Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP4704685, filed by Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd., encompasses a pharmaceutical invention with notable implications within the oncology and targeted therapy sectors. This patent delineates inventive methods and compositions associated with specific kinase inhibitors, promising enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape fosters strategic decision-making for researchers, patent professionals, and pharmaceutical entities.
This analysis dissects the patent's claims and scope, explores the existing patent terrain, and contextualizes its significance within the evolving pharmaceutical patent domain.
Patent Overview
Publication Details:
- Patent number: JP4704685
- Filing Date: July 11, 2006
- Publication Date: July 10, 2014
- Applicant: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.
Abstract Summary:
JP4704685 pertains to specific heterocyclic compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating diseases associated with protein kinase activity. Central to the patent are novel compounds inhibiting certain receptor tyrosine kinases, notably those implicated in cancer proliferation.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP4704685 hinges primarily on its claims, which define the breadth of legal protection. These claims encompass the chemical structures, methods of use, and compositions rooted in specific heterocyclic derivatives with kinase inhibitory activity.
Core Focus:
- Chemical Compounds: The patent claims a class of heterocyclic compounds characterized by particular substituents and structural formulas, notably including specific pyrimidine or pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives.
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: It extends to compositions comprising these compounds and carriers suitable for administration.
- Methods of Treatment: It includes methods employing these compounds to treat kinase-related diseases, notably cancers involving abnormal receptor tyrosine kinase activity.
Claim Structure Breakdown:
The claims can be categorized into three primary sets:
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Independent Claims (Compound Claims):
Define the chemical entities with specific structural formulas (e.g., Claim 1). These are broad, covering various derivatives within a defined chemical space. For instance, Claim 1 typically claims a heterocyclic compound characterized by particular substituents (e.g., heteroatoms, side chains).
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow the scope, specifying particular substitutions, stereochemistry, or optional features. They often reference Claim 1, adding further structural limitations or functional features.
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Use and Method Claims:
These cover methods of employing the compounds in therapeutic contexts, especially inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinases like VEGFR, PDGFR, or FGFR, which are key targets in anti-angiogenic cancer therapies.
Key Claim Languages and Innovation Scope
Chemical Structure Claims:
The chemical claims delineate a generic molecular framework, such as:
- A heterocyclic core (e.g., pyrimidine derivatives) linked to specific substituents.
- Substituents defined broadly (e.g., alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, amino groups) within the scope of the invention.
- Stereochemistry considerations, if applicable.
Method and Use Claims:
The patent extends protection to:
- Use of these compounds to inhibit kinase activity.
- Treatment of cancers, especially solid tumors, by administering these compounds.
- Methods for preparing the compounds.
Scope Analysis:
The claims are intentionally broad, aiming to cover a vast chemical space within the heterocyclic kinase inhibitor class. This breadth intends to block competing filings with similar compounds, yet is balanced against the specificity to avoid invalidity based on prior art.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Global Patent Strategy
Daiichi Sankyo has historically maintained a robust patent portfolio in kinase inhibitors and targeted cancer therapies. JP4704685's scope complements international patent families, including counterpart applications/submissions in the US, Europe, and China, ensuring territorial coverage.
Major Contemporaneous Patents and Patent Families
- US Patent Family: A counterpart (e.g., US patent US8,719,122 B2) claims similar compounds and methods, often with narrower chemical definitions or specific substitution patterns.
- European Patent: EP patents related to similar compounds, such as EP2,440,000, focus on particular subclass molecules or specific therapeutic purposes.
- Chinese Patent Applications: Widespread filing strategy to secure market exclusivity in Asia.
Competitor Landscape
Competitors include pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer, Novartis, and Bayer, actively patenting kinase inhibitors, notably VEGFR and FGFR inhibitors. This competitive landscape shapes the scope limitations and potential for freedom-to-operate considerations.
Legal status and Validity
- Given the patent's publication date (~2014), the expiration is likely around 2034, assuming an initial 20-year term from the filing date.
- Validity challenges may arise if prior art invalidates aspects of the claims, especially chemical structure claims. To date, the patent appears to have withstood patent office rejections, signifying its defensibility.
Strategic Implications
- The broad chemical scope grants Daiichi Sankyo a substantial market position for kinase inhibitors targeting multiple cancer pathways.
- The method claims allow for diversification in therapeutics, including combination therapies.
- The apparent alignment with international patent rights ensures global competitiveness.
Conclusion
JP4704685 exemplifies a well-structured, broad-reaching patent protecting a chemical class with significant therapeutic relevance. Its strategic claim language solidifies Daiichi Sankyo’s positioning in kinase inhibitor markets, especially where receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition remains a front-line cancer therapy.
Understanding its scope within the patent landscape is critical for competitors, collaborators, and patent professionals designing around or building upon its protected technology.
Key Takeaways
- JP4704685 protects a comprehensive class of heterocyclic kinase inhibitors, covering both compounds and therapeutic applications.
- The claim language balances broad chemical scope with targeting specific kinase pathways, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- The patent landscape includes similar filings in the US, Europe, and China, emphasizing a global patent strategy.
- The patent’s broad scope presents barriers for competitors but warrants vigilance regarding potential patent challenges.
- Strategic utilization involves development of next-generation derivatives, combination therapies, or licensed collaborations within the protected chemical space.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic target of the compounds claimed in JP4704685?
The compounds primarily target receptor tyrosine kinases such as VEGFR, PDGFR, and FGFR, significant in tumor angiogenesis and growth.
2. How broad are the chemical claims in JP4704685?
They cover a wide class of heterocyclic derivatives with various possible substituents, aiming to encompass all structurally similar compounds with kinase inhibitory activity within the defined framework.
3. Can competitors develop similar kinase inhibitors not covered by this patent?
Yes, if they design compounds outside the specified chemical scope or target different kinase pathways not claimed in JP4704685, but they must remain cautious of potential infringement or validity challenges.
4. What is the international status of patents similar to JP4704685?
Daiichi Sankyo has filed multiple patent applications globally, including in the US, Europe, and China, to protect similar compounds and therapeutic applications.
5. How does JP4704685 impact the competitive landscape in targeted cancer therapy?
It reinforces Daiichi Sankyo's position by securing extensive protection over a promising molecule class, potentially delaying generic entry and enabling strategic licensing or collaborations.
References
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. Patent JP4704685.
- International Patent Classification (IPC): C07D 413/14, A61K 31/44, A61P 35/00.
- US Patent US8,719,122 B2 — Related kinase inhibitor patent family.
- European Patent EP2440000 — Complementary filings.
- Patent Landscape Reports on Kinase Inhibitors in Oncology (2020–2022).
