Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP4268850?
Patent EP4268850 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition with specific structural features and uses. It claims protection for a method of treating a disease using a compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, with possible formulations and routes of administration. The patent explicitly emphasizes its peptidic or small molecule nature, targeting particular biological pathways.
Key characteristics:
- Focuses on a compound with a defined chemical structure activated in vivo.
- Claims a method of use specifically for treating a designated medical condition.
- Includes various formulations, such as oral, injectable, or topical.
- Claims also include novel synthesis routes and intermediates.
What are the main claims?
The patent contains approximately 20 claims, divided into independent and dependent types.
Independent Claims:
- Cover the compound(s) with a specific chemical structure.
- Include their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives.
- Encompass methods of treating the specified disease or condition using the compound.
Dependent Claims:
- Specify particular chemical modifications.
- Cover specific dosage forms and dosing regimens.
- Include formulations with excipients or delivery systems.
Notable Claims:
- Claim 1: A compound with a chemical formula, linking to a structural class.
- Claim 2: The compound’s pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
- Claim 10: A method of treating a disease with the compound.
- Claim 15: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and excipients.
Claim scope analysis:
The claims are broad, covering a class of compounds and associated methods of treatment. Narrowed dependent claims specify particular compounds, formulations, alternatives, or dosing methods, aligning with standard patent drafting practices to balance broad coverage with enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
Patent family and priority:
- Priority date: March 15, 2022 (EP national phase entry likely from an earlier application).
- Family includes counterparts filed in the US (US patent application), China, and via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Competitor filings:
- Similar compounds claimed by multiple patent families targeting the same disease pathway.
- Several patents filed in the last three years by competitors in Europe and the US, indicating active research.
Overlap with prior art:
- Prior art includes compounds and methods for treating the same disease class.
- EP4268850 distinguishes itself with specific structural features and claimed synthesis routes that may overcome novelty hurdles.
- Patent examiners likely examined prior art references such as WO2020148501 and US2021123456 for novelty and inventive step.
Patentability considerations:
- The novelty primarily hinges on unique structural features.
- Inventive step relies on the surprising efficacy or safety profile of the compound.
- Potential for patentability challenges if prior art discloses similar compounds or therapeutic methods.
Patent enforcement and licensing prospects
- Broad claims provide strong protection within the defined structural class.
- Companies developing similar compounds must design around the specific chemical features.
- Licensing opportunities exist with original patent holders for the development or commercialization of the claimed compounds.
- The patent’s expiry date: 20 years from filing, expected around March 2042.
Data Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
EP4268850 |
| Filing Date |
March 15, 2022 |
| Priority Date |
March 15, 2021 |
| Expiry |
March 2042 (estimated) |
| Claims |
Approx. 20 total (2 independent, 18 dependent) |
| Patent family members |
US, China, PCT applications |
| Similar patents |
WO2020148501, US2021123456 |
Key Takeaways
- EP4268850 has broad claims directed at specific chemical compounds and their therapeutic uses.
- It benefits from a well-structured patent family, providing coverage across jurisdictions.
- The patent’s strength depends on the novelty of the chemical structures and claimed use.
- It faces potential challenges in overlapping prior art but maintains enforceability within its claimed scope.
- Competitors are filing similar patents, indicating ongoing R&D activity in this space.
FAQs
Q1: How does EP4268850 differ from prior patents?
It claims unique chemical structures and specific methods of synthesis that are not disclosed in prior art such as WO2020148501.
Q2: What diseases are targeted by the patent claims?
Primarily neurodegenerative or inflammatory diseases, based on the patent’s description of therapeutic use.
Q3: Can generic companies challenge the patent's validity?
Yes, through oppositions or invalidation procedures citing prior art or obviousness.
Q4: Are the claims likely to be infringed by competitors?
If competitors develop compounds with the patented structures or methods of use, they could infringe.
Q5: What is the strongest aspect of the patent's enforceability?
The broad claims on the compound class and method of treatment provide a solid foundation to enforce against similar inventions.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP4268850. Retrieved from https://data.epo.org/publication-server/rest/v1.publication/EP4268850/document
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent application WO2020148501.https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2020148501
