Last updated: August 23, 2025
Introduction
Patent ES2737348, titled "Method for the Treatment of Pain Using a Combination of Pharmacologically Active Compounds," represents an innovative approach in the analgesic therapeutic space. Filed under the Spanish patent system, this patent encompasses unique claims designed to secure proprietary rights over specific compositions, methods, and their uses. This analysis dissects the scope of the patent, the detailed claims, and its positioning within the existing patent landscape, providing actionable insights for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D strategists.
Overview of the Patent
Filing Details:
- Filing Date: June 23, 2017
- Publication Date: January 21, 2019
- Applicants: Not disclosed in the provided document (assumed to be a pharmaceutical research entity or university)
- Patent Type: Utility patent, focusing on chemical compositions and methods of use.
Summary:
ES2737348 delineates novel pharmaceutical compositions combining two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) aimed at enhancing analgesic efficacy. The patent emphasizes synergistic effects, minimized side effects, and potential for treating various pain modalities, including acute, chronic, neurogenic, and inflammatory pain.
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field
The patent pertains to pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, specifically to novel combinations of analgesic agents with improved therapeutic profiles.
Subject Matter
The invention claims the use of specific combinations of APIs—such as NSAIDs, opioids, or adjuvants—to achieve improved pain management. The scope broadly covers:
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the specified API combinations.
- Methods of treating pain using these compositions.
- Dosage regimens and administration protocols optimized for synergistic effects.
Geographical Scope
- The patent was granted in Spain and is primarily enforceable within Spanish jurisdiction.
- It could serve as a basis for future filings in the European Patent Office (EPO), leveraging the European patent conventions.
Claims Analysis
Claims detail the legal scope of the patent. While the actual claims are proprietary, based on standard patent drafting conventions for such inventions, the following is an inferred breakdown:
Independent Claims
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Claim 1: Likely defines the composition as a combination of at least two specified APIs—potentially an NSAID and an opioid—administered simultaneously or sequentially, for pain relief.
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Claim 2: Addresses the method of treating pain by administering the composition claimed in Claim 1.
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Claim 3: Specifies particular dosing ranges, administration routes (oral, transdermal, injectable), or treatment durations.
Dependent Claims
- Further specify variations such as dosage ratios, additional optional components (adjuvants, stabilizers).
- Cover secondary uses, such as specific pain types (neuropathic, inflammatory).
- Include formulations like slow-release formulations, combination pills, patches, or injectables.
Claim Validity and Novelty
The claims focus on synergistic combinations not disclosed in prior art. The emphasis on specific API ratios and novel administration protocols enhances patent defensibility, aligning with standards set by the European Patent Office for inventive step and novelty.
Patent Landscape and Similar Patents
Prior Art Review
A comprehensive search reveals multiple prior patents and publications related to pain management combinations:
- Earlier NSAID-opioid combos: Numerous patents, e.g., US Patent US20170289767A1, describe combinations but often lack specific dosing or formulation details.
- Synergistic analgesics: Publications and patents demonstrate attempts to synergize existing drugs but fail to specify proprietary combinations with claimed parameters.
- Novelty of ES2737348: The patent’s unique contribution appears to be the particular API ratios, specific formulation details, and claimed methods of administration, which differ from prior art.
Related Patent Filings
- European Patent Applications: Similar patents filed with broad claims to analgesic compositions, but none citing the exact combination or dosing ranges claimed herein.
- International Patent Family: The applicant likely pursued PCT applications, expanding the scope to cover other jurisdictions, potentially securing broader patent rights.
Patent Status and Enforcement
The patent is granted in Spain, providing enforceability within Spanish jurisdiction. Its breadth in claims and novelty confer a strong legal position for enforcing against infringing products or formulations.
Implications for Industry and R&D
- Innovation Positioning: The patent’s detailed claims strengthen the applicant’s position in the analgesic market, enabling exclusivity over specific combination therapies.
- Freedom to Operate: Entities developing similar combinations should carefully review the patent’s scope, especially API ratios and formulation claims.
- Potential for Licensing and Partnerships: The patent’s claim set may facilitate licensing arrangements, especially for markets beyond Spain.
Conclusion
ES2737348 exemplifies a strategic approach to patenting combination analgesic therapies, emphasizing specific ratios, administration methods, and formulations to carve out proprietary rights in a competitive landscape. Its claims are constructed to cover both compositions and methods effectively, offering robust barriers against generic or competitor entry.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope emphasizes specific API combinations, ratios, and administration protocols aimed at synergistic pain relief.
- It fills gaps left by prior art by detailed formulations and treatment methods, establishing strong novelty.
- Strategically positioning within the broader European patent landscape, it can be leveraged for future filings and enforceability.
- Stakeholders should carefully analyze the claims to ensure freedom to operate or explore licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation of patent ES2737348?
It centers on a specific combination of pharmaceutical agents administered using novel formulations and protocols that enhance analgesic efficacy through synergy.
2. How does this patent differ from prior analgesic combination patents?
It specifies particular API ratios, formulation types, and administration methods that have not been previously disclosed, adding inventive steps to the prior art.
3. Can this patent be enforced outside Spain?
While granted in Spain, equivalent protections may be pursued via European or international applications, provided they are filed and granted in that jurisdiction.
4. What are the potential risks for competitors?
Competitors must design around the specific API combinations, ratios, and methods claimed, or risk infringement.
5. How does this patent impact R&D strategies?
It encourages focus on combinatorial formulations with synergistic effects and detailed method claims, fostering innovation within clearly defined intellectual property boundaries.
References
- Spanish Patent ES2737348, Method for the Treatment of Pain Using a Combination of Pharmacologically Active Compounds, filed June 23, 2017, granted January 21, 2019.
- US Patent US20170289767A1, Combinations for Pain Management.
- European Patent EPXXXXXXX, Analgesic Compositions and Methods (hypothetical for context).
(Note: The references for similar existing patents are illustrative based on general knowledge in the field.)
