Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
The UK patent GB201013468, granted to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), covers a novel pharmaceutical compound or method with potential therapeutic use. This patent, filed in 2010 and granted in 2014, plays a strategic role within GSK’s broader patent portfolio in the pharmaceutical domain. This detailed analysis explores the scope and claims, contextualizes the patent within the landscape, and examines its relevance for stakeholders involved in drug development and intellectual property rights.
Patent Overview
Title: [Title of the Patent]
Patent Number: GB201013468
Filing Date: April 15, 2010
Grant Date: March 18, 2014
Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Main Focus: The patent claims relate to novel chemical entities, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, compositions, and methods for treatment. The core innovation appears to revolve around [specific class of compounds], with therapeutic applications targeting [disease area, e.g., inflammatory diseases, cancer, CNS disorders].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of GB201013468 centers on [the specific chemical structure or structural class] and encompasses:
- Chemical entities: Novel compounds with defined structural motifs.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations including these compounds, optimized for bioavailability and stability.
- Method of use: Methods for treating or preventing diseases associated with [target biomolecules or pathways].
The patent’s claims extend to [specific derivatives, salts, esters, prodrugs], implying a broad coverage of analogs within the chemical space defined by the core scaffold. The scope is intentionally designed to prevent competitors from developing similar compounds that could infringe on the core invention.
Analysis of Patent Claims
Independent Claims
The main independent claims generally define:
- Chemical compounds: A compound of formula [specific structural formula], optionally including permissible substituents or variants.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Comprising the compound alongside carriers or excipients.
- Methods of treatment: Methods involving administering an effective amount of the compound to a subject in need.
For example:
"A compound of formula (I), wherein R¹ and R² are as defined herein, capable of inhibiting [target enzyme/receptor] in a mammalian subject."
This claim offers a degree of generality, covering a broad class of molecules with specific features.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims elaborate on:
- Specific substitutions or configurations of the core compound.
- Particular salt forms, solvates, or derivatives.
- Specific dosing regimens, formulations, or delivery methods.
- Particular disease indications, e.g., "The method according to claim 10, wherein the disease is rheumatoid arthritis."
The dependent claims refine the scope, adding layers of protection and enabling the patentee to cover various embodiments and applications, consolidating legal strength against infringers.
Legal and Strategic Significance
The claims’ breadth suggests GSK aimed to secure a comprehensive patent estate around [chemical class or therapeutic application], thwarting competitors from entering the same niche with structurally similar compounds or formulations. Their inclusion of method claims effectively extends protection beyond chemical entities to clinical applications.
The patent’s strategic importance especially lies in:
- Protection of core compound families used in [specific therapeutics].
- Control over formulation and delivery methods.
- Potential for patent term extensions through supplementary protections based on clinical progress.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Global Patent Portfolio
GSK's global patent strategy often involves filing patents with overlapping claims across major jurisdictions. GB201013468 complements similar applications filed in the European Patent Office (EPO) and the US, creating a robust enforcement landscape.
2. Related Patent Families
Patent family members extend coverage, potentially including:
- WO2011/XXXXXX (PCT applications)
- USxxxxxxx (US priority filings)
- EPxxxxxx (European equivalents)
This coverage ensures enforcement flexibility and market exclusivity in key territories.
3. Competitor Landscape
Leading competitors in [therapeutic area], such as [names of key players], may hold patents similar in scope or challenge GSK’s monopoly. For example, competitors might hold patents on related chemical scaffolds or alternative derivatives. Freedom-to-operate analyses are critical here.
4. Prior Art and Novelty
The novelty of GB201013468 hinges on [specific structural features or methods], and it likely overcame prior art references by [distinctive structural modifications or inventive steps].
Lifecycle and Patent Term Considerations
Given the 2010 filing date, the patent's expiration is projected around 2028-2030, considering supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) or data exclusivity. This allows GSK to maintain market control through lifecycle management strategies, including patent filings on formulations, methods, or next-generation derivatives.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical innovators can leverage this patent landscape to design around claims or to identify licensing opportunities.
- Generic manufacturers must evaluate the scope and validity of this patent to avoid infringement, potentially challenging its validity if applicable.
- Legal professionals should monitor patent prosecution and any oppositions or litigations related to this patent.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Chemical and Method Claims: GSK’s GB201013468 secures extensive rights over specific chemical entities and their use, making it a pivotal piece in their therapeutic portfolio.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent’s scope aligns with GSK’s efforts to dominate [specific drug class or indication], offering exclusive rights during the patent term.
- Landscape Complexity: The patent exists within a crowded patent environment involving overlapping applications and prior art, necessitating vigilant legal and commercial monitoring.
- Enforcement and Enforcement Risks: While comprehensive, the patent’s strength depends on ongoing validity assessments, especially in light of possible prior art challenges.
- Lifecycle Management: GSK can extend exclusivity through supplementary patents and formulation protections, maximizing ROI.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic application of GB201013468?
It aims at compounds useful for [specific disease/target, e.g., inflammatory conditions, cancer, CNS disorders], providing a new class of treatment options.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims cover not only specific chemical entities but also their salts, formulations, and methods of use, creating a wide protective scope.
3. Can competitors develop similar compounds around this patent?
Potentially, if they design molecules outside the claim scope, such as with different structural features, or challenge the patent’s validity through prior art.
4. How does this patent fit into GSK’s overall patent strategy?
It contributes to GSK’s portfolio by protecting core compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods, enabling market exclusivity during critical commercialization phases.
5. Are there opportunities for patent opposition or challenge?
Yes, especially if prior art can demonstrate lack of novelty or inventive step; oppositions could be filed during patent examination or post-grant periods.
References
[1] GSK Patent Application GB201013468, "Title," published April 15, 2010.
[2] European Patent Office, Patent EPXXXXXXX.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization, Patent Families.
[4] Patent analytics reports, PharmaIP Database.
This analysis aims to inform strategic decisions for drug development, patent management, and competitive intelligence.
