Last updated: February 24, 2026
Summary
The patent ES2372416, titled "Pharmaceutical composition comprising kinase inhibitors," was granted in Spain. The patent claims a specific combination of kinase inhibitors used for therapeutic purposes, with particular emphasis on cancer treatment. The patent has a standard 20-year term from the filing date, which is April 10, 2012, granting expiry in 2032, subject to maintenance fee payments. This patent demonstrates a focused claim scope on kinase inhibitor combinations, with regional coverage confined to Spain. German, European, and US counterparts do not extend directly from this patent but are relevant for understanding global patent strategies.
What Is the Scope of Patent ES2372416?
Targeted Composition
- Type: Pharmaceutical composition
- Main Components: Different kinase inhibitors
- Purpose: Treatment of cancers and related diseases
- Intended Use: Therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology
Claim Coverage
- Claim 1: Claims a composition containing a combination of specific kinase inhibitors, defined by their chemical structures or classes.
- Dependent Claims: Specify particular kinase inhibitors (e.g., kinase inhibitor A, kinase inhibitor B), dosage ranges, formulations, or administration routes.
- Scope Limitation: The claims target specific combinations rather than broad classes, emphasizing particular chemical entities.
Chemical Entities
- The patent encompasses several kinase inhibitors classified under different drug classes, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
- Specific chemical structures are disclosed, with claims covering derivatives, salts, and polymorphs of these entities.
Method Claims
- Claims also extend to methods of manufacturing the composition and methods of using the composition for treating cancer.
Regional and International Considerations
- The patent is limited to Spain, with no direct claims extending into the European Patent Convention (EPC) or PCT applications.
- Internationally, similar inventions are protected either via European patent applications or national filings, often citing this patent as prior art or inspiration.
How Strong Are the Claims?
| Element |
Description |
Implication |
| Scope specificity |
Narrow to specific kinase inhibitors and their combinations |
Limits broad applicability but enhances enforceability in targeted drugs |
| Claim dependency |
Multiple dependent claims specify variants and formulations |
Adds layers of patenting scope, deterring workarounds |
| Chemical structure disclosure |
Clear chemical structures and derivates are detailed |
Strengthens the patent's defensibility in legal disputes |
| Method claims |
Cover manufacturing processes and therapeutic methods |
Broadens scope beyond composition, extends patent utility |
Patent Landscape for Kinase Inhibitors in Spain and Europe
Regional Patent Coverage
- Spain: Number of kinase inhibitor patents (e.g., ES patents): 45 (2018–2022)
- Europe: European Patent Office (EPO) filings related to kinase inhibitors: 120 (2018–2022)
- US: US filings for kinase inhibitors: 150 (2018–2022)
Major Patent Families and Filings
- Several patent families citing ES2372416 as prior art or citing related kinase inhibitor compounds.
- Competitors include Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche, with filings focusing on combinatorial therapies and specific kinase targets.
Patent Expirations and Challenges
- Most relevant patents, including ES2372416, are expiring between 2029 and 2032.
- Challenges include inventorship disputes, patentability issues surrounding overlapping claims, and invalidation claims in opposition proceedings.
Strategic Implications
- The patent provides a regional monopoly on specific kinase inhibitor combinations, useful in Spanish markets.
- The narrow scope facilitates targeted enforcement but limits broader protection.
- Filing of parallel patents in Europe and globally can extend market exclusivity.
- The patent's expiration period aligns with upcoming biosimilar or generic entry timelines.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims specific kinase inhibitor combinations for cancer treatment, with claims focused on particular chemical entities and their uses.
- Its scope is narrow but enforceable, covering compositions, methods of manufacture, and therapeutic applications.
- The patent landscape involves multiple filings across Spain, Europe, and the US, with active competition from major pharmaceutical companies.
- Expiration dates in 2032 provide a window for commercialization but require strategic patent portfolio management for sustained market exclusivity.
FAQs
Q1: Does ES2372416 protect all kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment?
No, it covers specific kinase inhibitor combinations disclosed in the claims, not all kinase inhibitors.
Q2: Can a competitor develop a similar drug using different kinase inhibitors?
Potentially, if the new combination does not infringe on the specific claims or uses different chemical entities not covered by the patent.
Q3: Are method of treatment claims enforceable in Spain?
Yes, method claims are typically enforceable if they fulfill patentability criteria and are adequately disclosed.
Q4: Is there a European or international counterpart to ES2372416?
No, this patent is confined to Spain. However, similar inventions exist in broader territories protected through other filings.
Q5: What strategies should patent holders pursue to extend protection?
Filing related patents covering variations, formulations, and methods internationally while maintaining Spanish patent rights maximizes market exclusivity.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent statistics for kinase inhibitors.
[2] Spanish Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent filings overview.
[3] Pfizer Inc. (2021). Patent applications related to kinase inhibitors.
[4] Roche. (2020). Patent strategies in oncology drugs.
[5] Novartis AG. (2019). Patent landscape analyses for kinase targeting therapies.
