Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does the Patent Cover?
EP3893877 is titled "Methods for treating diseases using glucocorticoid receptor modulators" and was granted to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in 2022. Its primary focus is on novel compounds that modulate glucocorticoid receptor activity for therapeutic purposes, especially for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The patent's scope emphasizes specific chemical structures, their use in pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating related conditions.
Scope of the Patent Claims
Claim Structure Overview
- Independent Claims: Cover chemical entities characterized by specific structural formulas, compositions containing these compounds, and methods of treatment involving administration of these compounds.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow down the scope to specific substituents, dosage forms, or treatment regimens.
Key Claims
- Chemical compounds: Claim 1 defines a class of glucocorticoid receptor modulators with particular structural features. These include variations in substituents at designated positions on a core scaffold, with explicit ranges for substituent groups.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Claims specify compositions containing the compounds for treating inflammatory diseases, notably asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Methods of treatment: Claims cover methods for treating the diseases by administering effective amounts of the compounds.
Claim Limitations and Focus
The claims restrict the compounds by the presence of specific substituents at defined positions, limiting the scope to certain chemical structures rather than a broad class of modulators. The patent emphasizes specific macrocyclic or aromatic core structures, aligning with known glucocorticoid receptor ligands.
Illustration of Claim Language
For example, the primary independent claim 1 describes a compound with:
- A core structure (specified in formulas).
- R1 and R2 substituents within particular chemical groups.
- Optional substituents, including halogens, methyl, or hydroxyl groups, on defined positions.
These structural restrictions narrow the patent's exclusivity to particular molecule variants.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Key Competitors and Related Patents
The patent landscape around glucocorticoid receptor modulators features competitors like:
- Novartis (multiple patents on corticosteroid derivatives).
- AstraZeneca (investments in selective receptor modulators).
- Pfizer (broad patent applications on anti-inflammatory compounds).
Several prior patents cover both chemical structures and therapeutic methods, creating a crowded landscape.
Relevant Prior Art
- WO2018209844A1: Describes steroidal modulators for inflammatory diseases.
- EP3319912A1: Covers selective glucocorticoid receptor ligands with improved side-effect profiles.
- US9408537B2: Addresses compositions and methods involving corticosteroids with specific substituents.
EP3893877 distinguishes itself through specific structural modifications claimed as novel and inventive compared to prior art.
Patent Filing and Grant Timeline
- Filing date: October 9, 2019.
- Priority date: Corresponds with filing date.
- Grant date: August 3, 2022.
- Expiry: Likely 20 years from filing, i.e., October 9, 2039, subject to renewal.
Patent Family and Geographic Reach
GSK filed similar applications in multiple jurisdictions, including:
- WO (World Intellectual Property Organization): PCT application published in 2020.
- US and EP national phases: Patents granted or pending.
- Other jurisdictions: Applications filed in Japan, Canada, and Australia.
This broad geographical coverage provides multiple layers of protection, limiting generic competition.
Strategic Implications
- The patent’s narrow claims on specific structural features aim to carve a niche within the broader glucocorticoid receptor modulator space.
- The focused scope limits competitive entry but emphasizes protection over particular molecule variants.
- The patent complements a portfolio of GSK's anti-inflammatory assets, potentially blocking competitors from developing similar compounds.
Key Takeaways
- EP3893877 claims proprietary chemical structures designed for treating inflammatory diseases via glucocorticoid receptor modulation.
- The claims define specific substituents on core structures, limiting the patent’s scope.
- The patent landscape includes extensive prior art; EP3893877 innovates through targeted structural modifications.
- GSK’s patent portfolio in this space is globally comprehensive, with filings aligned to defend against generic competition.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in EP3893877?
They cover specific chemical compounds with defined structural features, limiting their scope to particular molecules rather than a broad class of glucocorticoid modulators.
2. What diseases can potentially be targeted using these compounds?
Primarily inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
3. How does the patent landscape influence future drug development?
It constrains competitors from developing similar compounds with the same structural features, encouraging innovation within the disclosed scope.
4. Are there pending patents similar to EP3893877?
Yes, numerous patent applications in related fields are pending or granted, including those from AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Pfizer.
5. What are the potential expiry implications for EP3893877?
Assuming maintenance fees are paid, exclusivity lasts until approximately October 2039, barring patent term extensions or legal challenges.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2022). EP3893877 patent document.
[2] WO2018209844A1. (2018). Steroid modulators for inflammatory diseases.
[3] EP3319912A1. (2019). Selective glucocorticoid receptor ligands.
[4] US9408537B2. (2016). Corticosteroid compositions and methods.
