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The patent builds on prior PSMA-targeting compounds, notably those like Ga-68-PSMA-11 (U.S. Patent No. 8,893,372) and others described in literature since 2012.
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Novelty resides in specific chemical modifications that enhance stability, binding affinity, and imaging clarity, which are not disclosed in prior art.
Inventive Step
- Improvements over prior compounds involve the chemical linkers and chelators, leading to better pharmacokinetics and higher tumor-to-background ratios, which are claimed as inventive.
Related Patents and Patent Families
| Patent Number |
Assignee |
Focus |
Filing Date |
Status |
| US 8,893,372 |
University of California |
Initial PSMA ligands |
2011-07-11 |
Granted |
| EP 2696238 |
Bayer |
PSMA imaging agents |
2012-09-07 |
Granted |
| EP 3405224 |
Telix Pharmaceuticals |
Radiolabeled PSMA ligands |
2016-10-07 |
Granted |
EP3463340 sits within a crowded landscape of PSMA-targeting ligands innovation, especially from major players like Telix, Bayer, and Novartis.
Patent Family Analysis
- Owned by AstraZeneca, family members include U.S. and international applications covering various aspects—chemical compositions, manufacturing processes, and specific uses—aimed at protecting broad coverage of the targeting platform.
Patent Validity and Competitive Threats
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The claims' novelty hinges on distinctive molecular modifications over prior art. Patent examiners have not cited any glaring prior disclosures that entirely anticipate the specific linker and chelator combinations.
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The patent maintains strength against obviousness due to demonstrated improvements in pharmacokinetics and imaging contrast.
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Potential challenges could originate from earlier PSMA imaging developments, especially if science progresses toward simpler or alternative classes of compounds.
Patent Landscape Summary
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The landscape for PSMA-targeting imaging agents is competitive. Major universities, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical companies pursue different chemical scaffolds.
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Patent filings for PSMA ligands surged after 2010, reflecting high R&D activity.
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AstraZeneca’s EP3463340 complements existing patents by focusing on specific chemical modifications that could differentiate its imaging agents.
Implications for Commercialization and R&D
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The broad claims covering compositions and methods give AstraZeneca multiple pathways to exploit or license the technology.
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Competition from other patents might limit freedom to operate, especially if similar chemical modifications are developed independently.
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Competition also comes from non-claimed alternative imaging strategies, like antibody-based PSMA PET agents or non-radiative imaging.
Key Takeaways
- EP3463340 claims specific chemical structures and methods for PSMA-targeted PET imaging agents with enhanced pharmacokinetics.
- Its claims are supported by distinctive molecular modifications over prior art, providing patent robustness.
- The patent landscape features numerous filings by competitors, emphasizing high R&D activity in PSMA imaging.
- AstraZeneca's strategic positioning depends on enforcement of these claims and ongoing innovation to stay ahead in prostate cancer diagnostics.
- Future licensing, in-licensing, or litigation threats may influence AstraZeneca's commercial deployment.
FAQs
1. Does EP3463340 cover all PSMA imaging agents? No. It covers specific compounds with particular chemical structures and methods, not all PSMA agents.
2. Can competitors invent around this patent? Possible by designing structurally distinct compounds that do not infringe on the specific claims.
3. How long does the patent protection last? Typically 20 years from the earliest filing date; for EP3463340, expiration is around August 2038, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
4. Are there similar patents filed outside Europe? Yes. AstraZeneca has related applications, including in the U.S. and globally, to secure broad patent coverage.
5. What are the commercial implications of this patent? It strengthens AstraZeneca’s IP portfolio for prostate cancer diagnostics, enabling potential licensing or exclusive marketing rights in Europe.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2022). EP3463340 patent documentation.
[2] U.S. Patent Office. (2019). US 8,893,372.
[3] Bayer. (2018). Patent family documents related to PSMA imaging agents.
[4] Telix Pharmaceuticals. (2017). Patent applications covering radiolabeled PSMA ligands.
[5] European Patent Office. (2020). Patent landscape reports for PSMA-targeted imaging agents.
