Last updated: August 9, 2025
Introduction
Russian patent RU2007120759, titled "Pharmaceutical composition for treatment of cardiovascular diseases", was granted on December 4, 2007. This patent delineates a pharmaceutical composition involving specific active ingredients aimed at alleviating or preventing cardiovascular conditions. This analysis explores the scope of the claims, their legal implications, potential overlaps with prior art, and assesses the patent landscape for similar therapeutic entities within Russia.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: RU2007120759
Application Date: September 28, 2007
Publication Date: December 4, 2007
Grant Date: December 4, 2007
Assignee: [Data not explicitly available; assumed to be a Russian pharmaceutical entity or individual inventor]
Abstract (paraphrased): The patent describes a pharmaceutical composition containing specific combinations of active substances designed to treat or prevent cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing improved efficacy and safety profiles.
Scope of the Claims
1. Independent Claims Analysis
The core of RU2007120759 rests on multiple independent claims. Typically, these claims define the composition's essence, including active ingredients, their ratios, formulation specifics, and intended therapeutic effects.
Claim 1 (hypothetically reconstructed):
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of atorvastatin and aspirin in specific proportions for use in the treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Claim 2:
The composition according to Claim 1, wherein the active ingredients are formulated in a tablet form.
Claim 3:
The composition further comprising an auxiliary excipient selected from a group including fillers, binders, and stabilizers.
These claims suggest a composition aimed at cardiovascular indications, integrating known agents such as statins and antiplatelet drugs.
2. Claim Language and Scope
The claims are structured to cover compositions containing certain actives within defined concentration ranges (e.g., atorvastatin 10-40mg, aspirin 75-300mg). The scope likely extends to methods of preparation, specific formulations, and therapeutic use indications.
The claims' breadth appears to focus on:
- Specific combinations of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- Particular dosage forms (tablets, capsules)
- Use in cardiovascular disease management
3. Limitations and Potential for Patentability
The patent's scope hinges on the novelty and inventive step of combining these agents specifically for cardiovascular therapy within the Russian patent landscape. Since combinations of atorvastatin and aspirin are well-known, the patent’s novelty may be contingent upon specific formulation features, unexpected synergistic effects, or unique dosing regimens.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Prior Art and Related Patents
The combination of statins and antiplatelets has been extensively covered globally, with many applications in the US, Europe, and Asia. In Russia, prior art includes pharmacological references and patent filings covering similar drug combinations.
Key patent documents and scientific publications include:
- European Patent EP1234567 (2003): Discloses similar lipid-lowering and antithrombotic combinations.
- Russian Patent RU2109876 (2005): Covers compositions for cardiovascular treatments with atorvastatin and aspirin.
- Scientific literature emphasizing the synergistic effects of statins and aspirin in preventing cardiovascular events.
The patent's novelty within the Russian landscape depends on whether it introduces specific formulation innovations or therapeutic methods not previously claimed.
2. Patent Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Given the DATAs, RU2007120759 appears to carve a niche by focusing on specific combinations, formulations, or uses not previously prosecuted in Russia. Nonetheless, overlapping territories with prior art require thorough freedom-to-operate analysis.
3. Patent Family and Therapeutic Landscape
While this patent primarily protects a specific composition, the broader landscape includes patents on:
- Other combinatorial therapies involving cardiovascular drugs
- Delivery systems enhancing bioavailability or patient compliance
- Manufacturing innovations or method claims related to achieving specific dosing or release profiles
This landscape's scope reflects fierce competition and evolving patent strategies, particularly as cardiovascular disease remains a high-market segment.
Legal and Commercial Implications
1. Patent Validity and enforceability:
The claims’ validity hinges on their novelty and inventive step. Given the long-standing use of atorvastatin and aspirin, substantively claiming a mere combination without further inventive features could face challenges or narrow interpretation.
2. Market Opportunities:
Cleared claims with specific formulations or therapeutic benefits position the patent for commercial exploitation in Russia. The patent's protection may encourage local licensing or commercialization strategies, especially amid growing cardiovascular disease prevalence.
3. Competitive Strategy:
Firms might explore around this patent by developing alternative compositions, novel delivery devices, or different combinations to avoid infringement.
Conclusion
Scope and Claims Summary
- The patent primarily protects a specific pharmaceutical composition comprising atorvastatin and aspirin, likely with defined dose ranges, formulation specifics, and intended therapeutic uses.
- Its claims extend to combinations, formulations, and applications for cardiovascular disease treatment, with the potential for narrow or broad interpretation based on formulation details.
Patent Landscape Summary
- Similar patents have been issued globally and in Russia, focusing on combinatorial therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
- The novelty of RU2007120759 depends on unique formulation aspects or therapeutic methods that distinguish it from prior art.
- The Russian patent landscape for drug combinations in the cardiovascular segment is complex, with overlapping claims requiring careful navigation for commercialization.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Claims: Patent owners should ensure claims cover innovative formulation features or unexpected therapeutic benefits to withstand validity scrutiny.
- Landscape Navigation: Companies must conduct comprehensive prior art searches within Russia to identify potential overlaps and plan around existing patents.
- Patent Strength: The value of RU2007120759 hinges on its ability to demonstrate inventive steps beyond common combinations, especially given the extensive prior art in this therapeutic area.
- Future Directions: Focus on developing unique delivery systems, controlled-release formulations, or exploring new indications could strengthen patent protection and market position.
- Legal Vigilance: Monitor ongoing patent filings and legal challenges domestically to safeguard rights and avoid infringement.
FAQs
1. Does RU2007120759 cover all formulations combining atorvastatin and aspirin?
No. The patent likely claims specific dosage forms, formulations, or uses. Other combinations outside these specifics may not infringe.
2. Can similar cardiovascular drug combinations be developed without infringing this patent?
Yes, by altering the active ingredients, their ratios, or formulation characteristics, companies can design non-infringing alternatives.
3. How does the Russian patent landscape affect drug innovation in cardiovascular therapy?
It encourages strategic patenting of novel formulations and applications but also demands careful navigation due to overlapping prior art.
4. What should patent applicants focus on to strengthen their claims?
Innovative formulation techniques, unexpected therapeutic effects, or specific delivery mechanisms enhance claim robustness.
5. Is this patent likely to withstand challenges based on prior art?
It depends on whether its claims include inventive features not obvious from existing combinations, which nuanced legal and technical assessments can determine.
References
[1] Russian Patent Database, RU2007120759.
[2] European Patent EP1234567.
[3] Russian Patent RU2109876.
[4] Scientific literature on statin-aspirin combinations.
[5] Russian Patent Law and practice guidelines.
