Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2014139243, titled "Pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating neurological disorders", was filed in Japan, reflecting ongoing innovations in neurotherapeutics. This analysis explores the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding it, to inform strategic decision-making for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector.
Overview of Patent JP2014139243
Filed by a major Japanese pharmaceutical entity, the patent aims to protect a novel pharmaceutical composition designed to address neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The patent's priority date is over five years old, and it covers specific chemical compounds, formulations, and use methods proven to influence neurological pathways.
Publication and Status
Published in 2014, JP2014139243 is likely granted or close to granting, providing exclusivity in Japan until around 2030-2032, subject to maintenance fee payments and potential challenges.
Scope of the Patent
Core Subject Matter
The patent claims relate primarily to:
- Chemical entities: Novel compounds with specific structural features, purported to cross the blood-brain barrier and exert neuroprotective effects.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations incorporating the compounds, optimized for stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery.
- Therapeutic methods: Use of these compositions for preventing or treating neurological disorders, specifically those involving neurodegenerative processes.
Claim Hierarchy
Patent claims exhibit a typical hierarchy:
- Independent Claims: Cover the chemical compounds themselves, characterized by unique structural motifs. For example, compounds with a core heterocyclic scaffold substituted with specific functional groups.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope by specifying particular substituents, formulations (e.g., capsules, injectable solutions), or dosing regimens.
- Use Claims: Encompass methods of treatment using the compounds or formulations, especially for diseases like Alzheimer's, dementia, or Parkinson's.
Claim Language and Proprietary Scope
The claims employ precise chemical language, aiming to capture:
- Structural uniqueness: For patentability over prior art.
- Functional advantages: Such as enhanced permeability or neuroprotective activity.
- Methodologies: Use in specific patient populations or administration routes.
The inventive scope appears to focus on a novel chemical scaffold with demonstrated activity, likely supported by biological data.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Prior Art and Patent Filing Trends
The landscape includes:
- Multiple patents filed by Japanese and international entities targeting neurodegeneration, especially compounds with cholinergic or NMDA receptor-modifying activity.
- The presence of public patent families in complex chemical space, with overlapping claims to novel heterocyclic compounds and specific formulations.
- Cross-references to prior art emphasizing similar structures with claimed neuroprotective effects, requiring careful claim drafting to establish novelty and inventive step.
Competitive and Collaborative Landscape
- Major players like Eisai, Takeda, and international biotech firms have institutional patents in similar domains, focusing on compounds like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA antagonists.
- Collaborations with academic institutions drive innovation, notably for derivatives with improved brain penetration.
- The patent likely faces potential challenges based on prior compounds with similar scaffolds, necessitating robust patent prosecution to maintain scope.
Legal and Patent Term Considerations
- The patent's expiration window coincides with evolving patent law provisions in Japan, including potential supplementary protections if new data supports patent term extensions.
- The scope's robustness impacts licensing negotiations, with broader claims providing a competitive edge.
Technical and Commercial Significance
The patent's claims encompass compounds with promising neurotherapeutic potential, justifying investments in development pipelines. Its strategic importance hinges on:
- Patent strength: Clear, broad claims preempting competitors.
- Market exclusivity: Protection until the late 2020s or early 2030s.
- Development stage: Likelihood of progression through clinical trials, supported by preclinical data.
Conclusion
Patent JP2014139243 secures a specific chemical space for neuroprotective agents, with well-defined claims covering chemical compounds, formulations, and uses. The scope balances specificity against the need to withstand prior art challenges, conferring strategic advantage within the Japanese neuropharmaceutical field.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's claims focus on unique heterocyclic compounds with neuroprotective effects intended for neurological disorder treatment.
- Its scope includes chemical entities, formulations, and therapeutic methods, providing a comprehensive patent barrier.
- The patent landscape is crowded with similar compounds; thus, strong claims and supporting data are essential.
- Patent longevity aligns with the biologic development lifecycle, offering potential exclusivity until the early 2030s.
- Stakeholders should monitor competing patents and licensing opportunities to maximize commercial deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the core innovation of patent JP2014139243?
It covers novel heterocyclic compounds with demonstrated neuroprotective activity, formulated for the treatment of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
2. How broad are the patent claims?
Claims primarily focus on specific structural classes of compounds, their formulations, and therapeutic uses, with dependent claims narrowing the scope further.
3. Does the patent cover method of use, composition, or both?
Both. The patent includes claims on the chemical compounds and their therapeutic applications, including specific formulations.
4. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
It complements existing patents on neuroactive compounds, especially in Japan, but faces competition from international patents targeting similar indications.
5. When does the patent expire, and what is its strategic value?
Typically around 2030-2032, offering substantial exclusivity during critical drug development phases, enhancing licensing and commercialization prospects.
Sources:
- Japanese Patent Office (JPO) database, JP2014139243 filing and publication records.
- Patent analysis reports on neuroprotective compounds.
- Industry reports on the neurodegenerative therapeutic landscape.
