Last updated: March 27, 2026
Scope and Claims Analysis of JP2019131570
Japan Patent JP2019131570 titled "Use of Maraviroc for Treating or Preventing Coronavirus Infection" covers methods of using maraviroc, a CCR5 antagonist, in the treatment or prevention of coronavirus infections, including COVID-19. The patent emphasizes post-infection or prophylactic applications, particularly targeting SARS-CoV-2.
Key Claims Overview
| Claim Number |
Content Summary |
Scope |
| Claim 1 |
Method for preventing or treating coronavirus infection using maraviroc or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt. |
Broad; includes any coronavirus, explicitly SARS-CoV-2. |
| Claim 2 |
Method as in claim 1, wherein maraviroc is administered before infection (prophylaxis). |
Extends to prevention. |
| Claim 3 |
Method as in claim 1, wherein maraviroc is administered after infection diagnosis. |
Covers therapeutic use. |
| Claim 4 |
Includes formulation specifics, like dosage forms and routes of administration. |
Material scope, but limited to formulations explicitly mentioned. |
| Claim 5 |
Use of maraviroc for preparing a medicament for coronavirus infection treatment or prevention. |
Process claim, broad application. |
Scope Analysis:
The patent claims encompass any therapeutic or prophylactic use of maraviroc for coronavirus infections, with explicit mention of SARS-CoV-2, covering uses prior to or following infection. The claims are broad in method but narrower in formulation specifics.
Patent Landscape Context
Active Patents and Applications in Similar Domains:
- Maraviroc background: An HIV entry inhibitor approved by FDA (2007), with known CCR5 antagonism.
- COVID-19 related patents: Multiple filings use CCR5 antagonists for viral infections, including other companies and institutions. The landscape shows active exploration of CCR5's role in immune modulation during viral infections.
Patent Families:
| Patent Family |
Key documents |
Filing Dates |
Jurisdictions |
Status |
| JP2019131570 |
JP2019131570 (publication), PCT/US2020/049392 |
2019 (JP), 2020 (PCT) |
Japan, US, PCT |
Pending/public |
| US2021/0171421 |
Similar use claims for CCR5 antagonists |
2020 |
US |
Pending |
| WO2020/234461 |
Broad CCR5 antagonist claims |
2020 |
WO/International |
Pending |
Legal Status:
The application appears to be in examination or pending publication. No granted patents published yet in major jurisdictions for this specific application.
Patentability & Novelty
According to publicly available data, the use of maraviroc for coronavirus infections is emerging but not well documented in prior art, especially in the context of prophylactic and therapeutic use. The originality relies on specific application for coronavirus indications, which is distinct from prior HIV-specific claims.
Novelty Factors:
- Application of maraviroc in viral infections outside HIV.
- Use in prophylactic setting, not just treatment.
- Specific claim scope targeting coronavirus infections.
Inventive Step:
The patent appears to leverage existing knowledge of CCR5's role in immune response modulation during viral infections, applying it specifically to coronavirus prophylaxis and therapy, which may meet inventive criteria if supported by experimental data.
Summary of Potential IP Risks and Opportunities
| Risk/Opportunity |
Details |
| Patentability |
Likely novel and inventive if supported by experimental data showing efficacy against coronavirus infections. |
| Freedom to Operate |
Similar CCR5 antagonists could infringe if claims are broad. Check for prior art related to CCR5 inhibitors in viral indications. |
| Market Potential |
COVID-19 prophylactic/therapeutic products have high demand; patent rights provide competitive advantage. |
Key Takeaways
- JP2019131570 claims method of using maraviroc for coronavirus prophylaxis and treatment, targeting SARS-CoV-2.
- The patent’s scope includes prophylactic and therapeutic claims, with specific formulation mentions.
- The patent landscape features emerging filings focused on CCR5 antagonists for viral infections, with no fully granted patents yet.
- Patentability hinges on demonstrated efficacy; novelty appears defensible based on current disclosures.
- An assessment of existing prior art is critical, especially in the context of recent filings targeting COVID-19.
FAQs
1. What distinguishes this patent's claims from prior uses of maraviroc?
It specifically claims prophylactic and therapeutic applications against coronavirus infections, whereas prior uses focused on HIV.
2. Does the patent cover all CCR5 antagonists or only maraviroc?
While primarily focused on maraviroc, some claims may extend to other CCR5 antagonists if the language is broad.
3. What are the main risks in patenting antiviral uses of CCR5 inhibitors?
Prior art involving CCR5 antagonists in viral infections and claims that are too broad could challenge novelty and inventive step.
4. How broad are the formulation claims within the patent?
Claims include dosage forms and routes but are limited by specific embodiments disclosed, which could restrict scope.
5. What strategies could strengthen patent protection?
Including experimental data demonstrating efficacy against coronavirus strains and broadening claims to cover other CCR5 antagonists or combination therapies.
References
[1] Japan Patent JP2019131570.
[2] United States Patent Application US20210171421.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization WO2020234461.
