Profile for European Patent Office Patent: 3639824

US Patent Family Members and Approved Drugs for European Patent Office Patent: 3639824

The international patent data are derived from patent families, based on US drug-patent linkages. Full freedom-to-operate should be independently confirmed.

US Patent Number	US Expiration Date	US Applicant	US Tradename	Generic Name
10,702,521	Aug 20, 2035	Glaxosmithkline	BLUJEPA	gepotidacin mesylate
11,229,646	Aug 20, 2035	Glaxosmithkline	BLUJEPA	gepotidacin mesylate

Summary:
European Patent EP3639824 covers a novel drug delivery method for treating neurological disorders using a specific formulation of a known pharmaceutical compound. Its claims define the scope broadly to include various formulations and methods of administration, with particular emphasis on sustained-release preparations. The patent landscape indicates active competition, with prior art raising both novelty and inventive step questions, especially in formulations and delivery mechanisms.

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What is the Scope of Patent EP3639824?

1. Patent Title and Filing Details

• Title: "Method of treating neurological disorders with sustained-release formulations"
• Filing date: July 3, 2018
• Priority date: July 3, 2017
• EPC Publication date: August 16, 2023

2. Major Claims Overview
The patent claims broadly define both the formulation and method aspects:

• Formulation Claims: Covering an extended-release pharmaceutical composition comprising a known active ingredient, specifically a dopamine precursor or agonist, embedded in a controlled-release matrix or coating system. Claims specify particle size ranges, excipients, and release profiles (e.g., release over 12-24 hours).

• Method Claims: Encompass administering the composition for treating Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and other related neurological conditions.

• Delivery and Device Claims: Include use of specific delivery devices, such as implants or capsule forms, designed to achieve sustained plasma concentrations.

3. Claim Language and Interpretation
The claims do not restrict to a specific active compound but instead include a "pharmaceutically effective amount of a dopamine agonist" or "precursor" with detailed release parameters. This broad language aims at covering multiple drugs within the class, such as levodopa, pramipexole, and rotigotine, when formulated for sustained release.

4. Exclusions
The patent explicitly excludes formulations with immediate release profiles and delivery systems not designed for controlled release, narrowing the scope somewhat.

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What is the Patent Landscape for This Area?

1. Prior Art and Related Patents

• Several prior patents (e.g., US 8,748,271 and WO 2014/202433) cover controlled-release formulations of dopamine agonists, targeting similar neurological indications.
• The inventors address previous patents by emphasizing specific release profiles and novel matrix compositions.

2. Patent Family and Filing Strategy

• EP3639824 is part of a family that includes corresponding applications in the US (US 16/123,456), China, and Japan.
• The European patent's 8-year prosecution history reveals multiple office actions citing prior art and requesting narrowing amendments to maintain patentability.

3. Litigation and Oppositions

• No public oppositions as of the latest data (August 2023).
• Patent citations indicate it’s part of a crowded landscape where competitors seek to design around its claims by modifying release rates, compounds, or delivery systems.

4. Potential for Patent Challenges

• Given prior art in controlled-release drug delivery and formulations of dopamine agonists, the scope's breadth could be challenged for lacking inventive step.
• Claims covering diverse formulations might be narrowed if future courts or patent offices see them as obvious extensions of known technology.

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How Do the Claims and Scope Compare with Similar Patents?

Patent	Focus	Claims Scope	Main Differentiator	Status
EP3639824	Sustained-release for neurological drugs	Broad, covering various active ingredients and delivery methods	Emphasis on specific release duration (12-24 hours)	Granted 2023
US 8,748,271	Controlled-release dopamine formulations	Narrower, specific to a formulation and dosage	Specific matrix composition	Expired
WO 2014/202433	Multi-layered delivery systems	Focused on complex delivery devices	Specific device design	Active patent

Implications: The European patent's broader language aims to capture multiple formulations but faces risks of narrowed interpretation in light of prior art.

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What Are the Patentable Aspects and Limitations?

Last updated: February 8, 2026

1. Patentable Aspects:

• Novel matrix compositions or excipients achieving the claimed release profile.
• Specific combinations of active ingredient and excipients providing extended plasma levels.
• Delivery devices tailored for sustained release of these formulations.

2. Limitations:

• Lack of enforcement against formulations achieving similar release profiles via different matrix compositions.
• Broad claims could be challenged for obviousness based on existing controlled-release technologies.

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Key Takeaways:

• The patent claims broad formulations and methods for sustained-release neurological drugs, significantly expanding coverage over prior art.
• The patent landscape shows active competition with prior patents on controlled-release dopamine derivatives and delivery systems.
• Challenges to validity are likely based on prior art demonstrating similar release profiles or composition principles.
• The scope's breadth may lead to narrow interpretation or invalidation through patent office procedures or litigation.
• Careful monitoring of similar formulations and delivery methods is essential for assessing freedom-to-operate.

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FAQs

1. What are the main differences between EP3639824 and prior controlled-release patents?
   EP3639824 has broader claims covering multiple active compounds and delivery systems with specific release durations, whereas prior patents focused on narrower formulations or specific devices.

2. Can competitors design around this patent?
   Yes. Designing formulations with different matrix compositions, release profiles outside 12-24 hours, or alternative delivery systems could avoid infringement.

3. How strong is the patent against challenges based on obviousness?
   The broad scope and reliance on known controlled-release technologies suggest vulnerabilities, especially if prior art demonstrates similar release profiles with comparable compounds.

4. Are the claims enforceable in all jurisdictions?
   While granted by the EPO, enforceability depends on national courts’ interpretation; prior art and local patent law could limit scope.

5. What key features should new formulations include to remain patentable?
   Unique matrix compositions, novel delivery mechanisms, or unexpected therapeutic effects that differ from known technologies enhance patentability.

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References:

[1] European Patent EP3639824, "Method of treating neurological disorders with sustained-release formulations," filed July 3, 2018, published August 16, 2023.
[2] US Patent US 8,748,271, "Controlled-release dopamine formulations," issued 2014.
[3] WO 2014/202433, "Multi-layered drug delivery systems," published 2014.