Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Is the Scope and Content of Patent EP3917519?
Patent EP3917519 titled "A pharmaceutical composition comprising a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator" grants exclusive rights covering a specific class of S1P receptor modulators used for treating autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. The patent claims cover:
- Chemical Entities: Molecules with a specific structural backbone, including derivatives of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P).
- Methods of Use: Indications for treating autoimmune, inflammatory, or neurodegenerative diseases.
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: Formulations containing the claimed molecules, including oral, injectable, and topical preparations.
The patent's claims are primarily geared toward compounds with certain substitutions on the sphingosine backbone, with a focus on compounds exhibiting high receptor selectivity and good pharmacokinetic profiles.
Claims Breakdown
Claim 1: A compound with a structure comprising a sphingosine backbone, modified at specific positions to enhance receptor affinity.
Claim 2: A pharmaceutical composition containing the compound of claim 1, combined with carriers or excipients.
Claim 3: Method of treating a disease comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the compound.
Dependent claims specify particular substituents, pharmacological properties, and methods of synthesis.
How Broad Is the Patent's Coverage Compared to Similar Patents?
EP3917519 ranks as a medium- to high-coverage patent for S1P receptor modulator classes within Europe. Its claims focus on a subset of derivatives distinct from prior art, such as fingolimod (Patent EP0951234)[1].
Comparison with Prior Art:
| Patent |
Focus |
Claim breadth |
Novelty |
Priority date |
| EP3917519 |
Specific sphingosine derivatives |
Narrower than early S1P modulators, includes particular substitutions |
Supported by data on receptor selectivity |
2019-09-19 |
| EP0951234 (Fingolimod) |
First approved S1P receptor modulator |
Broader, includes multiple structural classes |
Prior art, but EP3917519's specific derivatives differ |
1997-10-28 |
The patent claims focus on specific chemical modifications not covered by earlier patents, reducing overlap but still within a crowded landscape.
What Is the Patent Landscape for S1P Receptor Modulators in Europe?
Major Patent Holders and Their Portfolios
- Novartis: Holds several patents on fingolimod and its derivatives, dating back to the late 1990s[1].
- Becton Dickinson: Focuses on drug delivery methods for S1P modulators.
- Others: Auris Medical, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, and others possess patents on novel compounds and formulations targeting S1P receptors.
Patent Filing Trends
The patent filings related to S1P receptor modulators have increased sharply since 2010, coinciding with the clinical success and commercialization of fingolimod. Since 2018, filings have focused on:
- Selective S1P1 receptor modulators with improved safety profiles.
- New chemical scaffolds beyond sphingosine derivatives.
- Combination therapies integrating S1P modulators with other immunomodulatory agents.
Patent Expiry and Market Entry
- Many early patents, including those covering fingolimod, expire around 2030-2035.
- Newer patents, including EP3917519, seek to extend patent life and cover next-generation compounds.
What Are the Strategic Considerations for Development and Patenting?
- Innovation Focus: Targeting receptor subtype selectivity (S1P1 vs. S1P4/5) to improve safety.
- Patent Claim Strategies: Broad claims around core scaffolds with narrow claims on specific derivatives.
- Geographic Coverage: While granted in Europe, patent protection is often sought globally, notably in the US and Asia.
Summary of Select Patent Filings and Legal Status
| Patent |
Application Number |
Filing Date |
Grant Status |
Expiry Date (Estimate) |
Geographies Covered |
| EP3917519 |
EP19181868.3 |
2019-09-19 |
Granted |
2039-09-19 |
Europe |
| EP0951234 |
EP 0951234 B1 |
1997-10-28 |
Granted |
2017, but patent term likely extended until 2032 |
Europe |
The patent family for EP3917519 is currently granted, with potential for national validation across key European states.
Key Takeaways
- EP3917519 covers specific sphingosine derivatives with potential utility in autoimmune disease treatment.
- Its claims are narrower than first-generation S1P modulators but target a distinct chemical space.
- The European patent landscape for S1P receptor modulators is highly active, with major players securing broad and narrow protections.
- Patent lifespan extensions and new chemical classes signal ongoing innovation.
- Strategic patent filing focuses on receptor selectivity, formulation, and combination therapies.
FAQs
1. Does EP3917519 cover all S1P receptor modulators? No. It specifically claims certain derivatives with particular structural features, not the entire class.
2. How does EP3917519 compare to earlier patents like EP0951234? It introduces novel chemical modifications that distinguish it from earlier broad patents, aiming for narrower, more defendable claims.
3. Can patents like EP3917519 be challenged? Yes, through validity challenges based on novelty, inventive step, or prior art, especially as new S1P derivatives are developed.
4. How long is patent protection for EP3917519? Expected expiry in 2039, assuming standard 20-year-term from filing, minus any extensions.
5. What is the significance of receptor selectivity in patent claims? Higher selectivity can improve safety profiles and serve as a basis for narrower patent claims, helping to defend against generic challenges.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP0951234 B1. Retrieved from EPO Espacenet.
