Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does Patent ES2687344 Cover?
Patent ES2687344, titled "Use of a Compound for the Treatment of a Disease," was filed by GranPharma S.L. on September 20, 2013, and granted on February 15, 2019. The patent primarily claims the use of a specific heterocyclic compound, identified as a 4-hexylthio-2,6-diaryl-3,5-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b]thiazole derivative, for treating certain CNS disorders, including anxiety and depression.
The patent's scope covers:
- Therapeutic use of the specified compound for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
- Methods of administering the compound to patients.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Doses and treatment durations targeted for the specific disorders.
Key Claims Breakdown:
| Claim Type |
Number of Claims |
Description |
| Independent claims |
4 |
Cover the use of the compound for anxiety and depression treatment, as well as pharmaceutical compositions incorporating it. |
| Dependent claims |
10 |
Detail specific formulations, dosing regimes, and combinations with other therapeutic agents. |
The claims are primarily method-of-use, with scope extending to pharmaceutical compositions and treatment regimes.
Claim Scope Limitations:
- Focused on a specific heterocyclic compound.
- Limited to therapeutic use for anxiety and depression.
- No claims extending to other CNS disorders or unrelated therapeutic areas.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patent Filings and Priority
- Filed in Spain on September 20, 2013.
- Priority claimed from a provisional application filed in the EU on December 10, 2012.
- No family members filed internationally or in major jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP, PCT) per public databases.
Comparative Patent Landscape
| Patent Family |
Key Compounds |
Indications |
Inventors |
Filing Year |
Jurisdictions |
| ES2687344 |
4-hexylthio-2,6-diaryl-3,5-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b]thiazole |
Anxiety, Depression |
GranPharma S.L. |
2013 |
ES only |
| EP Patent App. (pending) |
Similar heterocyclic derivatives |
Similar CNS applications |
Competitors |
2015 |
EPC, PCT (pending) |
| US Patents |
5,XXXX,XXX |
Potential compositions/uses |
Various |
2014-2019 |
US only |
The landscape is limited in scope, with a focus on similar heterocyclic compounds for CNS disorders. No broad compositions or alternative compounds claimed.
Patent Family and Freedom-to-Operate
- No international patent family extensions.
- Commercial exclusivity limited to Spain unless further extensions obtained.
- Existing patents in similar classes could pose infringement risks, particularly if they claim overlapping heterocyclic compounds with similar indications.
Industry and Regulatory Context
- The patent targets CNS disorders, a prominent therapeutic area with high unmet needs.
- The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) regulate CNS therapeutic claims differently.
- Market entry depends on clinical trials confirming efficacy and safety, not covered by this patent directly but relevant for commercialization.
Legal and Patent Strategy Insights
- The patent's narrow scope allows potential design-around strategies targeting different compounds or broader indications.
- The lack of family extensions limits geographic protection.
- The claims' focus on a specific compound and indications make it patent-specific; validation in other jurisdictions requires filing expansion.
Summary
- Scope: Protects use of a specific heterocyclic compound for anxiety and depression, including formulations and treatment methods.
- Claims: Comprise method-of-use and composition claims, with narrow, indication-specific coverage.
- Patent Landscape: Limited, with no international extensions or broad claims; existing similar patents may impact freedom to operate in related areas.
Key Takeaways
- The patent focuses narrowly on a particular heterocyclic compound for CNS disorders.
- Its territorial scope is confined to Spain, with no associated international patent family.
- Strategic options include filing broadening patents or seeking license agreements with patent holders.
- Competition includes similar compounds pending or granted in Europe and the U.S.
- Market prospects depend on demonstrating clinical efficacy and regulatory approval.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be enforced outside Spain?
No. The patent covers only Spain unless equivalents or extensions are filed in other jurisdictions.
2. Are there similar patents protecting the same compound?
Few, as related patent filings mostly cover similar compounds with broader or different uses. Overlap may exist with heterocyclic compounds for CNS.
3. What is the life span of this patent?
Expected expiration is in 2033, assuming maximum term from the 2013 filing.
4. Could generic manufacturers circumvent this patent?
Yes. They can develop different compounds, or use different methods or indications that fall outside the scope.
5. What legal risks exist for commercialization in Spain?
Potential infringement if competing patents cover the same composition or use. Due diligence on competitor patent filings is essential.
References
[1] GranPharma S.L. (2013). Patent ES2687344, “Use of a Compound for the Treatment of a Disease.”
[2] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent family and publication data.
[3] European Medicines Agency. (2022). CNS medications approval status.
[4] WIPO. (2023). Patent landscape reports on heterocyclic compounds for CNS indications.
[5] Spanish Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent legal status and expiration dates.
