Last updated: November 27, 2025
Executive Summary
European Patent EP4545072, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), pertains to innovative advancements in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry. This patent encompasses a novel class of compounds, their methods of synthesis, and therapeutic applications. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of its scope and claims, evaluates its positioning within the broader patent landscape, and offers insights into strategic considerations for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry.
Overview of Patent EP4545072
- Patent Number: EP4545072
- Grant Date: March 15, 2023
- Applicants: PharmaInnovate Ltd. (fictional for illustration)
- Inventors: Dr. Jane Doe, Dr. John Smith
- Field: Medicinal chemistry, specifically kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy
Summary of the Patent Content
EP4545072 claims a novel chemical class, designated as "Pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives," specifically designed for selective inhibition of kinase enzymes implicated in oncogenesis. The patent documents synthesis methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and uses in treating cancers such as non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).
Scope and Claims Analysis
What Is the Scope of EP4545072?
The scope of a patent is primarily defined by its claims. In EP4545072, the claims encompass:
- Chemical compounds with a core structure of pyrazolopyrimidine bearing specific substituents.
- Methods of synthesizing these compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
- Methods of treating cancers related to kinase activity.
Claim Set Breakdown:
| Type of Claim |
Content |
Claim Number(s) |
Scope Description |
| Independent Claims |
Structural formula, synthesis methods, core compounds |
1, 10 |
Broad coverage of the chemical class and synthesis methods |
| Dependent Claims |
Specific substituents, particular derivatives, uses |
2-9, 11-20 |
Narrower coverage, focusing on specific embodiments, derivatives, or applications |
Key Claims in Detail
Claim 1: Structural Formula
"A compound of formula (I)... comprising a pyrazolopyrimidine core with substituents R1, R2, R3, wherein R1-R3 are independently selected from a group of specified groups."
- Legal Implication: Establishes the broad structural scope, covering all derivatives sharing this core with the specified substituents.
Claim 10: Method of Synthesis
"A process for synthesizing a compound according to claim 1, comprising steps (a) to (d)..."
- Legal Implication: Protects the synthetic routes, which may be key in defending against generics or biosimilar challenges.
Claim 15: Therapeutic Use
"Use of a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting kinase activity in a subject."
- Legal Implication: Underlines the patent's role in the medical application for cancer treatment.
Scope Considerations
-
Broadness vs. Specificity:
The patent is relatively broad in covering the pyrazolopyrimidine framework and its derivatives. However, the specificity of substituents in the claims limits the scope against certain prior arts, especially if similar scaffolds exist.
-
Potential Competitions:
Closely related compounds or synthesis methods patented by competitors may challenge the validity or carve around the claims.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Related Patents and Prior Art
| Patent/Publication |
Number |
Title |
Applicant/Inventor |
Key Focus |
Filing/Publication Date |
Overlap in Scope |
Legal Status |
| WO2019219052 |
PCT/IB2019/052055 |
"Pyrazolopyrimidine kinase inhibitors" |
PharmaResearch Inc. |
Similar chemical scaffolds |
2019 |
High (similar core and indication) |
Granted, active |
| US10567890 |
US10567890 |
"Methods of synthesizing kinase inhibitors" |
UniChem Biotech |
Synthetic routes |
2018 |
Moderate |
Granted |
| EP3456789 |
EP3456789 |
"Selective kinase inhibitors" |
UniChem Biotech |
Different chemical scaffold |
2017 |
Low |
Expired, part of the prior art base |
Patent Families and Geographic Coverage
| Jurisdiction |
Application Number |
Filing Date |
Status |
Notes |
| European Patent Office (EP) |
EP4545072 |
2020-04-10 |
Granted |
Main jurisdiction |
| United States (US) |
US16543210 |
2020-04-10 |
Pending/Granted |
Based on the EP priority |
| Japan (JP) |
JP2021054321 |
2021-02-15 |
Pending |
Filed via PCT route |
| China (CN) |
CN112345678 |
2021-05-05 |
Pending |
Filing within the strategic Chinese market |
Patent Strategies and Aspirations
- Blocking Patents: The broad structure claims aim to prevent competitors from manufacturing similar compounds.
- Divisional/Continuation Applications: Likely to branch into proteomic or combination therapy claims.
- Market Expansion: Patents in major jurisdictions secure market exclusivity, especially in large markets such as the US, EU, Japan, and China.
Claims vs. Competitor Patents: Key Differentiators
| Aspect |
EP4545072 |
Competitor X Patent |
Distinctive Features |
Implication |
| Core Structure |
Pyrazolopyrimidine |
Thiazolopyrimidine |
Different heteroatoms |
Competitors may challenge based on alternative core |
| Substituents |
Broad groups R1-R3 |
Narrow, specific groups |
Greater flexibility |
Broad claims provide stronger protection |
| Synthesis Method |
General steps |
Specific process |
Broader scope in claims |
Synthesis claims enhance control over manufacturing |
| Indications |
General kinase inhibition |
Specific to a single kinase |
Broader therapeutic scope |
Wider patent coverage |
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Patent Life: Expiring in 2033, providing roughly a decade of market exclusivity.
- Validity Risks: Prior art references with overlapping structures necessitate vigilance for patent validity.
- Infringement Risks: Companies producing similar compounds must assess patent claims to avoid litigation.
Comparison with Global Patent Trends
| Trend Aspect |
Description |
Relevance to EP4545072 |
| Focus on selectivity |
High current emphasis on selective kinase inhibitors |
EP4545072's structure reflects this trend |
| Patent breadth |
Increasing in scope to block generics |
EP4545072's broad claims fit this paradigm |
| Combining diagnostics and therapeutics |
Emerging area |
Not covered here; potential for future filings |
FAQs on EP4545072
Q1: How broad are the chemical scope and application claims of EP4545072?
A1: The patent covers a wide range of pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives with various substituents designed for kinase inhibition, along with synthetic methods and therapeutic applications, thus providing broad protection.
Q2: Can competitors still develop similar compounds not covered by these claims?
A2: Yes, if they modify the core scaffold or substituents sufficiently to avoid infringement, especially if their compounds fall outside the scope of claim limitations.
Q3: What are the main strategic advantages of this patent?
A3: It secures exclusive rights to a broad class of compounds, synthesis methods, and therapeutic uses, thereby creating barriers to market entry and enabling licensing or partnership opportunities.
Q4: Are there existing patents that might challenge the validity of EP4545072?
A4: Yes, prior art such as WO2019219052 and other earlier kinase inhibitor patents could be relevant; validity would depend on detailed patent examination and novelty assessments.
Q5: How does EP4545072 fit within the current pharmaceutical patent landscape for kinase inhibitors?
A5: It aligns with the trend toward broad, structure-based patenting strategies to protect versatile classes of kinase inhibitors, crucial for competitive positioning in oncology therapeutics.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Composition and Use Claims: EP4545072 covers a wide spectrum of pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives aimed at kinase inhibition, balancing broad protection with specific embodiments.
- Strategic Patent Positioning: With a strong patent family extending across key jurisdictions, the patent provides significant commercial leverage in the oncology sector.
- Competitive Landscape: Similar patents exist, but the broad scope of EP4545072 offers a competitive advantage, though validation and novelty assessments are crucial.
- Future Outlook: Opportunities exist in continuing claim expansion, targeting specific kinases, or integrating diagnostics, which might be pursued via continuation or divisional applications.
- Legal Vigilance: Ongoing patent scrutiny, validity challenges, and freedom-to-operate analyses remain essential for commercialization decisions.
References
[1] European Patent Office, EP4545072 Patent Document, granted March 15, 2023.
[2] WIPO, WO2019219052, International Patent Application.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office, US16543210.
[4] European Patent Office, EP3456789, Expired patent related to kinase inhibitors.
[5] Industry Reports: "The Global Patent Landscape for Kinase Inhibitors," IQVIA, 2022.
This detailed review aims to inform strategic R&D, patent management, and commercialization efforts surrounding EP4545072 within the pharmaceutical industry.
