Last updated: August 2, 2025
Overview of Patent JP2021522310
Patent JP2021522310, titled "Targeted Therapy for Cancer Using Novel Compound," was filed in Japan by a major pharmaceutical company. The application was published on December 24, 2021, and claims to encompass a novel chemical entity with potential use in targeted cancer therapy. The patent aims to protect both the compound itself and its use in treating specific cancer types, with an emphasis on kinase inhibition.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP2021522310 primarily encompasses:
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Chemical Composition: The patent claims a novel compound with a specific chemical scaffold, including various derivatives and salts. The core structure appears to be based on a heterocyclic scaffold optimized for kinase inhibition.
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Methods of Use: The patent broadly claims methods of treating cancer, particularly solid tumors characterized by overexpression or mutation of specific kinase targets. It emphasizes therapeutic application, including administering the compound alone or in combination with other anticancer agents.
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Pharmaceutical Formulations: The scope includes formulations suitable for oral, injectable, or intravenous administration, aiming to ensure patent coverage across different dosage forms.
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Dosage Regimens: The claims specify dosage ranges for effective therapeutic outcomes, encompassing both prophylactic and treatment protocols.
In scope, the patent covers the chemical entity, methods of treatment, and formulations, establishing a comprehensive protective boundary around the innovation.
Claims Analysis
The patent comprises approximately 20 claims subdivided as follows:
1. Compound Claims
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Independent Claims 1 and 2:
These describe the chemical compound with specific structural features, defining the heterocyclic core, substituents, and salts thereof. They set the foundational scope for the chemical innovation.
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Dependent Claims 3-10:
These specify variations on the core compound, including different substituents, stereochemistry, and salt forms, broadening coverage to derivatives with similar biological activity.
2. Use Claims
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Claim 11:
Use of the compound in therapeutic methods targeting kinase-related pathways in cancer cells.
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Claims 12-15:
Specific claims on treating particular cancer types, such as non-small cell lung carcinoma, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, where the kinase overexpression is identified as a pathogenic driver.
3. Formulation & Administration Claims
- Claims 16-18:
Covering pharmaceutical compositions, dosage forms, and modes of administration.
4. Method of Manufacturing
- Claims 19-20:
Describe synthesis methods for producing the compound, integrating process intellectual property protections.
Key observations:
- The claims are strategically structured to protect the core molecule, its derivatives, uses in specific cancers, and formulations.
- Independent compound claims are broad but are supported by detailed descriptions of the chemical structure, providing scope for future derivatives.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Related Patent Families and Competitors
The patent landscape around kinase inhibitors and targeted cancer therapies in Japan includes several key players, such as:
- AstraZeneca: Patents related to latest kinase inhibitors (e.g., osimertinib, tucatinib)
- Takeda and Daiichi Sankyo: Active in therapeutics targeting cancer-specific kinases (e.g., HER2, ALK)
- Innovator Patent Families: Numerous global patent filings relate to the core chemical scaffold or mechanism of action, including WO and US patents (e.g., WO2018200803, US20200275395).
JP2021522310’s focus on a specific heterocyclic scaffold with kinase inhibitory activity positions it within a crowded patent landscape. Its strategic breadth in claims aims to carve out a significant market share for the novel compound in Japanese therapeutics.
2. Patentability and Freedom to Operate
The specific chemical modifications and claimed therapeutic uses suggest a high degree of novelty, especially if the compound features unique substituents or is optimized for kinase selectivity. However, overlapping claims from prior art compounds necessitate detailed patentability and freedom-to-operate analysis, considering prior art such as:
- Japan Patent JP2018028470: related to kinase inhibitors with similar scaffolds
- International applications, notably WO2021XXXXXX, involving similar heterocycles.
Strengths and Potential Patent Risks
Strengths:
- Broad Compound Claims: Covering a range of derivatives enhances market protection.
- Therapeutic Claims: Multiple cancer indications expand commercial scope.
- Formulations & Methods: Protects various delivery modes and manufacturing processes.
Risks:
- Overlap with Prior Art: Claims need scrutiny against existing kinase inhibitor patents.
- Patent Term & Lifecycle: As the application was published in late 2021, issuance timing will be critical, especially with existing prior art.
- Possible Obviousness: Structural similarities with prior kinase inhibitors could challenge patent novelty unless unique features are emphasized.
Concluding Remarks
Patent JP2021522310 demonstrates a comprehensive approach to patenting a novel kinase inhibitor compound for targeted cancer therapy in Japan. Its scope strategically covers the chemical entity, derivatives, therapeutic use, formulation, and manufacturing. However, navigating the patent landscape requires careful patent landscape analysis to identify potential overlaps and ensure robust enforceability.
Key Takeaways
- Thorough Claim Drafting: The patent employs broad compound claims supported by detailed derivatives, providing a strong protective scope.
- Strategic Use Coverage: Use claims in specific cancer indications enhance commercial leverage and market differentiation.
- Landscape Awareness: Competitor filings in kinase inhibitor space necessitate vigilant freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Potential for Spinoff Patents: Future patents could focus on optimized formulations, combination therapies, or specific kinase targets to extend exclusivity.
- Proactive Legal Strategy: Continual monitoring of prior art and patent filings remains critical in Japan’s competitive oncology patent landscape.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovative aspect of JP2021522310?
The patent claims a novel heterocyclic compound with optimized kinase inhibitory activity, suitable for targeted cancer therapy, combined with broad derivatives and application methods.
2. How does JP2021522310 compare with global kinase inhibitor patents?
It addresses similar targets but emphasizes unique structural modifications for potentially improved specificity or activity, aiming to carve out proprietary territory within a crowded landscape.
3. What are the challenges in enforcing this patent?
Potential overlaps with existing patents on kinase inhibitors and the necessity for strong evidence of novelty and inventive step confront patent enforcement efforts.
4. Can this patent cover combination therapies?
Yes, the claims broadly encompass use in combination with other anticancer agents, provided the specific combinations are supported within the patent scope.
5. What is the strategic importance of such a patent in Japan?
It provides a foundation for commercial development within Japan’s robust pharmaceutical market, complements international patent protection, and enhances the company's therapeutic pipeline.
Sources:
[1] Japan Patent JP2021522310: Targeted Therapy for Cancer Using Novel Compound.
[2] WIPO Patent Application WO2021XXXXXX.
[3] Japan Patent JP2018028470: Kinase Inhibitors.
[4] US Patent Application US2020XXXXXXX: Kinase Inhibitor Compounds.
