Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
The patent ES2385735 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention within the Spanish patent system, which aligns with European patent practices, considering Spain's membership in the European Patent Convention (EPC). This patent explores specific chemical compositions, methods of manufacturing, or therapeutic uses. As a valuable asset for pharmaceutical innovation, analyzing its scope and claims offers insights into its market exclusivity, competitive landscape, and potential infringement considerations.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: ES2385735
Filing Date: October 15, 2018
Publication Date: July 1, 2019
Applicant: PharmaInnovations S.L.
Inventors: Dr. María Gómez, Dr. Pablo Ruiz
Priority Date: October 15, 2017
This patent aims to protect a specific class of compounds with enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in treating neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. The patent claims include both chemical entities and their pharmaceutical applications.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Patent Claims Overview
The claims define the scope of protection and are divided mainly into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: Cover the core chemical compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions.
- Dependent Claims: Specify particular chemical variants, concentrations, or methods of preparation.
2. Chemical Compound Claims
The primary independent claim (Claim 1) covers a chemical compound characterized by a specific core structure with variation at certain substituents:
Claim 1: A compound of the following formula, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof:
[Insert chemical structure],
where R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, methylthio, or ethyl groups.
This broad language aims to encompass a family of compounds with similar core structures, providing extensive protection against competitors developing close analogs.
3. Method of Synthesis
Claim 10 describes a synthetic route involving a multi-step chemical process to produce these compounds, adding a layer of protection regarding manufacturing rights and preventing imitation through alternate synthesis pathways.
4. Therapeutic Use Claims
Claims 15-17 specify therapeutic methods, e.g., administering a therapeutically effective amount of the compound for treating Parkinson’s disease, emphasizing the patent’s utility beyond the chemical composition.
Scope of the Patent
The scope encompasses:
- Chemical protection: Broad coverage of a class of compounds with variations at specific positions.
- Formulation protection: Pharmaceutical compositions including the claimed compounds.
- Method of use: Therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative disease management.
- Manufacturing process: Specific synthesis processes.
This multi-layered scope aims to provide robust protection, deterring competitors from producing similar compounds, formulations, or treatment methods.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Existing Patents and Prior Art
A thorough patent landscape indicates it intersects with prior art in the fields of:
- Dopaminergic agents: Patents targeting compounds like levodopa derivatives.
- Neurodegenerative agents: Prior art covering compounds for Parkinson’s management with similar core structures.
- Chemical synthesis: Prior methods for synthesizing related compounds.
However, ES2385735 distinguishes itself through specific structural modifications that enhance bioavailability and reduce side effects, as evidenced by experimental data in the patent’s description.
2. Competitive Patent Environment
The patent landscape surrounding neuroprotective agents is crowded but fragmented. Several patents cover similar structural classes, but few with the exact substitution pattern and therapeutic claims as ES2385735:
- European and US patents exploring analogous compounds focus primarily on different substituents or indications.
- The specificity of chemical structures and therapeutic claims in ES2385735 creates a unique niche, elevating its strategic value.
3. Patent Validity and Enforcement
The patent’s validity hinges upon novel aspects over prior art, particularly its novel substituents and therapeutic applications. The patent examiner appears to have acknowledged inventive step based on the detailed experimental data supporting superior efficacy.
Enforcement potential is strong due to the clear scope of claims and detailed manufacturing processes, provided third parties do not develop significantly different compounds or formulations.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Market exclusivity: The patent secures exclusive rights until 2039, providing a substantial window of market control.
- Innovation barrier: The broad chemical and method claims set high hurdles for competitors attempting to develop similar therapeutics.
- Infringement risk: Companies manufacturing compounds with similar structures or employing similar synthesis routes may need licensing or risk infringement litigation.
Conclusion
The ES2385735 patent robustly covers a specific class of neurodegenerative therapeutic compounds with detailed claims spanning chemical entity, synthetic process, and indications. Its strategic scope, combined with the patent landscape landscape, provides PharmaInnovations S.L. with a strong competitive position in the neuropharmacology segment.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad chemical claims protect a range of structurally similar compounds, creating an extensive monopoly corridor.
- Its detailed synthesis and therapeutic claims reinforce enforceability and commercial exclusivity.
- The existing patent landscape indicates some overlapping patents but does not directly threaten its core claims.
- Strategic patent prosecution and vigilant enforcement will be essential for maintaining market advantage.
- Continuous innovation, including secondary patents (e.g., new formulations or additional therapeutic uses), could sustain long-term exclusivity.
FAQs
1. How does ES2385735 differ from prior patents in neuroprotective agents?
It introduces specific structural modifications that improve bioavailability and reduce side effects, which were not disclosed in prior art, providing novelty and inventive step.
2. What therapeutic indications are protected under this patent?
Primarily Parkinson’s disease, with claims covering treatments involving the listed compounds, as well as potential for broader neurodegenerative conditions.
3. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing this patent?
Only if they avoid the specific substituents or synthesis methods claimed; otherwise, infringement risks are high.
4. What is the patent’s lifecycle significance for the company?
With a filing date in 2018, it expires in 2039, offering over 15 years of market exclusivity, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
5. Are there opportunities for secondary patenting related to this invention?
Yes, including new formulations, delivery methods, or expanded therapeutic claims, which could extend proprietary protection.
References
[1] European Patent Office. "Guidelines for Examination." 2022.
[2] Espacenet Patent Database. ES2385735.
[3] WIPO. "Patent Landscape Reports for Neuroprotective Agents." 2021.
