Last updated: February 26, 2026
What is the scope of patent JP4934197?
JP4934197 is a Japanese patent granted on November 8, 2013. It covers a pharmaceutical composition involving a specific combination of active ingredients intended for therapeutic use. The patent primarily targets a method of treatment for a specific disease, focusing on novel formulations or processes involving known compounds.
Key details:
- Patent number: JP4934197
- Filing date: May 28, 2009
- Grant date: November 8, 2013
- Applicants: Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.
- International Classification: A61K31/198 (drug compositions with specific combinations), A61K31/197 (pharmaceuticals with combinations of active ingredients)
Core invention scope:
- The patent claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of at least two active ingredients, typically a serotonin receptor modulator and a dopamine receptor modulator.
- The composition is used in methods to treat a neurological or psychiatric condition, such as depression or schizophrenia.
- It specifies particular formulations, doses, or modes of administration that optimize efficacy or reduce side effects.
How are the claims structured?
Main claims overview:
- The main claims define a pharmaceutical composition containing a combination of a serotonin receptor agonist or antagonist and a dopamine receptor modulator.
- Claims specify the chemical entities, their concentrations, and ratios.
- Methods of treating specific disorders using this combination form the core claimed invention.
Claim examples:
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) a serotonin receptor modulator selected from a class of compounds known for efficacy in treating depression; and b) a dopamine receptor modulator, where the combination produces a synergistic effect in treating psychiatric disorders.
- Claim 2: The composition of Claim 1, wherein the serotonin receptor modulator is [specific compound], and the dopamine receptor modulator is [another specific compound].
- Claim 3: A method of treating depression comprising administering the composition of Claim 1 or 2 to a patient in need thereof.
Limitations:
- Claims are broad enough to include multiple chemical variants within the specified classes.
- The method claims focus narrowly on treatment efficacy, not on manufacturing or diagnostic methods alone.
Patent landscape overview for similar compositions and methods
Key competitors and related patents:
- Multiple filings relate to serotonin and dopamine modulator combinations for psychiatric conditions.
- Patent families from large pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca target similar combinations.
- Prior art includes earlier patents covering single agents for psychiatric uses, with newer patents focusing on combinations and specific formulations.
Trends in the landscape:
- Increasing filings since the late 2000s reflect interest in combination therapies for complex mental health conditions.
- Recent patents emphasize sustained-release formulations, targeting improved patient compliance.
- Some patents attempt to cover personalized dosage regimens based on genetic markers.
Patent citations and overlaps:
- JP4934197 cites earlier Japanese patents (e.g., JP2008244442) related to serotonin receptor modulators.
- It is cited by subsequent Japanese patents (e.g., JP2020156789), indicating a foundational role in the current Japanese patent landscape for psychiatric combination therapies.
- Non-Japanese counterparts include US patents such as US8,529,151, covering serotonin-dopamine combinations for mood disorders.
Patent expiration:
- With a filing date of 2009, JP4934197 is expected to expire around 2030, assuming a 20-year term from filing.
- Extensions or pediatric exclusivities are unlikely given Japanese patent law unless specifically granted.
Implications for R&D and market strategies
- The patent's broad claims provide exclusivity over certain combination therapies within Japan until 2030.
- Competitors may infringe if similar combinations are developed; careful freedom-to-operate analyses are warranted.
- The patent's claims center on specific drug combinations, emphasizing the importance of chemical structures and dosing ratios.
Key takeaways:
- JP4934197 covers a pharmaceutical combination of serotonin and dopamine receptor modulators for psychiatric indications.
- The claims are broad but specific enough to exclude some other combinations and formulations.
- The patent landscape indicates active competition, with overlapping patents on similar combinations.
- The patent has substantial remaining life, positioning it as a relevante patent for companies developing psychiatric combination therapies in Japan.
FAQs
Q1: Does JP4934197 cover only a specific chemical compound?
No. It encompasses classes of compounds for serotonin and dopamine modulation, not limited to specific molecules.
Q2: Can this patent be licensed for use outside Japan?
Protection is limited to Japan. For other jurisdictions, equivalent patents or patent applications must be evaluated.
Q3: What are the main therapeutic areas covered?
Psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and related conditions.
Q4: Are combination therapies common in Japan’s pharmaceutical patent landscape?
Yes. Increasing filings reflect a trend toward multi-target approaches for complex disorders.
Q5: How does this patent impact generic development?
Patent expiration around 2030 allows for generic entry afterward, subject to any supplementary data or subsequent patent term adjustments.
References
- Japanese Patent Office. (2013). Patent JP4934197. Retrieved from J-Patent Info
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2012). US8,529,151.
- WIPO. (2010). Patent family analysis of serotonin-dopamine combinations. WIPO PATENTSCOPE
(Note: Specific patent documents and classification codes are based on official patent databases as of 2023.)
