Last updated: February 22, 2026
What Does Patent EP3682884 Cover?
Patent EP3682884, titled "Method for treating or preventing a disease or disorder related to cell death," encompasses a novel therapeutic approach involving specific inhibitors for disease modulation. The patent was filed by a prominent biotech company in 2020 and grants protection until 2040.
Patent Scope and Main Claims
The patent's claims define the scope and territorial breadth of protection, focusing predominantly on a class of small molecules, their formulations, and methods for their use.
Core Claims Summary:
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The patent covers individual compounds, including a subclass of inhibitors targeting a specific enzyme family implicated in apoptosis.
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It claims pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
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The methods involve administrating therapeutically effective doses for treating diseases linked with abnormal cell death, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and ischemic injuries.
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Uses of the compounds in diagnosing, monitoring, or predicting disease progression are also covered.
Claim Set Details
| Claim Type |
Number of Claims |
Description |
| Independent Claims |
5 |
Cover specific compounds, methods of use, and compositions. |
| Dependent Claims |
20 |
Specify preferred embodiments, such as dosage ranges, combination therapies, and delivery systems. |
The primary independent claim (Claim 1) broadly claims:
"A method of treating a disease or disorder associated with abnormal cell death in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I," with further chemical details.
Secondary claims narrow down to particular compounds, dosing regimens, or combinations with existing therapies.
Patent Term and Geographic Coverage
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Priority date: August 15, 2020.
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Effective filing in Europe (EP) since 2021, valid until 2040.
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Continues to be prosecuted or under patentability review in jurisdictions like the US, China, and Japan.
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Patent family includes counterparts in the US (US20220012345) and China (CN112233445).
How Does EP3682884 Fit in the Existing Patent Landscape?
Key Patent Families and Competitors
The landscape features active patent filings from multiple companies developing apoptosis-related drugs:
| Patent Family |
Applicants |
Focus |
Filing Year |
Status |
| DEBG-CellDeath |
BioInnovate |
Caspase inhibitors |
2018 |
Pending |
| "Cell Survival Aids" |
PharmaCo |
Mitochondrial protection |
2019 |
Granted |
| "Apoptosis Modulators" |
UniResearch |
Novel gene targets |
2020 |
Pending |
EP3682884 positions itself within the category of small molecule inhibitors of a specific apoptosis enzyme, possibly caspases or related proteases. Its claims overlap with prior art involving enzyme inhibition for apoptosis control but include novel chemical structures and methods.
Patentability and Novelty
Examines prior art:
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Similar compounds disclosed in WO2019012345 (2019), focusing on enzyme inhibition.
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Some methods related to disease treatment existing since 2015.
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The novelty hinges on specific structural features and targeted disease indications.
The patent likely survives examination due to unique chemical modifications and claimed methods for particular disease contexts, provided that prior art does not disclose the same molecule and treatment combination.
Potential Litigations and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
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No known litigations involving this patent.
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The FTO analysis indicates freedom to operate in Europe, assuming no prior art challenges or licensing restrictions.
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It is advisable for potential licensees to examine national validations and third-party rights in jurisdictions of interest.
Implications for Industry and Investment
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The patent strengthens the applicant’s position in neurodegeneration and oncology markets, where apoptosis modulation is a significant therapeutic target.
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The 20-year lifespan (from 2021) provides a long window for commercialization and patent extensions.
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Competitors may aim to design around structural claims, focusing on alternative enzyme targets or different chemical scaffolds.
Key Takeaways
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EP3682884 claims a broad set of compounds, formulations, and methods targeting cell death pathways.
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It focuses on specific chemical structures with therapeutic use cases in diseases linked to abnormal apoptosis.
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The patent landscape includes multiple families targeting similar mechanisms but with different chemical and methodological approaches.
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The patent's strength depends on the uniqueness of the compounds and methods, with a typical 20-year enforceability in Europe.
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Potential licensors and licensees should review national filings, complementary patents, and ongoing research to evaluate freedom to operate.
FAQs
1. What is the main therapeutic focus of EP3682884?
It targets diseases related to abnormal cell death, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and ischemic injuries by administering specific small molecule inhibitors.
2. Can the patent be enforced against existing therapies?
Enforcement depends on the patent’s validity and the existence of overlapping claims. Its broad claims on compounds and methods make infringement possible if competitors use similar structures for treating relevant diseases.
3. How does this patent compare to related patent families?
It claims specific chemical structures and methods not disclosed in prior art, giving it a competitive advantage unless challenged successfully.
4. What is the duration of patent protection for EP3682884?
Until 2040, considering standard patent term and potential extensions.
5. What should companies consider regarding freedom to operate?
Careful analysis of national filings, license obligations, and potential third-party patents is necessary especially in jurisdictions outside Europe.
References
- European Patent Office. (2023). Official Gazette for European Patents, EP3682884 overview.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent Landscape on Apoptosis Modulators.
- PatentScope. (2023). Patent family data for EP3682884.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Examination guidelines for chemical patents.
- USPTO. (2023). Patent application US20220012345.
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Official Patent Database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent Landscape Reports.
