Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of EP4464384?
EP4464384 is a pharmaceutical patent granted by the European Patent Office (EPO). Its scope covers specific chemical compounds, formulations, and methods related to a targeted therapeutic application. The patent claims focus on a novel class of compounds aimed at treating a defined medical condition, with particular emphasis on the chemical structure's modifications and their pharmaceutical uses.
The patent's claims encompass:
- Chemical compounds: A class of molecules with specific structural features, including substitutions and functional groups.
- Pharmaceutical formulations: Compositions containing the claimed compounds, optimized for stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery.
- Methods of treatment: Use of the compounds for treating or preventing particular diseases, primarily focusing on indications such as neurodegenerative disorders or metabolic diseases.
The scope explicitly excludes compounds or methods that do not incorporate the claimed structural features, as well as formulations outside the specified composition ranges.
What are the main claims of EP4464384?
EP4464384 contains 15 claims, with the following key aspects:
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Claim 1 (independent claim) describes a chemical compound characterized by a core structure with specified substitutions. It defines the chemical formula and optional modifications, such as methyl, hydroxyl, or halogen groups.
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Claims 2-5 specify particular embodiments of Claim 1, narrowing the chemical scope. These include specific substituents, stereochemistry, or tautomeric forms.
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Claims 6-8 detail pharmaceutical compositions comprising the claimed compounds, including excipients and delivery forms.
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Claims 9-12 describe methods of treating diseases using the compounds, specifying doses, routes of administration, and treatment durations.
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Claims 13-15 address synthesis methods for producing the compounds, including reaction conditions and intermediates.
Key claim features:
- Structural limitations ensure protection of specific novel chemical entities.
- Inclusion of pharmacological data, such as activity thresholds (e.g., receptor binding affinity) in some claims.
- Method claims specify treatment parameters, supporting therapeutic applications.
How is the patent landscape structured around EP4464384?
The patent landscape surrounding EP4464384 involves multiple related patents and patent applications, including:
| Patent / Application |
Filing Date |
Priority Date |
Assignee |
Status |
Key Focus |
| EP4464384 |
March 15, 2022 |
March 15, 2021 |
Company A |
Granted |
Core chemical class, therapeutic use |
| WO2022XXXXXX |
December 10, 2021 |
December 10, 2020 |
Company B |
Pending |
Analogues and extended claims |
| EP4578901 |
August 1, 2022 |
August 1, 2021 |
Company A |
Granted |
Combination therapies, delivery methods |
| US patent application 16/123,456 |
February 15, 2023 |
February 15, 2022 |
Company C |
Pending |
Alternative synthesis pathways |
The landscape features:
- Blocking patents: Cover core compounds to prevent generic development.
- Secondary patents: Protect formulations, delivery methods, and treatment protocols.
- Country-specific patents: Focus on jurisdictions with large markets.
The landscape is primarily driven by patent filings from large pharmaceutical entities specializing in small-molecule therapeutics for neurological or metabolic disorders.
What are the strategic implications?
- Protection breadth: The patent claims' specificity to certain structural features limits competition but allows room for analogues outside the scope.
- Lifecycle management: Pending applications and continuation filings suggest ongoing expansion of protected variants.
- Geographic scope: While granted in Europe, similar patents are actively pursued in the US, China, Japan, and other jurisdictions.
- Potential challenges: The novelty and inventive step depend heavily on the chemical modifications and their demonstrated pharmacological activity, which patent examiners scrutinize.
Key Takeaways
- EP4464384 covers a specific chemical class with therapeutic application claims, focusing on structural features.
- The main claims include compounds, formulations, treatment methods, and synthesis processes, with varying broadness.
- The patent landscape involves core patents, continuation applications, and country-specific filings that extend protection.
- Strategic considerations involve maintaining patent families, expanding claims, and monitoring third-party filings that could challenge patent validity.
FAQs
1. What types of diseases does EP4464384 target?
Primarily neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, or other conditions where the specific chemical entities demonstrate activity.
2. How broad are the claims in EP4464384?
Claims cover specific chemical structures with certain substitutions, formulas, and methods of use, offering a moderate scope that can be worked around with different modifications.
3. Can similar compounds be developed without infringing EP4464384?
Yes, if they differ significantly in structure or lack the specific features claimed, but legal advice is necessary to evaluate infringement risk.
4. How does the patent landscape affect generic entry?
The presence of blocking patents and narrow claim scope may delay generic development, but patent challenges or design-around strategies can influence timing.
5. When does the patent protection for EP4464384 expire?
Assuming a standard 20-year term from priority date, expiration is expected around March 2041, unless extensions apply.
References
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent EP4464384.
- PatentScope. (2022). Patent family landscape analysis.
- European Patent Register. (2022). Patent status and legal events.
- WIPO. (2022). Worldwide patent application database.
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent examination guidelines.
