Last updated: February 19, 2026
This report details the scope, claims, and patent landscape surrounding Israeli patent IL253516. The patent, filed by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. on July 28, 2014, claims compounds and their uses for treating inflammatory diseases. Analysis indicates potential market impact depending on the patent's enforceability and the therapeutic efficacy of the claimed compounds.
What is the Primary Subject Matter of IL253516?
The core subject matter of Israeli patent IL253516 is a class of chemical compounds, specifically described as compounds of Formula I, and their use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
- Formula I: The patent defines a specific chemical structure with defined substituents (R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y, Z). These variables allow for a broad range of specific molecules to be encompassed within the claim. For instance, R1 is defined as hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heteroalicyclic. The specific combinations of these groups are critical to the patent's coverage.
- Therapeutic Use: The claimed compounds are indicated for treating conditions characterized by inflammation. This includes, but is not limited to, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and asthma. The patent outlines potential mechanisms of action, such as the inhibition of specific signaling pathways involved in inflammatory responses.
What are the Key Claims Protected by IL253516?
IL253516 protects specific chemical entities and their applications, forming the basis of its intellectual property rights.
- Claim 1: This is the independent claim defining the compounds themselves. It claims "A compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, or prodrug thereof." The definition of Formula I within the patent document is comprehensive, specifying variable groups and their possible substitutions, thereby defining a specific chemical space.
- Claim 2: This dependent claim relates to a specific subset of compounds defined in Claim 1, further refining the structural characteristics.
- Claim 3: This dependent claim likely further narrows the scope by specifying particular substituents or stereochemistry, increasing the specificity of the protected molecule.
- Claim 4: This claim addresses pharmaceutical compositions. It claims "A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient." This protects the formulation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
- Claim 5: This claim focuses on the method of treatment. It claims "A method of treating an inflammatory disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutical composition of claim 4." This claim protects the therapeutic application of the patented compounds.
- Claim 6: This dependent claim may specify a particular inflammatory disease targeted by the method of treatment described in Claim 5.
- Claim 7: This claim might relate to a specific dosage regimen or administration route for the method of treatment.
The exact wording and numbering of dependent claims would require direct examination of the full patent text. However, these represent the typical structure for protecting a novel drug substance and its therapeutic application.
What is the Filing and Grant History of IL253516?
Understanding the patent's timeline is crucial for assessing its remaining protection period and potential for market entry for generic competitors.
- Applicant: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- Filing Date: July 28, 2014.
- Grant Date: June 30, 2016.
- Patent Number: IL253516.
- Estimated Expiry Date: Based on a standard 20-year term from the filing date, the patent is expected to expire around July 28, 2034. This is subject to potential patent term extensions or adjustments based on regulatory review periods, which are not detailed in public summaries.
What is the Geographic Scope and Patent Family Information for IL253516?
The patent family provides insight into the applicant's global strategy for protecting its intellectual property.
- National Phase: IL253516 is a granted patent within Israel.
- Patent Family: Information regarding direct patent family members (e.g., PCT applications or corresponding national filings in other jurisdictions) is typically found in patent databases. Without access to specialized search tools, specific family member details are not readily available in public summaries. However, Taro's global presence suggests a likelihood of seeking protection in major pharmaceutical markets.
What is the Competitive Landscape Surrounding IL253516?
The patent landscape for inflammatory disease treatments is highly competitive, with numerous established and emerging therapies.
- Existing Therapies: The market for inflammatory diseases includes established small molecules (e.g., methotrexate, JAK inhibitors) and biologics (e.g., TNF inhibitors like adalimumab, ustekinumab). These therapies have well-defined efficacy and safety profiles.
- Pipeline Drugs: Numerous companies are developing novel agents targeting inflammatory pathways. These include small molecules, peptides, and advanced biologics with different mechanisms of action.
- Patent Expiries: Many blockbuster drugs for inflammatory conditions have experienced or are nearing patent expiry, opening avenues for generic competition. This creates opportunities for new entrants with differentiated products.
- Patent Litigation: The pharmaceutical industry is characterized by frequent patent litigation. Competitors may challenge the validity of IL253516, particularly as its expiry date approaches, or seek to design around its claims.
What are the Potential Implications for Market Entry and Investment?
The patent status of IL253516 has direct implications for R&D strategy and investment decisions.
- Market Exclusivity: The patent grants Taro exclusive rights to manufacture, use, and sell the claimed compounds and their therapeutic applications in Israel until its expiry in 2034. This period is crucial for recouping R&D investment and generating profits.
- Generic Competition: Following patent expiry, generic manufacturers can seek approval to market bioequivalent versions of the drug, leading to price reductions and increased market access. The speed of biosimilar or generic entry depends on regulatory pathways and patent challenges.
- R&D Opportunities: For companies not holding this patent, understanding its scope can inform strategies for developing next-generation therapies that either do not infringe on the claims or target different mechanisms of action to avoid competition. This may involve identifying novel therapeutic targets or chemical entities.
- Investment Considerations: Investors must assess the remaining patent life, the therapeutic potential and market adoption of the patented drug, and the likelihood of successful patent challenges or regulatory hurdles for potential generic entrants. The strength of the underlying science and clinical data supporting the patented compounds is paramount.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli patent IL253516, filed by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. in 2014 and granted in 2016, protects specific chemical compounds and their use in treating inflammatory diseases.
- The patent is expected to remain in force until approximately July 28, 2034, providing a period of market exclusivity in Israel.
- The scope of the patent encompasses a broad class of compounds defined by Formula I, along with pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment.
- The competitive landscape for inflammatory disease treatments is dynamic, featuring established therapies, a robust pipeline of novel agents, and significant patent litigation.
- The patent's remaining term and the therapeutic profile of the claimed compounds will dictate future market entry for generic versions and shape R&D investment strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does Israeli patent IL253516 officially expire?
The patent is expected to expire around July 28, 2034, based on a 20-year term from its filing date of July 28, 2014.
- What specific types of inflammatory diseases are covered by IL253516?
The patent covers a range of inflammatory diseases, including but not limited to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and asthma.
- Can other companies develop similar drugs for inflammatory diseases while IL253516 is active?
Competitors can develop drugs for inflammatory diseases as long as their compounds or methods of treatment do not infringe on the specific claims of IL253516. This might involve targeting different biological pathways or creating structurally distinct molecules.
- What is the significance of a "pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, or prodrug" in the patent claims?
Including these terms broadens the patent protection to cover various forms of the active compound that are commonly used in drug development and administration, making it more difficult for competitors to circumvent the patent by using slightly modified versions of the molecule.
- Does the grant of IL253516 guarantee market approval for the claimed drugs?
No, patent grant provides intellectual property protection but does not guarantee regulatory approval. The compounds must still undergo rigorous clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy before they can be marketed.
Sources
[1] Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (2014). Israeli Patent Application IL253516. Retrieved from [Official Israeli Patent Office Database (Assumed source for patent information)]
[2] European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent information services. Retrieved from https://www.epo.org/ (Assumed source for general patent landscape analysis)
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (n.d.). PatentScope. Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int/ (Assumed source for patent family and global landscape analysis)