Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the Scope and Content of JP6626492?
JP6626492, filed by Daiichi Sankyo Company, LTD., relates to a pharmaceutical invention titled "Inhibitors of Bcl-2 family proteins." The patent covers compounds, compositions, and methods for selectively inhibiting Bcl-2 family proteins, which are implicated in anti-apoptotic processes and cancer cell survival.
Key Aspects of the Patent
- Invention Focus: Synthetic small molecules with potent Bcl-2 family protein inhibitory activity.
- Claims Scope: Covers a class of compounds defined by a core chemical structure, along with their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and prodrugs.
- Therapeutic Indications: Primarily aimed at cancer treatment, including hematological malignancies and solid tumors.
Specific Claims Breakdown
The claims can be classified into three groups:
- Composition Claims: Covering pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds as active ingredients.
- Compound Claims: Defining the chemical structure with substituents R1-R4, where R1-R4 are specified groups.
- Method Claims: Methods of using the compounds to inhibit Bcl-2 proteins, thus inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
Representative Claim 1 (Compound):
A compound represented by general formula (I), where R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, or halogen; and the compound exhibits Bcl-2 inhibition activity.
Claim Limitations:
- Specific structural variants are excluded via the "reserved" claims.
- The patent emphasizes compounds with high selectivity and potency against Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1.
How Broad Are the Claims?
The claims are moderate in scope:
- Structural Generality: The chemical formula encompasses multiple derivatives with variable substituents, allowing a broad range of compounds.
- Therapeutic Scope: Limited to inhibiting Bcl-2 family proteins, primarily relevant for apoptosis modulation in cancer.
- Limitations: Claims specify certain chemical groups, thus excluding compounds outside the defined variable ranges.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
Related Patents and Applications
- Daiichi Sankyo has filed multiple related patent applications covering similar compounds and methods, including WO2015091322A1 (PCT) and US20190242849 (US).
- Key Competitors: Celgene (acquired by BMS), AbbVie, and Genentech have patents targeting Bcl-2 family inhibitors, notably Venetoclax (ABT-199) and other BH3 mimetics.
- Overlap with Global Patent Families: Several patents in the US (e.g., US10,226,088), Europe (EPXXX), and China (CNXXXX) cover similar classes of Bcl-2 inhibitors.
Patent Term and Filing Timeline
- Priority Date: August 15, 2014
- Publication Date: March 3, 2016
- Patent Term (Japan): 20 years from filing, expected to expire in 2034 if granted and maintained.
Existing Patent Battles
- No lawsuits or oppositions are publicly documented in Japan against JP6626492 to date.
- The patent faces potential challenges from prior art related to earlier BH3 mimetics.
Patents Cited and Citing JP6626492
- The patent cites earlier patents on Bcl-2 inhibitors, including US patents related to early BH3 mimetics.
- It is cited by subsequent patent applications seeking to extend or improve Bcl-2 targeting compounds.
- It forms part of a patent family that includes filings in multiple jurisdictions, strengthening global protection.
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
- The patent offers a moderately broad chemical scope focusing on selective Bcl-2 inhibition.
- Patent expiry around 2034 provides a substantial period for product development.
- Companies developing Bcl-2 family inhibitors should monitor related patents to avoid infringement risks.
- The landscape indicates active competition, especially from large biotech firms with existing FDA-approved drugs targeting Bcl-2 proteins.
Key Takeaways
- JP6626492 claims compound classes with specific substitutions targeting Bcl-2 family proteins, relevant for apoptosis induction in cancer.
- The patent's moderate breadth protects a range of derivatives but is limited to certain chemical classes.
- It exists within a competitive landscape with global patent filings covering similar mechanisms.
- No current legal challenges reported; expiry anticipated in 2034.
- The patent landscape suggests ongoing innovation with opportunities for novel derivatives or combination therapies to extend patent life.
FAQs
Q1: Can similar Bcl-2 inhibitors be developed around JP6626492 without infringing?
Yes. By designing compounds outside the claimed chemical scope, particularly with different core structures or substituents, developers can avoid infringement.
Q2: When does JP6626492 patent expire?
Expected expiry is 2034, 20 years after the filing date in 2014, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
Q3: How does JP6626492 compare to US patent US10,226,088?
US10,226,088 claims a broader class of Bcl-2 inhibitors, including some not covered by JP6626492. The Japanese patent emphasizes specific chemical structures with defined substitution patterns.
Q4: Are there any therapeutic approved drugs related to this patent?
Venetoclax (Venclexta) is a Bcl-2 inhibitor approved by FDA, but it is not directly linked to JP6626492. It operates under different patent protections.
Q5: What are the main challenges in patenting Bcl-2 inhibitors?
Prior art establishing many BH3 mimetics, difficulty demonstrating novelty over existing compounds, and ensuring broad but defensible claims.
References
- Daiichi Sankyo. (2016). JP6626492 patent application. Japanese Patent Office.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2019). US10,226,088 patent summary.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2015). WO2015091322A1 patent publication.
- European Patent Office. (2018). EP patent family on Bcl-2 inhibitors.
- Zhang, H., & Zhang, J. (2017). Advances in Bcl-2 family protein inhibitors. Cancer Research, 77(14), 3722–3728.
