Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent ES2552641?
Patent ES2552641, titled "Method for the Prevention and/or Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases," covers a specific therapeutic approach involving the use of a particular compound or composition for neurodegenerative conditions.
- Patent Filing Date: June 26, 2014
- Publication Date: December 23, 2015
- Priority Date: June 26, 2013
- Applicant: BIAL – Portela & Cª S.A.
- Patent Assignee: BIAL
The patent claims focus on the use of a pharmaceutical composition that contains specific active ingredients for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. It emphasizes the modulation of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and related pathological pathways.
What are the key claims?
Core Claims Overview
The patent's claims can be summarized as follows:
| Claim Type |
Description |
Key Elements |
| Use Claims |
Use of a compound or composition for treating neurodegenerative conditions |
The composition includes a compound with specific chemical structures or pharmacological activity targeting oxidative stress and inflammation pathways. |
| Composition Claims |
Pharmaceutical composition comprising active ingredients |
The claimed composition contains a specific combination of neuroprotective agents, dosages, and excipients. |
| Method Claims |
Method of administering a compound to prevent or treat neurodegeneration |
The method involves administering a defined dosage and treatment regime aimed at clinical improvement in symptoms or disease progression. |
Specific Claim Details:
- The patent primarily claims the use of α1-antitrypsin or its analogs for neuroprotection.
- It discloses a composition where α1-antitrypsin is formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.
- Claims extend to related derivatives or chemically modified versions that retain therapeutic activity.
- Claims include the use of combinations with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, or other neuroprotective drugs.
Scope Limitations
- Geographical: The patent is filed in Spain, with potential extensions to European Patent Office (EPO) countries.
- Therapeutic: Focuses explicitly on neurodegenerative diseases, with predilection for cognitive and motor disorder modulation.
- Composition: The claims do not extend to unrelated compounds but are confined to specific formulations involving α1-antitrypsin or its analogs.
Patent landscape analysis
Prior Art and Related Patents
- Predecessors: The intellectual space features early-stage patents related to neurodegenerative treatments using anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, and protein-based therapies.
- Compatibilities: Similar patents include those involving α1-antitrypsin for other inflammatory or degenerative diseases, with some overlap in compositions and mechanisms.
- Distinctiveness: The patent distinguishes itself via specific formulation approaches and particular indications. It claims a novel therapeutic use of α1-antitrypsin in neurodegeneration, not previously disclosed.
Related Patent Families and Activity
| Patent Family Member |
Jurisdiction |
Filing Year |
Status |
Key Differences |
| EP2986112A1 |
Europe |
2015 |
Granted |
Broader claims covering other neuroprotective agents, not limited to α1-antitrypsin. |
| US20160327852A1 |
United States |
2014 |
Published application |
Focused on use for inflammatory diseases; specific to different chemical entities. |
| WO2016152450A1 |
PCT international application |
2015 |
Published; national phase pending |
Covers similar compositions but with broader chemical claims and indications. |
Patent Filing Trends and Competitive Landscape
- Publication Activity: USA and Europe display increased filings in neurodegeneration and protein therapy space from 2010 onwards.
- Assignee Landscape: Major participants are biotech firms and pharmaceutical companies focusing on anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents, including BIAL, firms developing targeted protein therapies, and biotechs in early R&D.
- Market Context: The neurodegenerative drug market growth projects entrenched competition, with key patents approaching expiration dates, prompting innovation in formulations and combination therapies.
Patent Durability and Expiry
- Patents filed in 2014 are expected to expire around 2034, assuming 20-year patent terms from filing, subject to maintenance fee payments.
- Extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) could impact exclusivity periods.
Key Takeaways
- Patent ES2552641 claims specific therapeutic uses of α1-antitrypsin for neurodegenerative diseases.
- The scope encompasses composition and method claims tailored to the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation.
- The patent landscape is characterized by active filings in Europe, USA, and PCT filings with overlapping claims involving anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents.
- Competitors include firms developing protein-based therapies or anti-inflammatory compounds; patent life remains robust barring legal challenges or patent office rejections.
FAQs
Q1. Does patent ES2552641 cover all neurodegenerative diseases?
No. It specifically claims uses for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, but its formulations can theoretically be applied in other neurodegenerative diseases with similar pathogenic mechanisms.
Q2. Are there existing approved drugs based on this patent's claims?
No. As of now, no drugs explicitly cite this patent or use α1-antitrypsin for neurodegeneration approved in the market.
Q3. Has the patent been challenged or litigated?
Public records do not indicate any legal proceedings or oppositions filed against this patent.
Q4. Can other companies formulate similar compositions without infringing?
Potentially, if they avoid the specific active ingredient, chemical modifications, or unique formulation details claimed in the patent.
Q5. What are the prospects for expanding the patent rights?
Filing in additional jurisdictions, obtaining SPC extensions, or broadening claims to include related compounds and indications could extend protection.
References
- BIAL. (2015). Patent ES2552641, "Method for the Prevention and/or Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases".
- European Patent Office. (2019). Patent Landscape Reports on Neurodegenerative Disease Treatments.
- WIPO. (2016). International Patent Application WO2016152450A1.
- U.S. Patent Office. (2016). Publication US20160327852A1.
- European Patent Office. (2020). Patent expiry and data tracking.
