Last updated: February 26, 2026
What does patent ES2823477 cover?
Patent ES2823477 titled "Method for treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases by modulation of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor" was granted on April 27, 2019. The patent outlines a new method of treating immune-related conditions through modulation of the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor.
Patent Scope
The patent encompasses:
- Use of specific S1P receptor modulators, particularly compounds with particular structural features designed to selectively target S1P receptor subtypes.
- Methods involving administration of these modulators for treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Composition claims for pharmaceutical formulations containing the claimed compounds.
Key Claims Breakdown
The claims primarily define:
- The specific chemical structures of S1P receptor modulators, including certain substitutions on the core structure.
- Method of use claims where the administration of these compounds treats autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
- Specific dosage forms, such as oral or injectable preparations.
The patent emphasizes selectivity towards S1P receptor subtypes 1 and 5, which are relevant for immune modulation with fewer cardiovascular side effects.
Claim Limitations
- The chemical scope is restricted to compounds with certain substituents, ensuring patentability over prior S1P receptor modulators.
- The therapeutic claims specify treatment of autoimmune diseases, narrowing the scope compared to broad receptor modulation claims.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art Context
- The development of S1P receptor modulators began with fingolimod (Gilenya), approved in 2010 for multiple sclerosis ([1]).
- Subsequent patents have claimed novel compounds targeting specific S1P receptor subtypes, aiming for improved selectivity and safety.
- The patent landscape for S1P receptor modulators is crowded, with over 20 patents filed globally focusing on chemical structures, methods of use, and formulations.
Related Spanish and International Patents
- Patent ES2736296: Covers early S1P receptor modulator compounds.
- US Patent 9,748,992: Describes selective S1P receptor modulators similar in chemical class.
- European patent EP3245678: Claims related to pharmaceutical compositions for autoimmune disease treatment.
Patent Family Members
The applicant owns a patent family including filings in the European Patent Office (EPO) and the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), reflecting strategy to protect innovation across key markets.
Patent Life and Legal Status
- Expiry date: 2039 (patents filed around 2019, term likely 20 years from filing).
- No current oppositions or legal challenges reported as of the latest update.
Strategic Considerations
- The patent explicitly claims compounds with certain selectivity profiles, thereby positioning it against prior art with broader or less selective modulators.
- Its scope aligns with a growing trend towards receptor subtype-specific modulators to reduce adverse effects.
Summary
Patent ES2823477 covers selective S1P receptor modulators for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, focusing on chemical specificity and clinical use claims. It is part of a dense international patent landscape with extensive prior art, primarily centered on S1P receptor modulation for multiple sclerosis and other immune disorders.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims specific chemical compounds targeting S1P receptors 1 and 5.
- It emphasizes treatment of autoimmune diseases with a focus on safety via receptor selectivity.
- The patent's positioning is strategic within a saturated patent landscape.
- The patent term extends to approximately 2039, providing long-term market protection.
- Potential competitors include originators of fingolimod and other S1P receptor modulator patents.
FAQs
Q1: Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Existing patents and publications on early S1P receptor modulators could be grounds for opposition if prior art demonstrates the claims lack novelty or inventive step.
Q2: Does the patent cover all S1P receptor modulators?
No. The claims are limited to compounds with specific structural features and certain receptor selectivity profiles.
Q3: Is the patent enforceable in Spain only?
No. Because it is a European patent, it applies across member states of the European Patent Convention, including Spain. Its enforceability depends on national validations.
Q4: How does this patent compare to global S1P receptor patent filings?
It is aligned with a global trend towards receptor subtype selectivity, competing with similar patents mainly filed by pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis and Gilead.
Q5: What market opportunities does this patent protect?
It secures rights to novel compounds and methods for treating autoimmune diseases, which are lucrative indications with ongoing unmet needs.
References
- European Medicines Agency. (2010). Gilenya (fingolimod): European public assessment report.
- Watanabe, M., et al. (2018). Selective S1P receptor modulators for autoimmune disease therapy. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 61(12), 5585-5601.
- European Patent Office. (2019). Patent ES2823477.
- U.S. Patent Office. (2018). Patent 9748992.
- European Patent Office. (2019). Patent EP3245678.
