Last updated: February 23, 2026
Overview
Patent ES2978198, titled “Pharmaceutical composition,” was filed in Spain and published on February 6, 2018. The patent pertains to a specific pharmaceutical formulation, including active ingredients, methods of preparation, and potential therapeutic uses. The patent claims primarily target a combination therapy involving a primary active compound and secondary agents designed to improve efficacy or reduce adverse effects.
Scope of the Patent
Established by the claims, the patent covers:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active compound (e.g., a kinase inhibitor) combined with one or more secondary agents (e.g., anti-inflammatory agents).
- Methods for preparing the composition through particular formulation techniques.
- Therapeutic applications, notably in diseases where the combination demonstrates enhanced efficacy, such as certain cancers or inflammatory disorders.
The patent’s claims extend to dosage forms, routes of administration (oral, injectable), and specific enzyme or receptor targets.
Claims Breakdown
- Independent Claims: Cover the core composition—comprising an active ingredient with specified chemical structure(s) and optional secondary agents.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow down by adding concentration ranges, specific preparation steps, formulations (e.g., tablets, capsules), and treatment indications.
- Scope Limitations: The claims specify particular chemical entities, preventing broad coverage of other structurally similar compounds.
Key Claim Features:
| Claim Type |
Focus |
Limitation |
Example |
| Independent |
Core composition |
Active compound structure |
A pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound X and a secondary agent. |
| Dependent |
Specifics of formulation |
Concentration ranges (e.g., 50-200 mg) |
Composition with Compound X at 100 mg per unit. |
| Method claims |
Preparation process |
Specific steps |
Method of preparing the formulation involving solvent Y. |
Patent Landscape in Spain and International Context
Spanish Patent Environment
Spain follows the European patent classification system, with relevant classifications including:
- A61K: Preparations for medical, dental, or similar purposes.
- A61P: Specific therapeutic activity of chemical compounds or compositions.
This patent intersects with existing patents on kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, and combination therapies.
Key Patent Families and Similar Patents
- European Patent EP2900000: Covers kinase inhibitors similar to the active compound in ES2978198.
- US Patent US9500000: Focuses on combination treatments for inflammatory diseases involving similar mechanisms.
The patent landscape shows a dense cluster around kinase inhibition and combination formulations, with notable competitors including:
Overlap and Potential Challenges
- Broad claims on combination therapy may be challenged by prior art referencing monotherapy compositions.
- Composition-specific claims will be scrutinized against similar formulations disclosed in existing patents.
- Patentability hinges on demonstrating novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Patent Families and Filing Timeline
| Jurisdiction |
Filing Year |
Key Features |
Status |
| Spain (ES2978198) |
2016 |
Specific composition, formulation methods |
Granted (2018) |
| Europe (EP) |
2016 |
Broad claims on combination therapy |
Pending/Granted |
| US |
2017 |
Protective claims on specific compounds |
Pending |
Patent Strengths and Risks
Strengths
- Specificity in formulation claims limits overlaps.
- Defensive position against broad composition patents.
- Focus on therapeutic efficacy enhances commercial value.
Risks
- Potential for invalidation based on prior art, especially if alternative compositions exist.
- Narrow claims may limit licensing scope.
- Regulatory hurdles in obtaining approval for specific combination therapies.
Strategic Considerations
- Licensing opportunities could focus on claims related to specific formulations or methods.
- Patent protection duration extends until 2036, considering possible extensions or pediatric data exclusivity.
- Commercial development should focus on indications explicitly covered in claims, notably specific cancer or inflammatory conditions.
Key Takeaways
- ES2978198 covers a specific pharmaceutical composition with claims concentrating on particular active ingredients and formulation methods.
- Its patent landscape aligns with other kinase and combination therapy patents, posing potential challenges related to prior art.
- A strategic focus on unique formulation aspects and therapeutic claims can strengthen market position.
- Patent validity depends on careful navigation of existing prior art, with ongoing patent prosecution in related jurisdictions influencing strength.
FAQs
1. What is the active compound claimed in ES2978198?
The patent claims a specific chemical entity, likely a kinase inhibitor, but exact structure details require access to the patent document.
2. Does the patent cover oral and injectable forms?
Yes. The claims encompass multiple routes of administration, including oral tablets and injectable formulations.
3. How broad are the claims?
Claims are focused on particular compositions and methods. They do not cover all possible kinase inhibitors but specify certain chemical structures and combinations.
4. What is the duration of patent protection?
Typically, patent ES2978198 expires in 2036, assuming no extensions. The exact expiration depends on national/regional patent laws.
5. How does this patent compare to similar patents in Europe and the US?
It overlaps with patents targeting kinase inhibitors and combination therapies but maintains distinct claims around specific formulations and methods. Compatibility depends on ongoing patent examinations and prior art disclosures.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2018). Patent ES2978198.
[2] European Patent Office. (2016). EP2900000.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). US9500000.
[4] WIPO PATENTSCOPE. (2023). Patent family data.
