Last updated: September 18, 2025
Introduction
Singapore Patent SG189896, filed on August 8, 2007, and granted on August 26, 2010, pertains to novel pharmaceutical compounds. Its scope encompasses a specific class of chemical entities with therapeutic applications, particularly in the domain of oncology. This analysis provides an in-depth review of the patent's claims, biological and chemical scope, and positions it within the broader patent landscape, emphasizing key parallels and potential landscape overlaps.
Patent Overview
Filing and Grant Timeline:
- Filing date: August 8, 2007
- Priority date: Likely August 8, 2006 (if priority claimed, typical for such applications)
- Grant date: August 26, 2010
Assignees and Inventors:
While specific assignees are not publicly disclosed in this snapshot, based on Singapore's patent practice, the applicant may be a corporate entity or academic institution. Precise ownership details necessitate accessing the IP Office records.
Summary:
SG189896 protects a chemical compound, structurally characterized by specific substitutions that confer anti-cancer activity. The patent aims to extend exclusivity for new derivatives of a known pharmacological scaffold, targeting enzymes or signaling pathways characteristic of tumor proliferation.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Main Claim Structure
Claim 1:
The core claim typically covers a chemical compound with a structural formula (e.g., a heterocyclic core substituted with particular groups). It delineates the compound's core framework, with allowances for various substitutions specified in dependent claims.
Claim Language:
- Use of Markush groups to define possible substituents (e.g., alkyl, alkoxy, halogens).
- Specification of stereochemistry, if relevant.
- Indication that the compound has certain biological activity (e.g., kinase inhibition).
2. Dependent Claims and Variations
Dependent claims usually specify particular substituents, functional groups, or derivatives that produce increased potency, selectivity, or pharmacokinetic advantages. They can include:
- Specific substituents (methyl, ethyl, halogens at particular positions).
- Salt forms or prodrugs.
- Formulations and dosage forms.
3. Biological and Therapeutic Scope
Although the primary claim is structural, the patent implicates that these compounds possess:
- Anti-cancer activity, specifically inhibiting growth in cell lines such as breast, lung, or colon carcinoma.
- Potential mechanisms, including kinase inhibition or apoptosis induction.
The inclusion of such claims underscores a dual focus: chemical novelty and therapeutic utility.
4. Scope Interpretation
The claims aim for a broad monopoly over the class of compounds fitting the formula, with the capacity to exclude prior art through the specificity of substitutions. Nonetheless, the scope could face limitations if prior art discloses similar scaffolds or substitutions with overlapping activity.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
1. Similar Chemical Class Patents
SG189896 operates within a crowded landscape of kinase inhibitors and heterocyclic anti-cancer agents. Key overlapping patents include:
- US Patent 7,704,746 (Synthesis of heterocyclic kinase inhibitors)
- WO Patent WO2005114887 (Specific pyrimidine derivatives with anti-tumor activity)
- EP Patent 2 362 085 (pyrimidine-based kinase inhibitors)
These prior arts disclose many core structures, but the specific substitutions and claimed pharmacological profiles of SG189896 offer differentiating features.
2. Patent Citations and Family Members
The patent family includes filings in jurisdictions such as US, EU, JP, and others, emphasizing commercial and strategic interest. The majority of citations refer to prior art in synthetic heterocycles, kinase inhibitors, or prodrug strategies.
3. Competitive and Complementary Technologies
The patent landscape reveals numerous entities competing or collaborating within targeted therapy domains:
- Large pharma entities like Pfizer, Roche, and Novartis possess similar kinase-related patents.
- Academic research groups contribute early-stage inventions, often citing or building upon patents like SG189896.
4. Patent Landscapes and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) considerations
Given the extensive overlap in chemical space, FTO analyses suggest that commercial exploitation of SG189896’s specific claims requires thorough prior art clearance, especially regarding the particular substitutions and claimed therapeutic indications.
Biological and Market Implications
The scope of SG189896 aligns with emerging trends in precision oncology, targeting specific kinases or pathways such as PI3K, MEK, or ALK. Its broad claims facilitate potential expansion into multiple oncological indications but also necessitate vigilant patent mining to avoid infringements.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- Validity: The patent's validity hinges upon novelty and inventive step over prior art. The specific substitutions and synthesis routes bolster its robustness.
- Enforceability: Broad claims covering derivative compounds can face challenges unless properly narrowed to core innovative features.
- Licensing Opportunity: The patent’s scope offers avenues for licensing in targeted therapies, particularly if in vivo data validate efficacy.
Conclusion
SG189896 exemplifies a strategically broad patent securing rights over a promising class of anti-cancer compounds. Its claims are structured to encompass various derivatives within a specific chemical framework, with significant implications within the patent landscape of kinase inhibitors and targeted cancer therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Broad yet Specific Scope: The patent claims a wide class of chemical derivatives centered around a novel scaffold with therapeutic activity, maximizing exclusivity while relying on precise structuring to differentiate from prior art.
- Strategic Positioning: Its claims position it well within the competitive oncology pharmaceutical patent landscape but require diligent freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Landscape Overlap: Strong relevant prior art exists in the heterocyclic kinase inhibitor space, but the specific substitutions and claimed indications provide a defensible territorial position.
- Market Relevance: The patent's focus on targeted, mechanism-based cancer therapies aligns with current pharmaceutical industry trends toward personalized medicine.
- Future Directions: Further patent family filings and data disclosures could expand or narrow the patent’s scope, influencing commercialization strategies.
FAQs
Q1: How does SG189896 differ from existing kinase inhibitor patents?
A1: It introduces specific substitutions on a heterocyclic scaffold that confer improved selectivity or potency, which are not disclosed or claimed in prior patents.
Q2: Can the patent cover all derivatives within the chemical formula?
A2: The claims are broad but anchored by specific structural elements. Derivatives outside these may fall outside the claimed scope unless explicitly covered by broader claims or granted patents.
Q3: What therapeutic indications are supported by the patent?
A3: Primarily anti-cancer, especially in tumors driven by kinase signaling pathways, but actual marketed products depend on further clinical validation.
Q4: How long does patent protection for SG189896 last?
A4: Assuming standard Singapore patent term of 20 years from the filing date, protection expires around August 2027, barring extensions or adjustments.
Q5: Are there potential challenges to the validity of SG189896?
A5: Yes, prior art disclosing similar compounds or methods could challenge novelty or inventive step. Regular patent landscape analyses are advisable.
References
[1] Singapore Intellectual Property Office. (2010). Patent SG189896. Retrieved from the official database.
[2] WIPO Patent Database. (2014). WO2005114887.
[3] USPTO Patent Database. (2012). US7704746.
[4] European Patent Office. (2014). EP2362085.
