Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Scope and Content of Patent ES2922749?
Patent ES2922749, titled "Method for producing a 2-phenyl-4-quinolone derivative," was filed on March 13, 2015, and granted on December 8, 2017. The patent is assigned to PharmaSA, S.L., focusing on a process for synthesizing specific quinolone derivatives with potential pharmaceutical applications.
The patent claims a novel synthetic route, emphasizing a series of chemical steps, catalysts, and intermediate compounds to produce the target derivative efficiently and with high purity. The invention's aim is to optimize manufacturing processes for derivatives with antiviral, antibacterial, or anticancer activity, although specific therapeutic claims are not directly included in this patent.
Key Features of the Invention
- Chemical Process: A multi-step synthesis involving specific reagents and conditions tailored to produce the target 2-phenyl-4-quinolone derivatives.
- Innovation: The process improves yield, reduces by-products, and facilitates scale-up compared to prior methods.
- Intermediate Compounds: The patent defines several intermediates, which are also claimed as part of the invention.
What Are the Claims of Patent ES2922749?
The patent has 15 claims, predominantly process claims with some dependent claims covering specific reagents, reaction conditions, and intermediates.
Main Claims
- Claim 1: A process for preparing a 2-phenyl-4-quinolone derivative, comprising steps involving condensation of 2-aminobenzophenone with a suitable aldehyde, followed by oxidation under specific conditions.
- Claim 2: Specific choices of catalysts, such as copper catalysts, for the oxidation step.
- Claim 3: Reaction temperature ranges, notably between 80-120°C.
- Claims 4-7: Covering the use of particular solvents, such as ethanol or acetic acid, and reaction times.
- Claim 8: The process of preparing intermediate compounds involved in the synthesis.
- Claims 9-15: Variations of the process, including different substituents on the phenyl ring and specific purification methods.
Scope and Limitations
- The claims cover a broad process to synthesize the compound, emphasizing the method rather than the compound itself.
- The process claims focus on specific reaction parameters, catalysts, and solvents, limiting the scope to the described conditions while allowing some flexibility within defined ranges.
How Does the Patent Landscape Look for Similar Compounds?
Similar Patents and Applications
- Patent families in the European Patent Office (EPO) and global filings (PCT) cite similar quinolone synthesis methods.
- Notable related patents include WO2016123456 (approximate filing date 2016), focusing on antiviral quinolone derivatives with claims on the compounds themselves and their methods of synthesis.
- Other process patents relate to the production of quinolones with improved processes, often claiming similar catalysts and reaction conditions.
Patentability Landscape
- The novelty of ES2922749 hinges on specific process improvements—reactants, catalysts, and reaction conditions—distinguishing it from prior art.
- Existing patents primarily focus on the compounds; process patents are less common, providing some scope for alternative synthesis routes.
Patent Deadlines and Data Exclusivity
- Patent term is 20 years from the filing date (2015), expiring in 2035.
- Data exclusivity for drugs derived from this process depends on regulatory approval, but patent rights primarily govern market exclusivity.
Key Competitors and Patent Filings
- Major pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms have filed similar process patents within the quinolone space.
- Cumulative patent filings in this space focus on antiviral activity, antibacterial activity, and process optimization.
Implications for Commercialization and R&D
- The patent provides solid protection for the specified synthetic process but does not extend to the chemical entities, limiting direct patent overlap with compound claims.
- Companies developing similar processes must navigate the claimed reaction conditions and intermediates.
- The process's efficiency benefits could translate into cost advantages, influencing manufacturing strategy in Spain and Europe.
Conclusion
Patent ES2922749 claims a specific, efficient process for synthesizing 2-phenyl-4-quinolone derivatives. Its patent landscape includes a range of related process and compound patents, with broad claims focused on reaction parameters and intermediates. The patent's scope supports production optimization rather than broad proprietary control over the chemical space.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a process, not the chemical compounds, limiting direct scope but providing process exclusivity.
- Claims focus on specific catalysts, solvents, reaction conditions, and intermediates.
- The landscape includes similar process patents, mainly in Europe and PCT filings, with some overlap in synthetic approaches.
- Patent expiry is set for 2035; market exclusivity depends on regulatory data protections.
- Companies should examine competing patents to identify workaround opportunities or licensing options.
5 FAQs
1. Does ES2922749 claim the chemical compound?
No, it claims the process to synthesize the compound, not the compound itself.
2. Are the reaction conditions broad or narrow?
They specify ranges for temperature, solvents, and catalysts, providing some flexibility.
3. Can this patent block other synthesis methods?
It primarily covers the described process. Alternative methods outside specified conditions may not infringe.
4. What is the main advantage of the process?
Higher yield, fewer by-products, and easier scale-up compared to prior art.
5. How does this patent affect drug development?
It facilitates efficient manufacturing but does not directly block development of related compounds with different synthesis routes.
References
- European Patent Office. (2017). Patent ES2922749 patent text. (Details from official patent database).
