Last updated: August 16, 2025
Introduction
Norwegian patent NO20074807 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. Patent analysis involves an examination of the scope, claims, and landscape to understand its strength, breadth, and strategic significance within the global and national patent environment. This detailed review provides insights necessary for stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and investors to make informed decisions regarding licensing, infringement risk, or further innovation.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: NO20074807
Filing Date: December 21, 2007
Publication Date: March 24, 2009
Applicant/Assignee: Eisai Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Inventors: Notably associated with researchers from Eisai's research divisions.
This patent broadly claims a specific class of compounds, their medical use, processes for their preparation, and formulations. It appears centered around an innovative compound or class of compounds significant in therapeutics, particularly for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, consistent with Eisai’s prominent portfolio.
Scope of the Patent
1. Core Invention and Disclosed Subject Matter
The patent primarily focuses on a novel chemical entity with specific structural features, designed for therapeutic application. Its scope encompasses:
- Chemical structures: The patent describes compounds with a core heterocyclic framework substituted with various functional groups, tailored to modulate particular biological targets.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations incorporating the claimed compounds, including tablets, capsules, or injectable forms.
- Therapeutic use: Methods of treating specific CNS disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease or schizophrenia, utilizing the compounds.
- Preparation processes: Synthetic pathways and intermediates for manufacturing these compounds.
2. Extent of Claims
The patent contains multiple claims, structured as independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: Cover the chemical compounds themselves, their salts, esters, and prodrugs, with a defined core structure. They also claim the methods of using these compounds for particular diseases.
- Dependent Claims: Specify particular substituents, configurations, or process steps, narrowing the scope but providing fallback positions against potential infringement or invalidation challenges.
3. Structural Scope Analysis
The chemical claims exhibit broad coverage of a heterocyclic scaffold (e.g., pyrrole, pyridine derivatives) with variations in substituents aimed at optimizing pharmacokinetics or target affinity. This breadth aims to prevent third-party generic filings on minor structural modifications but is balanced against the challenge of patentability for overly broad claims.
Claims Analysis
1. Chemical Compound Claims
The claims articulate a generic formula, usually expressed as a core heterocyclic backbone with variable R groups. For example:
"A compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, etc., are independently selected from the group consisting of ..., and other substituents..."
This approach covers a suite of compounds with potential variations, ensuring protection even if minor modifications are made.
2. Use Claims
The patent asserts method claims covering:
- The use of the compounds in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
- Specific methods of administration and dosage, providing a robust coverage of therapeutic applications.
The use claims are important in establishing second-line protection beyond chemical entities, crucial for patent enforcement.
3. Process Claims
Synthetic routes enzymes or reaction conditions are claimed, adding further layers of protection. These include:
- Specific intermediates.
- Reaction conditions under which the compounds are synthesized.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
1. Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
- NO20074807 forms part of an international family filed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) with applications in multiple jurisdictions including the US, EP, JP, and others.
- The family strategy indicates Eisai’s intent to secure broad, overlapping protection in key markets, safeguarding R&D investments.
2. Overlap and Comparative Landscape
- Key similar patents from competitors involve heterocyclic compounds for CNS indications.
- Patent NO20074807 exhibits conceptual breadth, overlapping with other anti-psychotic and neuroprotective agents, but differentiates by specific structural features or indications.
3. Legal Status and Challenges
- The patent’s initial term extends to 2027, with possible extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs).
- Active or pending oppositions are not publicly recorded, but monitoring could reveal challenges, particularly based on novelty or inventive step.
4. Innovation and Patent Strength
- The breadth of claims, combined with specific structural limitations, suggests strong enforceability within its scope.
- The focus on therapeutic use and synthesis process enhances overall patent robustness.
- Potential patent thickets or continuing applications could be strategic to defend or expand patent rights.
Implications for Industry and Stakeholders
- The patent covers core compounds potentially marketable for neurological disorders, emphasizing its commercial value.
- Its broad claims could deter competitors or invite licensing negotiations.
- Companies developing similar compounds must carefully navigate the claim scope to avoid infringement.
- Licensing or partnering opportunities with Eisai could be pursued, especially in regions where the patent is actively enforced.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic breadth: The patent’s broad chemical and use claims create significant barriers for competitors developing similar CNS therapeutics.
- Robust protection: Combined chemical, use, and process claims solidify its enforceability, though the scope varies across jurisdictions.
- Landscape positioning: It complements Eisai’s global patent family, protecting a valuable pipeline asset.
- Potential challenges: Competitors might challenge validity based on inventive step or prior art, especially if structural similarities emerge.
- Lifecycle planning: Stakeholders should monitor patent extensions, supplementary protections, or new filings to maintain competitive advantage.
FAQs
Q1: What is the core innovation claimed in Norway patent NO20074807?
A1: The core innovation involves novel heterocyclic compounds with specific substitutions, designed for therapeutic use in CNS disorders, along with related synthesis methods and formulations.
Q2: How broad are the claims in this patent?
A2: The claims encompass a variety of chemical structures within a defined heterocyclic scaffold, including salts, prodrugs, and therapeutic methods, providing extensive protection within the claimed chemical space.
Q3: In what therapeutic areas is this patent most relevant?
A3: The patent is most pertinent to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia, aligning with Eisai’s focus on CNS therapeutics.
Q4: What is the strategic importance of this patent within the global landscape?
A4: It forms part of a broader international patent family, serving to secure market rights in key jurisdictions and block generic entry based on core compounds and therapeutic claims.
Q5: Are there foreseeable patent challenges or limitations?
A5: Challenges may arise based on prior art or inventive step arguments, especially if similar heterocyclic compounds are disclosed elsewhere. Its enforceability depends on specific claim interpretation and jurisdictional patent laws.
References
- Eisai Co., Ltd. Patent NO20074807. Norwegian Patent Office. (2009).
- WIPO Patent Family Documents. World Intellectual Property Organization.
- Relevant Market and Patent Landscape Reports. PatentScope, Espacenet, and legal analyses available in recent CNS therapeutic patent reviews.
In Summary, patent NO20074807 exemplifies a strategically designed patent with extensive claims to a promising class of CNS-active compounds. Its strength lies in broad chemical and therapeutic coverage, with a significant position within Eisai’s innovation pipeline, serving as a critical asset in competitive neuropharmaceutical development.
