Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent JP2007527433?
Patent JP2007527433, filed in Japan, claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising a VEGF inhibitor in combination with a compatible agent for treating or preventing cancer or ocular diseases. The patent is broad, covering both the composition and its therapeutic applications, particularly targeting tumors and eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
The patent’s claims extend to the following:
- A pharmaceutical composition containing a VEGF inhibitor (such as bevacizumab or an equivalent) alongside an anti-inflammatory or anti-angiogenic agent.
- Methods for treating or preventing cancers or eye diseases with the claimed composition.
- Use of the composition in manufacturing medicinal products for such indications.
The claims are formulated to encompass multiple VEGF inhibitors, including monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and small molecules that inhibit the VEGF pathway. The patent explicitly includes combinations with known agents, such as anti-VEGF drugs and steroids.
The scope emphasizes both the composition's formulation and its use in specific diseases, notably cancers and ocular disorders involving abnormal neovascularization.
How are the claims structured?
The claims are divided into multiple categories:
Composition Claims
- Composition comprising VEGF inhibitors in combination with other agents.
- Inclusion of a broad range of VEGF inhibitors, explicitly mentioning monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins.
- Emphasis on pharmaceutical carriers and formulations suitable for ocular and systemic administration.
Method Claims
- Methods for treating cancer, including solid tumors, and ocular diseases, notably age-related macular degeneration.
- Methods involve administering an effective amount of the composition.
- Specific dosing or administration routes are not strictly limited but covered broadly.
Use Claims
- Use of the composition for the preparation of a medicament for treating specified diseases.
- Diagnostic or therapeutic applications are covered.
Manufacturing Claims
- Processes for preparing the composition.
The claims' language emphasizes versatility, aiming to cover various VEGF inhibitors and combinations without limiting to specific molecular entities.
What is the patent landscape surrounding JP2007527433?
The patent landscape features multiple patents and patent applications that overlap or are related to anti-VEGF therapies, especially in oncology and ophthalmology. Key insights include:
Major Related Patents
- US patents related to anti-VEGF antibody formulations, including US8,563,036 (becasue of similarity in composition claims).
- European patents covering anti-VEGF antibodies combined with steroids for ocular use.
- Other Japanese patents focusing on VEGF inhibitors and their combination therapies.
Competitive Landscape
- Several filings by major pharmaceutical companies, including Roche (Avastin), Regeneron (Eylea), and Bayer.
- Patent families emphasizing formulation details, dosing regimens, or specific combination therapies.
- Expanding patent applications suggesting ongoing efforts to broaden claims on VEGF inhibitor use in oncology and ophthalmology.
Trends and Policy
- Shift toward broader claims encompassing multiple VEGF inhibitors and combinations.
- Emphasis on ocular indications, notably neovascular age-related macular degeneration, reflecting market growth.
- Increasing patent filings post-2010 indicate strong R&D activity in the field.
Patent Term Considerations
- Patent JP2007527433, filed around 2007, enjoys a typical 20-year term from filing (expected to expire around 2027-2028).
- Patent activities already shifting towards second-generation or improved formulations, which could impact generic entry.
Patent Exam Trends
- Japanese patent office (JPO) examinations increasingly scrutinize inventive step, especially for broad claims covering multiple compounds.
- Recent office actions may request narrowing claims or support based on inventive contribution.
Analysis of legal and commercial implications
The patent provides a broad platform for developing VEGF-based therapies within Japan, especially for ophthalmic and oncologic applications. Its scope overlaps with several international patents, raising potential freedom-to-operate considerations. Companies aiming to commercialize VEGF inhibitor combinations in Japan should carefully evaluate potential conflicts with existing patents and consider patent expiry timelines.
Key Takeaways
- JP2007527433 claims a broad class of VEGF inhibitor compositions with multiple therapeutic applications, primarily targeting cancers and eye diseases.
- Claims cover compositions, methods, uses, and manufacturing processes with minimal limitations.
- The patent landscape is highly competitive, featuring key players like Roche and Regeneron, emphasizing ongoing innovation in this space.
- The patent's expiration around 2027-2028 presents strategic opportunities or risks for generic or biosimilar development.
- Legal challenges and patent office scrutiny are expected to narrow or refine the scope of broad claims.
FAQs
Q1: Does JP2007527433 cover both systemic and ocular VEGF therapies?
Yes, it claims compositions and methods applicable to systemic cancer treatment and ocular neovascular diseases.
Q2: Are specific VEGF inhibitors named in the patent?
The patent broadly references VEGF inhibitors, including monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins, but does not specify proprietary compounds exclusively.
Q3: How does the patent compare to global equivalents?
It aligns with international patents that claim broad VEGF inhibitor formulations but may have narrower or broader claims depending on jurisdiction.
Q4: Can a competitor develop a new VEGF inhibitor without infringement?
Potentially, if the inhibitor differs significantly from the claimed compositions and methods or if the patent's claims are narrowed through legal proceedings.
Q5: What is the strategic significance of this patent for R&D?
It provides a platform for developing combination therapies in oncology and ophthalmology within Japan, with expiry approaching and ongoing patent filings extending protection.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office. (2007). JP2007527433.
[2] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). US8,563,036.
[3] European Patent Office. (2013). EP2558220B1.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2015). Patent Landscape Report on VEGF Inhibitors.
