Last updated: April 3, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP4714503?
EP4714503 was granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) on December 21, 2022. It claims an invention related to a novel pharmaceutical composition and method for treatment, primarily suited to cancer therapy. The patent’s scope encompasses a combination of active agents, their formulations, and methods for administering them to achieve specific therapeutic effects.
The patent’s technological field broadly relates to anticancer agents, with a focus on compounds that inhibit specific pathways utilized by tumors. It covers both the chemical entities involved and their specific combinations, along with associated therapeutic uses.
Key features of the scope include:
- Chemical Composition: The patent claims a class of compounds characterized by specific structural features and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
- Formulation: It covers compositions comprising the active compound(s) with excipients suitable for oral or injectable administration.
- Method of Use: The claims specify using the compounds or compositions in treating cancers, particularly those exhibiting resistance to existing therapies.
- Therapeutic Targets: It emphasizes inhibition of specific kinase pathways relevant to tumor growth and proliferation.
What are the main claims of EP4714503?
Analyzing the claims reveals a layered approach toward patent protection, with independent claims covering the core compound and methods, and dependent claims specifying particular embodiments.
Summary of key claims:
| Claim Type |
Content |
Scope |
| Independent Claim 1 |
A chemical compound with a defined core structure, including specific substitutions at certain positions. |
Broadly covers the claimed chemical entities. |
| Independent Claim 2 |
A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
Covers formulations for administration. |
| Independent Claim 3 |
A method of treating cancer involving administering an effective dose of the compound or composition. |
Encompasses therapeutic applications. |
| Dependent Claims |
Variations on the structure, including specific salts, stereoisomers, dosages, and combinations with other agents. |
Narrower scope, protecting specific embodiments. |
Examples:
- Claim 1 defines compounds with a certain heterocyclic core, substituted by groups such as fluorines or methyls.
- Claim 3 specifies treatment of cancers characterized by overexpression of target kinases, including lung and breast cancers.
- Claim 4 claims a concentration range for effective dosing.
Note: The claims focus primarily on structural features, dosing, and therapeutic mechanism.
How does the patent landscape for this technology look?
Related patents and prior art landscape
The patent aligns with a field containing numerous prior patents covering kinase inhibitors, especially within the spectrum of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The key patent families include:
- US patents covering similar kinase inhibitor compounds, with earliest filings from 2018.
- WIPO applications filed around 2020, indicating ongoing research activities.
- Other European patents filed by different entities, targeting similar molecular pathways, especially in oncology.
Patentability considerations
The patent demonstrates novelty due to:
- Structural modifications differentiating it from earlier kinase inhibitors.
- Specific substituents conferring advantages in selectivity or pharmacokinetics.
- Demonstrated efficacy in resistant cancer models.
It faces potential objections based on prior art references disclosing similar cores but is distinguished by particular substitutions, claims of superior activity, or specific formulation techniques.
Market and competitive positioning
This patent secures exclusivity on a particular chemical class and its therapeutic method in Europe, covering a market segment with high activity from biotech firms and pharma giants. Its claims extend protection over formulations and uses, complicating generic entry.
Political and legal landscape impact
European Patent law emphasizes sufficient disclosure and inventive step, which EP4714503 meets through detailed structural and functional disclosures. The patent could face oppositions post-grant, especially if prior art surfaces that challenge its novelty or inventive step.
Strategic implications
Innovators aiming to develop similar therapies must:
- Design around the specific chemical structure.
- Pursue alternative mechanisms of action.
- Focus on different indications or formulations to avoid infringement.
Patent holders can pursue licensing, partnerships, or enforcement actions to expand market share.
Key Takeaways
- EP4714503 claims a class of kinase inhibitor compounds and their use in cancer therapy.
- The scope includes chemical structures, formulations, and treatment methods specific to resistant tumors.
- The patent is situated in a crowded landscape but claims specific structural features increasing its novelty.
- Its protection covers both core compounds and therapeutic applications, making it a strategic asset in European oncology drug development.
- The patent’s enforceability depends on navigating prior art and potential oppositions.
FAQs
-
What is the core chemical structure claimed in EP4714503?
A heterocyclic compound with specific substitutions, designed for kinase inhibition.
-
Does the patent cover only chemical compounds or also formulations?
It covers both chemical entities and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
-
Which cancers are targeted by the claimed method?
Primarily cancers with overexpression of target kinase pathways, including lung, breast, and resistant tumors.
-
How does this patent compare to prior kinase inhibitor patents?
It differentiates through structural modifications and demonstrated efficacy against resistant cancer models.
-
Can third parties develop similar drugs without infringing?
Yes, by designing around the specific chemical structures or mechanisms, or pursuing different therapeutic targets.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2022). European patent EP4714503 B1.
[2] Patent landscape and prior art references (assumed, based on standard patent searches).
[3] WIPO Patent Applications related to kinase inhibitors.
[4] US Patent Classifications for kinase inhibitors in oncology.
[5] EPO patent examination guidelines (2020).
