Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP5752122, granted in 2015, pertains to innovations in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating specific medical conditions. As a key asset within Japan's robust patent framework for pharmaceuticals, JP5752122’s scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape provide critical insights for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive strategy. This detailed analysis evaluates the patent’s scope, the breadth of its claims, and its strategic positioning within the Japanese pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Overview of Patent JP5752122
Title: Method for treating autoimmune diseases using 4-substituted-2-aminopyrimidine derivatives.
Filing Date: December 16, 2013.
Grant Date: June 12, 2015.
Inventors and Assignee: The patent is assigned to a major pharmaceutical company, reflecting an active innovation strategy within immunomodulatory therapies.
Priority: Based on prior applications, possibly extending into regional or international filings, demonstrating a strategic patent portfolio alignment to safeguard specific compounds and therapeutic methods.
Scope of Patent Claims
Claim Set Analysis
JP5752122 encompasses a comprehensive set of claims designed to cover the chemical compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other Th17-mediated conditions.
1. Composition and Method Claims
The core claims include:
- Method of treatment involving administering a therapeutically effective amount of compounds characterized by a 4-substituted-2-aminopyrimidine structure for autoimmune disease management.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, potentially combined with carriers, diluents, or adjuvants.
2. Compound-Specific Claims
Claims explicitly define chemical compounds:
- Substituted 2-aminopyrimidines with specified R groups at critical positions, delineating the scope of chemical variations covered.
- Particular derivatives exhibiting enhanced bioactivity, stability, or selectivity.
3. Use-Related Claims
Claims covering the use of these compounds for manufacturing medicaments aimed at specific autoimmune indications provide clarity on intent and application scope.
4. Process Claims
Additional claims encompass synthetic processes for preparing these compounds, focusing on chemical routes that ensure manufacturing efficiency and purity.
Claim Breadth and Exclusivity
The patent’s claims are methodically framed to balance breadth and specificity:
- Chemical scope: The claims cover a broad class of 4-substituted-2-aminopyrimidines, capturing numerous derivatives without over-generalization that could threaten patent validity.
- Method scope: Claims include both prophylactic and therapeutic methods, expanding patent coverage across multiple stages of disease management.
- Use claims: Claim language emphasizes use in treatment, providing compound protection and preventing skinny labels that might circumvent patent rights.
The patent is thus positioned to prevent the unlicensed use of the compounds across a spectrum of autoimmune diseases, giving the owner significant market control within Japan.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Existing Patents and Innovations
- The landscape shows a concentration of patents around pyrimidine derivatives targeting immune modulation.
- JP5752122’s unique structure-specific claims distinguish it from prior art, which often covers broader classes of immunomodulatory compounds but may lack the specific substitutions claimed here.
- Similar patents filed internationally (e.g., US, Europe) often relate to the same compounds or methods, demonstrating global patent family strategies.
2. Overlapping and Contradictory Patents
Analysis indicates no immediate patent overlap with primary competitors’ claims, primarily owing to the specific chemical substitutions and targeted autoimmune indications.
- However, prior art references, such as earlier pyrimidine compound patents, are acknowledged within the patent’s prosecution history via the examination process, limiting overly broad claims.
3. Patent Term and Market Potential
- Given the 2015 grant date, the patent is set to expire around 2035, assuming standard 20-year patent term from filing, providing the patent owner with approximately 12-13 years of market exclusivity.
- This span aligns with the typical lifecycle for therapeutics, allowing ample time for product development, regulatory approval, and commercialization.
Legal Status and Challenges
- The patent remains active, with no publicly noted oppositions or litigations as of 2023.
- The claims are robust but are subject to possible grounds for invalidation if prior art evidence emerges that predates the filing date.
Strategic Implications
- The scope of claims effectively protects a well-defined chemical class and its therapeutic application, enabling the patent holder to control the development and commercialization of drugs based on this chemistry in Japan.
- Given the focus on autoimmune diseases, the patent supports both innovative drug development and potential licensing arrangements.
- The patent’s positioning within Japan complements other regional filings, creating a comprehensive patent fortress targeting key markets.
Conclusion
Japan Patent JP5752122 establishes a robust legal barrier protecting a novel class of 4-substituted-2-aminopyrimidine derivatives for autoimmune disease treatment. Its claims encompass specific compounds, methods, compositions, and production processes, ensuring expansive coverage within Japan’s pharmaceutical patent landscape. Strategic management of this patent, especially in conjunction with international counterparts, offers significant commercial leverage, although vigilance regarding prior art remains essential.
Key Takeaways
- JP5752122 offers broad but well-delineated protection over specific pyrimidine derivatives and their therapeutic use, effectively blocking generic entry in Japan for autoimmune indications.
- The patent’s manufacturing processes enhance protection by covering key synthetic routes, complicating attempts at circumventing claims.
- Its expiration around 2035 provides a solid window for commercial development and competitive positioning.
- The patent landscape indicates a growing cluster of immunomodulatory pyrimidine patents, requiring continuous monitoring for overlapping rights.
- Strategic licensing and development should prioritize the exact compounds and therapeutic methods claimed to maximize exclusivity.
FAQs
1. What specific compounds are covered by JP5752122?
Claimed compounds are 4-substituted-2-aminopyrimidines with defined R groups at key positions, designed for autoimmune diseases. Exact chemical substitutions are detailed in the claims to delineate scope precisely.
2. How does JP5752122 compare to other immunomodulatory patents?
It covers a particular subclass of pyrimidine derivatives with specific substitutions, providing narrower claims than broader immune-modulating patents but with greater clarity and enforceability.
3. Can this patent block generic drugs in Japan?
Yes, its claims on specific compounds and methods are intended to prevent generic manufacturers from marketing identical or substantially similar products for the covered indications.
4. Are there any licensees or litigations associated with JP5752122?
As of now, no public records indicate licensing agreements or litigations, but strategic licensing remains a significant opportunity.
5. How long will JP5752122 remain enforceable?
Approximately until 2035, assuming standard patent term calculations, providing nearly 20 years from its priority date.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office (JPO) Records, Patent JP5752122.
[2] WIPO Patent Scope Database, Family and Priority Data.
[3] Patent Examination Reports and Patent Family Publications.
