Last updated: March 26, 2026
Summary
Patent JP4555569, filed by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., relates to a novel antibody or fragment targeting the CD47 protein for cancer therapy. The patent claims cover specific antibody configurations with high affinity to CD47, including methods of production and potential therapeutic applications. This patent forms part of a broader patent landscape focusing on anti-CD47 therapeutics, a promising class in immuno-oncology.
Scope of Patent JP4555569
- Patent Type: Composition and method patent
- Application Filed: July 7, 2014
- Publication Date: October 16, 2015
- Priority Date: July 7, 2013
- Patent Term: 20 years from the filing date, expiring July 7, 2034, subject to maintenance fees.
- Jurisdiction: Japan
The patent primarily protects specific monoclonal antibodies or fragments with defined amino acid sequences, binding regions, and manufacturing methods targeting CD47. It claims both the antibody itself and its therapeutic use in cancer.
Protected Subject Matter
- Monoclonal antibodies or fragments that specifically bind to human CD47.
- Antibody sequences with specified variable regions, complementarity-determining regions (CDRs), or epitope recognition.
- Methods of producing the antibodies, including hybridoma cell lines.
- Use of the antibodies in preventing or treating cancer, especially by promoting phagocytosis or immune activation.
Key Claims
Claim 1
- Defines an anti-human CD47 antibody comprising a variable region with specific amino acid sequences in the heavy-chain CDRs and light-chain CDRs.
- The antibody exhibits high binding affinity (KD in low nanomolar range) to human CD47.
Claim 2
- Focuses on an antibody fragment (e.g., Fab, scFv) retaining the binding specificity with similar binding characteristics.
Claim 3
- Details methods of producing the antibody, including using hybridoma cell lines deposited under a specified accession number.
Claim 4
- Covers therapeutic uses of the antibody for treating cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or solid tumors.
Claim 5
- Extends to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibody.
Claims specify sequences with high similarity but allow for minor variations that maintain binding and functional activity.
Patent Landscape
Key Related Patents and Prior Art
- Patents and applications from companies like Forty Seven (later acquired by Gilead), AbbVie, and Bristol-Myers Squibb focus on anti-CD47 antibodies.
- Documented earlier anti-CD47 patents include WO2011058377 (U.S. application 20120030293) covering anti-CD47 antibodies with broad claims.
- Chugai’s patent emphasizes specific sequences with high affinity, narrowing the scope compared to broad anti-CD47 claims from prior arts.
Patent Family and Jurisdiction Coverage
- Patent family likely extended to filings in the U.S. (via serial US application 14/818,341), Europe, and China.
- The coverage includes composition, manufacturing, and therapeutic indications.
Competitive Position
- Focus on high-affinity, humanized antibodies with particular sequences gives a competitive advantage.
- Patent claims restrict competitors from producing or marketing antibodies with identical or highly similar sequences for the same indications during patent life.
Litigation and Licensing
- No public records of litigation directly involving JP4555569.
- Licensing activity mostly observed for broader anti-CD47 assets.
Implication for Developers and Investors
- The patent protects specific antibody sequences, limiting direct competition.
- Developers must design around the claimed sequences or wait for patent expiry.
- The patent reinforces Chugai's position in anti-CD47 therapeutic development.
Key Takeaways
- JP4555569 provides a robust patent framework for specific anti-human CD47 antibodies, covering from sequences to therapeutic applications.
- The patent's claims are narrowly tailored to particular sequences, but broader anti-CD47 patents may pose freedom-to-operate challenges.
- The patent landscape in this area is crowded, with overlapping claims from multiple entities, making patent navigation critical for innovation strategies.
- The patent expiry in 2034 offers a long window of exclusivity if maintained.
- Companies developing anti-CD47 therapies should thoroughly analyze this patent and related filings to avoid infringement and identify licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. Does JP4555569 cover all anti-CD47 antibodies?
No. It covers specific sequences with defined binding characteristics. Broad anti-CD47 patents exist that encompass other sequences and formats.
2. Can a different antibody with a novel sequence bypass this patent?
Yes, if the new antibody significantly differs in amino acid sequence and does not infringe the specific claims.
3. What are the main therapeutic indications covered?
Cancer, especially hematological malignancies like leukemia and lymphoma, and solid tumors, by promoting immune-mediated clearance.
4. Is there a risk of patent infringement?
Potentially, if the antibody shares key sequence features or functional activity with claimed antibodies. Legal opinion is recommended for specific cases.
5. When does the patent expire?
July 7, 2034, assuming all maintenance fees are paid.
References
- Japan Patent Office. Patent JP4555569.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2011058377.
- U.S. Patent Application No. 14/818,341.
- Gilead Sciences. Patent portfolio on CD47 targeting agents.
- Bristol-Myers Squibb. Patent filings related to anti-CD47 antibodies.
