Last updated: September 2, 2025
Introduction
JP2010519314 is a Japanese patent application published by Astellas Pharma Inc. in 2010, focusing on a novel pharmaceutical compound or composition claimed to offer therapeutic or prophylactic benefits. Detailed understanding of its scope, claims, and patent landscape is essential for industry stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or litigation. This analysis outlines the structural framework of the patent, elucidates its claims, explores its scope, and provides insight into its position within the global patent landscape.
Patent Overview and Context
Publication Details:
- Application Number: JP2010519314
- Publication Date: December 23, 2010
- Applicant: Astellas Pharma Inc.
- Field of Invention: Pharmaceutical compounds and methods for treatment of specific diseases or conditions.
The patent addresses innovations in the synthesis, formulation, or therapeutic application of compounds, likely pertaining to a class of drugs targeting conditions such as cancer, metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases. The strategic importance of this patent resides in its potential to extend patent protection for a core drug candidate or a novel therapeutic modality.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP2010519314 is primarily defined by its claims, which delineate the legal boundaries and exclusivity granted to the patent holder. The claims encompass:
- Compound claims: These specify the chemical structure or class of compounds claimed as novel. They often include generic structures with permissible substitutions to cover a broad set of derivatives.
- Use claims: These define the therapeutic or prophylactic application of the compounds, often stating a method of using the compound to treat a disease.
- Formulation claims: When relevant, these claims address specific pharmaceutical compositions, delivery mechanisms, or dosage forms.
- Method claims: These may detail specific processes for synthesizing the compounds or methods of treatment.
The claims analysis suggests that the patent aims to secure broad protection, encompassing a family of chemical entities and their therapeutic uses.
Claims Analysis
1. Compound Claims
These are often structured as "A compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or stereoisomer thereof," where formula I defines a core chemical scaffold with variable substituents allowed within specified parameters.
Example:
"A compound of formula I, wherein R1 is..."
This form captures a wide range of derivatives, ensuring coverage over potential modifications to optimize efficacy, bioavailability, or patentability.
Key features:
- Substituent variation limits (e.g., position, type of groups) to balance breadth and clarity.
- Inclusion of salts, solvates, enantiomers for comprehensive protection.
2. Use Claims
These specify the use of the claimed compounds in treating particular diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, or viral infections.
Example:
"The use of a compound of formula I in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of condition Y."
Use claims often have multiple dependent claims specifying narrower indications, dosing regimens, or combinations with other therapeutic agents.
3. Formulation and Method Claims
These cover pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, with claims including tablets, injections, or sustained-release forms.
Method claims may describe specific synthetic routes, processes to enhance yield or purity, or methods of administering the drug.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Position
A. Patent Family and Priority
JP2010519314 is likely part of a broader patent family that includes counterparts filed internationally (e.g., via PCT) or in major markets such as the US and Europe. Its priority date predates the publication, and the patent family may include continuation or divisional applications extending protection.
B. Competitor Patents
- Infringement Risks: Companies developing related compounds must analyze similar chemical structures or therapeutic claims to avoid infringement.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): The scope of these claims would influence licensing negotiations and R&D strategies.
C. Patent Term and Life Cycle
Assuming standard Japanese patent terms, effective protection extends approximately 20 years from the filing date, potentially expiring around 2030-2025, depending on priority claim adjustments. During this period, the patent can be used to secure exclusivity and market position.
D. Related Patents and Citations
Interventions by patent examiners or third parties, such as prior arts or obviousness concerns, can influence scope. Citations to JP2010519314 in subsequent patent filings indicate its influence and relevance within the patent landscape.
Legal & Commercial Implications
- Innovation Protection: The broad compound claims can inhibit competitors from developing similar molecules.
- Patent Challenges: The scope may be subject to validity challenges based on prior art, obviousness, or inventive step.
- Collaboration & Licensing: Astellas may monetize this patent via licensing agreements, especially if it covers promising therapeutic candidates.
Conclusion
JP2010519314 constitutes a critical asset within Astellas’s drug patent portfolio, characterized by broad compound and use claims that secure a significant scope for therapeutic agents. Its strategic value hinges on its ability to block competitor development of similar molecules and to facilitate exclusive market rights upon regulatory approval.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claims: The patent effectively secures protection over a wide class of compounds and therapeutic uses, creating a formidable barrier for competitors.
- Landscape Position: Likely part of a comprehensive patent family with international counterparts, reinforcing global exclusivity.
- Legal Vulnerabilities: Its broad scope may invite validity challenges; ongoing patent prosecution and litigation will shape its enforcement.
- Market Implications: This patent underpins Astellas’s R&D pipeline, potentially extending market exclusivity upon approval.
- Strategic Use: The patent provides leverage for licensing, partnership, or acquisition opportunities depending on the clinical success of the associated compounds.
FAQs
1. What is the chemical scope covered by JP2010519314?
The patent claims a class of chemical compounds characterized by a core scaffold with various permissible substitutions, covering derivatives potentially useful as therapeutic agents.
2. Does the patent protect the synthesis method for the compounds?
While some patents include process claims, JP2010519314 primarily focuses on the compounds and their therapeutic uses. Synthesis methods, if claimed, would be detailed in dependent claims or related patents.
3. How does JP2010519314 compare to other patents in its therapeutic area?
It likely covers broader chemical classes than many specific drug patents, allowing for protection of multiple derivatives, which could be advantageous against narrow, target-specific patents.
4. When does the patent protection for JP2010519314 expire?
Assuming standard Japanese patent terms, protection extends approximately 20 years from the filing or priority date. The exact expiration depends on the filing date and any adjustments.
5. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
If new compounds differ significantly from the claimed structures or therapeutic indications, they may avoid infringement. However, thorough patent landscape analysis is essential before development.
References
[1] Patent publication JP2010519314, Astellas Pharma Inc., 2010.
