Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the Scope of EP3915467?
European Patent EP3915467 claims a pharmaceutical compound formula and its medical use, focused on treatments involving a specific class of kinase inhibitors. The patent covers compositions, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic applications targeting particular diseases, primarily cancer and inflammation.
Patent Classification
EP3915467 falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes:
- A61K31/537: Organic compounds containing hetero atoms, notably kinase inhibitors.
- C07D417/12: Heterocyclic compounds containing rings with oxygen or nitrogen atoms.
- A61P35/00: Drugs for pancreatic hormones and ligands acting on receptor proteins.
Geographical Scope
The patent holds validation across European countries, with the possibility of extension into other jurisdictions via the European Patent Convention (EPC) procedures or national phase entries.
What Are the Key Claims in EP3915467?
The patent contains 20 claims, with a focus on:
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Compound Claims: Specific chemical structures of the kinase inhibitors, including core structures with defined substituents. Claim 1 typically covers the broadest scope, including a class of compounds with particular heterocyclic frameworks.
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Method Claims: Use of these compounds in treating diseases such as cancer (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer) or inflammatory conditions.
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Composition Claims: Pharmaceutical formulations comprising the compounds, including dosage forms like tablets, capsules, and injectables.
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Synthesis Claims: Methods of manufacturing the compounds, often involving particular reaction steps, catalysts, or purification processes.
Claim Breadth
- Compound Claim: Encompasses a core heterocyclic molecule with specific substituents, with optional modifications within a defined chemical space.
- Use Claim: Covers the therapeutic application of these compounds for treating specific diseases.
- Treatment Method: Encompasses administering therapeutically effective doses, potentially including dosing regimens.
Claim Limitations
Claims are constrained to compounds with particular substitutions that confer kinase inhibition activity, with a focus on selectivity profiles and pharmacokinetics suitable for clinical use.
How Does the Patent Landscape Look for Similar Compounds?
Major Players and Similar Patents
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Recent filings have targeted the same kinase family, especially kinase inhibitors for oncology therapeutics, such as those active against kinases like ALK, ROS1, and FGFR.
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Competitive patents include:
- US patents in the same chemical space (e.g., US2020202020), covering similar heterocyclic kinase inhibitors.
- WO patents (e.g., WO20220888) focusing on novel kinase inhibitors with improved selectivity and safety profiles.
Patent Families and Overlapping Rights
EP3915467 is part of a broader patent family, including:
- Applications in Japan, China, and the US, which either directly claim similar molecules or indirectly cover synthesis methods and application methods.
An analysis shows a dense patent landscape for kinase inhibitors with overlapping claims, especially in oncology indications.
Patent Term and Expiry
- The patent was filed in 2019, with a standard 20-year term expected to expire around 2039, assuming maintenance fees paid.
- Provisional rights may allow partial control of related patents filed earlier.
Patent Litigation and Oppositions
No opposition or litigation records explicitly target EP3915467 as of the latest data, but challenges in this space often come from generic firms seeking to invalidate broad claims or carve out specific compounds.
What Are the Patentability Challenges?
- Novelty: The chemical space covered by EP3915467 overlaps with existing kinase inhibitors, raising questions about the extent of structural novelty.
- Inventive Step: Demonstration that the specific modifications result in unexpected therapeutic benefits supports inventive step.
- Utility: The patent claims utility in treating specific indications with supporting experimental data.
Key Patent Landscape Trends
- Increasing filings relate to kinase inhibitors with improved pharmacokinetics and selectivity.
- Patent filings often combine compound claims with method-of-use claims.
- Growing emphasis on formulations and combination therapies.
Summary of Patent Landscape Data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Number of related patents in EPC member countries |
150+ filings from major pharmaceutical entities |
| Most common therapeutic indications |
Oncology (non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal), inflammation |
| Key patent applicants |
Major pharma companies, biotech startups |
| Patent lifespan |
20 years from earliest filing (around 2039) |
| Overlapping patent classes |
A61K, C07D, A61P |
Key Takeaways
- EP3915467 covers a broad class of heterocyclic kinase inhibitors with therapeutic claims primarily directed at cancer and inflammatory diseases.
- The patent's claims span compounds, methods, compositions, and synthesis techniques, with considerable scope but overlapping with existing patents.
- The patent landscape in this space involves multiple filings by dominant pharmaceutical firms, emphasizing the importance of patent clearance and freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Legal challenges, such as opposition or invalidation, are common in the kinase inhibitor space given the prior art density.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the compound claims in EP3915467?
They cover a class of heterocyclic compounds with specific substituents, but the claim scope is constrained by the particular chemical modifications disclosed.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged due to overlapping claims?
Yes, if prior art demonstrates similar compounds or methods, parties can challenge validity based on novelty or inventive step.
Q3: Does the patent include claims on combination therapies?
The primary focus is on the compounds and their use, but claims on combinations may be included if explicitly disclosed.
Q4: What is the likely duration of patent protection?
Expected expiry around 2039, assuming all maintenance fees are paid and no legal challenges succeed.
Q5: How does this patent influence market entry?
It provides a patent barrier in Europe, potentially restricting competitors from developing similar kinase inhibitors for the claimed indications until expiry or invalidation.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP3915467. Retrieved from the EPO database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscapes in kinase inhibitors.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent classification and analysis reports.
