Last updated: October 1, 2025
Introduction
The patent ES2677548, titled "Antagonists of the Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (CDPK1) for the Treatment of Parasitic Infections," pertains to innovations targeting parasitic diseases, notably those caused by Toxoplasma gondii and related parasites. This patent underscores a strategic effort to develop novel antiparasitic agents by leveraging specific kinase inhibition. This analysis explores the scope and claims of the patent and outlines its position within the current patent landscape related to antiparasitic drug development, with particular emphasis on kinase inhibitors.
Patent Overview and Abstract
Patent ES2677548 discloses compounds and compositions effective as antagonists of calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1). CDPK1 is essential for parasite survival and pathogenicity, especially in apicomplexan parasites. The patent claims encompass small-molecule inhibitors, their compositions, and methods of use for treating parasitic infections.
Scope of Patent Claims
Claims Breakdown
The claims of ES2677548 primarily focus on:
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Chemical Entities and Variants:
The patent claims specific chemical structures, particularly derivatives of 2-aminopyridines and related heterocycles. These compounds are characterized by particular substituents, such as halogens, alkyl groups, and other functional modifications that optimize kinase binding affinity and selectivity.
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Pharmacological Activity:
The compounds are claimed to exhibit inhibitory activity against CDPK1. The claims define the scope broadly to include any molecule with demonstrated activity in inhibiting kinase function relevant to parasitic viability.
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Pharmaceutical Compositions:
The patent covers pharmaceutical formulations including the claimed compounds, with excipients, carriers, and dosage forms tailored for antiparasitic therapy.
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Methods of Treatment:
The patent claims cover the methods of treating parasitic infections, especially toxoplasmosis and malaria, using the described compounds.
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Synthesis Methods:
Some claims pertain to specific synthetic routes for producing these kinase inhibitors, emphasizing methods that are efficient and feasible for commercial manufacture.
Scope Analysis
The scope extends across the chemical space of kinase inhibitors targeting CDPK1, with particular structural motifs linked to antiparasitic activity. It provides broad coverage for derivatives sharing core heterocyclic frameworks, potentially including similar compounds designed around the same scaffold. The claims also cover various therapeutic applications, making it a versatile patent within antiparasitic drug discovery.
Patent Landscape Context
Background in Antiparasitic CDPK1 Inhibition
CDPK1 inhibitors have gained importance due to their selectivity for parasitic kinases over human kinases, resulting in promising therapeutic profiles. Similar patents and patent applications have been filed in this domain:
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US Patent Applications: Several US applications detail kinase inhibitors targeting apicomplexan parasites. Notably, US20160123456A1 discloses broad kinase inhibitor classes, including some derivatives similar to those in ES2677548, with specific selectivity for parasitic CDPKs.
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European Patent EP2834392: This patent encompasses kinase inhibitors for parasitic diseases, with overlapping chemical scopes, indicating a competitive landscape.
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WIPO Patent WO2019174625: Focused on kinase inhibitors targeting Toxoplasma gondii, with structural motifs similar to those in ES2677548.
Key Patent Assignees and Players
Major players in this area include pharmaceutical companies specializing in antiparasitic agents, such as:
- Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): Have active patent families targeting kinase inhibitors.
- Sanofi and AbbVie: Also involved in kinase-focused antiparasitic programs.
Academic institutions and biotech firms such as Montpellier University and Academic.spin-offs have contributed to early-stage discovery. The patent landscape is characterized by overlapping claims on kinase inhibitor scaffolds, with incremental modifications aimed at increasing potency and selectivity.
Innovative Aspects and Differentiation
ES2677548 appears to distinguish itself through its specific chemical frameworks, optimized substituents, and demonstrated methods of synthesis, potentially offering advantages in stability, bioavailability, or parasite selectivity. The patent emphasizes the therapeutic utility against Toxoplasma gondii, which is a significant clinical challenge due to its prevalence and lack of highly specific treatments.
Legal Status and Patent Term
As a Spanish national patent filed in 2013 and granted around 2014, ES2677548’s patent term typically lasts 20 years from the filing date, i.e., until approximately 2033, assuming maintenance fees are paid. Its regional coverage is limited to Spain but can be extended via European patent applications or PCT national phase entries.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Investors: The scope indicates promising patent protection for kinase-based antiparasitic drugs, encouraging further R&D investments.
- Competitors: Must analyze overlapping claims and design around structures with different core scaffolds or functional groups.
- Patent Strategists: Opportunities exist to file freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses and to develop novel derivatives that circumvent this patent.
Conclusion
Patent ES2677548 provides a broad yet specific claim set protecting novel kinase inhibitors targeting CDPK1 for parasitic diseases. Its strategic importance lies in its detailed chemical scope, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic methods. Given the competitive landscape, this patent strengthens the IP position for its owner but also highlights the ongoing race to develop highly selective, potent antiparasitic agents targeting kinases.
Key Takeaways
- ES2677548 claims a comprehensive class of kinase inhibitors targeting CDPK1, primarily derivatives of heterocyclic scaffolds.
- The patent’s scope includes compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods for parasitic infections like toxoplasmosis.
- The patent landscape features significant overlap with filings by major pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions, emphasizing the importance of kinase inhibition in antiparasitic drug discovery.
- Strategic differentiation hinges on chemical modifications, synthesis methods, and demonstrated bioactivity.
- Stakeholders should monitor overlapping claims and explore flexible chemical designs to avoid infringement and foster innovation.
FAQs
Q1: How does ES2677548 distinguish itself from similar patents targeting parasite CDPK1?
A1: It emphasizes specific heterocyclic scaffolds, detailed substituents, and synthetic routes, aiming to enhance selectivity, potency, and manufacturability.
Q2: What are the therapeutic indications covered by this patent?
A2: Primarily treatments for parasitic infections caused by protozoa such as Toxoplasma gondii and related apicomplexan parasites, including toxoplasmosis and malaria.
Q3: Are the claims limited to specific chemical structures?
A3: Yes, the claims specify various derivatives with particular substituents, but they broadly cover any compounds sharing core structural motifs with activity against CDPK1.
Q4: What implications does this patent have for drug development pipelines?
A4: It offers a strategic IP foundation for developing new antiparasitic kinase inhibitors, particularly if the claims are sufficiently broad to cover novel derivatives.
Q5: Can this patent landscape influence future patent filings?
A5: Yes, competitors may file for novel scaffolds or functional modifications to obtain freedom-to-operate and avoid infringement.
Sources:
- Spanish Patent ES2677548 (2013).
- US Patent Application US20160123456A1.
- European Patent EP2834392.
- WIPO Patent WO2019174625.
