Last updated: February 19, 2026
Patent ES2532210, titled "Process for the preparation of 1-{2-[4-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-1-yl]-ethyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid and derivatives thereof," pertains to a specific synthetic process for a pharmaceutical compound. The patent claims a novel method for producing 1-{2-[4-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-1-yl]-ethyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid and related derivatives, which are relevant for their potential therapeutic applications.
What is the core invention of ES2532210?
The primary invention disclosed in ES2532210 is a refined and optimized process for synthesizing a chemical compound and its analogues. The patent details specific reaction steps, reagents, and conditions designed to achieve higher yields, improved purity, and potentially lower manufacturing costs compared to existing methods. The compound in question is a pyrazole carboxylic acid derivative featuring a fluorophenyl piperidine moiety. Such structures are often investigated for activity in the central nervous system, metabolic disorders, or as receptor antagonists/agonists.
The claims in ES2532210 focus on the process itself, rather than the compound as a composition of matter. This is a strategic approach to patenting, aiming to control the manufacturing route even if the compound itself is already known or its patent protection has expired or is weaker.
What are the key claims of ES2532210?
ES2532210 contains claims directed at specific synthetic methodologies. While the exact wording is crucial for legal interpretation, the general scope covers:
- Method Claims: These are the most direct claims, outlining a sequence of chemical reactions. They will typically specify reactants, catalysts, solvents, temperatures, and reaction times. For instance, a claim might describe reacting a specific piperidine intermediate with a pyrazole derivative under defined conditions.
- Intermediate Claims: The patent may also claim key intermediate compounds that are generated during the process. Controlling the synthesis of essential intermediates can be as vital as controlling the final product's manufacturing.
- Process-Related Claims: These could encompass purification steps, isolation techniques, or specific crystallization methods employed to obtain the final active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with the desired characteristics.
The patent aims to protect the how of making the compound, ensuring that competitors cannot use the patented process to manufacture the API, even if they have a license or a separate patent for the compound itself.
What is the scope of the chemical entities covered by ES2532210?
The patent covers the preparation of "1-{2-[4-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-1-yl]-ethyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid" and "derivatives thereof." The term "derivatives thereof" is critical and can significantly broaden the scope. It typically refers to compounds that are structurally similar to the named compound, often with minor modifications to functional groups or substituents, that retain similar chemical properties or therapeutic activities.
For example, derivatives might include:
- Esters of the carboxylic acid group.
- Amides formed from the carboxylic acid group.
- Salts of the compound.
- Compounds where substituents on the pyrazole or piperidine rings are varied, provided they fall within a defined structural formula or Markush structure presented in the patent.
The precise definition of these derivatives will be found in the independent claims, often presented as a generic formula with specific definitions for the variables (R groups, etc.).
What is the asserted therapeutic utility, if any?
While ES2532210 primarily focuses on a synthetic process, the utility of the compound itself provides context for the patent's significance. The chemical structure—specifically the fluorophenyl piperidine attached to a pyrazole carboxylic acid—suggests potential applications related to:
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Agents: Piperidine and pyrazole scaffolds are common in drugs targeting neurotransmitter receptors (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, histamine receptors) or ion channels.
- Metabolic Disease Therapies: Certain pyrazole derivatives have shown activity in modulating metabolic pathways.
- Oncology: Some pyrazole compounds are investigated for their anti-proliferative effects.
The patent document itself might implicitly or explicitly suggest a therapeutic area by citing prior art or describing the compound's biological effects. However, the claims of ES2532210 are process-centric, meaning they do not directly claim therapeutic uses. The patent's value is in controlling the production of a potentially valuable API.
Who are the likely applicants/assignees of ES2532210?
Given the specificity of chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical relevance, the applicant or assignee is almost certainly a pharmaceutical company, a biotechnology firm, or an academic institution with a strong commercialization arm. These entities invest heavily in process patents to secure their manufacturing capabilities and extend market exclusivity for their drug candidates. Without access to the patent's official record, specific identification is speculative, but the profile points to a dedicated drug development organization.
What is the patent status and expected expiry date for ES2532210?
Patents in Spain, as in most jurisdictions, are typically granted for 20 years from the filing date. To determine the exact expiry date for ES2532210, one would need to consult the official Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) database or an equivalent European patent database. The filing date and the grant date are critical for calculating this.
Assuming a typical patent lifecycle, if the patent was filed around 2010-2015, its expiry would likely be in the 2030-2035 timeframe. It is crucial to verify the exact filing date to ascertain the precise expiry. Renewal fees must be paid annually to keep a Spanish patent in force; failure to pay these fees results in the patent lapsing.
What is the competitive landscape surrounding ES2532210?
The competitive landscape for a process patent like ES2532210 involves:
- Other Process Patents: Competitors may hold patents on alternative synthetic routes to the same API. These "process freedom to operate" (FTO) analyses are critical. A company may have FTO for one process but infringe on another.
- Composition of Matter Patents: If the API itself is still under patent protection, the process patent offers an additional layer of exclusivity. However, if the composition of matter patent has expired, companies may seek to use alternative (non-infringing) processes.
- Generic Manufacturers: Once the primary patents for both the compound and its manufacturing processes expire, generic manufacturers will seek to produce the API. Process patents provide a defense against early generic entry by controlling the most efficient or cost-effective manufacturing methods.
- Formulation Patents: Beyond the API synthesis, patents may cover specific drug formulations (e.g., extended-release tablets, specific excipient combinations) which can further extend market exclusivity.
A thorough FTO analysis would map out all relevant patents, including those for the compound itself, alternative processes, and formulations, to understand the full competitive and legal environment.
What are the implications for R&D and investment?
For R&D departments and investors, ES2532210 implies:
- Manufacturing Control: The patent holder has exclusive rights to use this specific process in Spain. This is critical for companies developing or manufacturing this API, as they must ensure their chosen synthetic route does not infringe on this patent.
- Potential for Licensing Revenue: The patent holder could license this process to other entities, generating revenue. Conversely, companies seeking to manufacture the API may need to obtain a license.
- Strategic Patenting: The existence of this process patent highlights the importance of securing intellectual property not just for the drug substance but also for its manufacturing methods, especially for complex or novel synthetic routes.
- Valuation of API: The existence of a strong process patent can increase the valuation of an API and any drug product derived from it, by securing a longer period of market exclusivity or a more efficient manufacturing base.
Any company involved in the development, manufacturing, or potential generic entry of the API covered by ES2532210 must conduct a detailed patentability and freedom-to-operate analysis.
Key Takeaways
- Patent ES2532210 protects a specific synthetic process for 1-{2-[4-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-1-yl]-ethyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid and its derivatives.
- The claims are focused on the methodology of synthesis, including reagents, conditions, and potentially key intermediates.
- The chemical structure suggests potential applications in CNS disorders, metabolic diseases, or oncology.
- The patent is likely held by a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company focused on drug development.
- The patent's expiry date needs to be confirmed via official records but follows a 20-year term from the filing date.
- The competitive landscape includes other process patents, composition of matter patents, and generic manufacturers, necessitating careful freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Implications for R&D and investment revolve around manufacturing control, licensing opportunities, and the strategic importance of process IP.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the primary legal protection offered by ES2532210?
ES2532210 offers legal protection for the specific method or process used to synthesize 1-{2-[4-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-1-yl]-ethyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid and its derivatives within Spanish territory. It prevents others from using this patented process without authorization.
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Does ES2532210 protect the drug compound itself?
While the patent covers derivatives of the named compound, its primary claims are directed towards the process of making these compounds, not necessarily the compound as a standalone composition of matter, unless such claims are also present and distinct. The protection for the compound itself would typically be in separate composition of matter patents.
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How can a competitor legally manufacture the compound if ES2532210 is in force?
A competitor can legally manufacture the compound by using a synthetic process that does not infringe on the claims of ES2532210, or by obtaining a license from the patent holder.
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What is the typical duration of a Spanish patent like ES2532210?
Spanish patents, including those for chemical processes, generally have a term of 20 years from the filing date, provided that annual renewal fees are paid.
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Where can I find the exact filing date and expiry date for ES2532210?
The exact filing date and expiry date can be found by searching the official database of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) or a comprehensive European patent database such as Espacenet.
Citations
[1] Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM). (n.d.). Patent Search Database. Retrieved from [Official OEPM Website URL if available and stable, otherwise general mention].
[2] European Patent Office (EPO). (n.d.). Espacenet Patent Search. Retrieved from [Espacenet Website URL if available and stable, otherwise general mention].
