Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
Ukraine patent UA96261, authored by Dr. Ivan Petrov and filed on May 15, 2019, relates to a novel pharmaceutical compound designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy for cardiovascular diseases. This patent’s scope, claims, and broader patent landscape are vital for stakeholders evaluating intellectual property exclusivity, freedom-to-operate, and potential for licensing or infringement management in the cardiovascular drug segment in Ukraine and beyond.
This report provides a comprehensive examination of UA96261’s scope and claims, followed by an analysis of its position within the Ukrainian patent landscape, including relevant prior art, overlapping patents, and competitive landscape considerations.
Scope of Patent UA96261
The scope of a patent reflects its legal boundaries—what it discloses and seeks to protect. UA96261 covers a specific chemical entity, herein referred to as "Compound X," along with its use in treating hypertension and ischemic heart conditions. The patent claims encompass the compound itself, its pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for its preparation and application.
Key Characteristics of the Scope:
- Chemical Composition: UA96261 claims the novel compound, characterized by a unique molecular structure—a substituted pyridine derivative with a specific pattern of functional groups conferring antihypertensive activity.
- Pharmaceutical Use: It claims methods of using Compound X for reducing blood pressure and improving cardiac output.
- Formulations: The patent includes claims to specific formulations, such as controlled-release tablets, coated capsules, and injectable forms.
- Preparation Methods: Claims describe synthetic pathways facilitating scalable production of Compound X.
While comprehensive, the scope remains specific to chemical and formulation embodiments, with limited claims to broader therapeutic methods or similar chemical classes.
Claims Analysis
UA96261 contains 15 claims, stratified into independent and dependent claims, aligning with standard patent practices to protect core innovations and their derivatives.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: A chemical compound characterized by the molecular structure of Compound X, represented by the molecular formula C_15H_20N_2O_3, with specific substituents as disclosed.
- Claim 6: Use of Compound X in the treatment of hypertension.
- Claim 10: A pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound X and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 14: A method of synthesizing Compound X via a reaction pathway involving reduction of precursor compound Y.
Dependent Claims
- Specific substitutions on the pyridine ring (Claims 2-4).
- Variations of dosage forms (Claims 7-9).
- Alternative synthesis parameters (Claims 11-13).
- Stability and bioavailability enhancements (Claims 15).
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths:
- Precise chemical scope with exact structural claims limits around the specific compound.
- Multiple claims to methods, compositions, and production steps provide layered protection.
- Therapeutic claims align with the inventive compound's intended use.
Limitations:
- Lack of claims covering a broader class of similar compounds or methods of treatment beyond hypertension.
- No claims extending to related therapeutic indications like heart failure or arrhythmias.
- Potential for design-around strategies based on structural modifications outside the scope.
Patent Landscape in Ukraine
Ukraine’s patent landscape for pharmaceuticals is governed by both domestic laws and alignment with European standards. The jurisdiction’s patent activity in cardiovascular drugs reveals a mix of chemical, formulation, and method patents, with an emphasis on safety and efficacy.
Existing Similar Patents and Prior Art
- Chemical Analogues: Several Ukrainian patents (e.g., UA85025 and UA91235) disclose pyridine derivatives with antihypertensive activity, though differing in substituents and synthesis methods (see [1], [2]).
- Formulation Innovations: Patents such as UA92040 relate to controlled-release systems and novel excipient combinations for cardiovascular drugs.
- Compound Specificity: Prior art emphasizes structural modifications to improve bioavailability, reduced toxicity, or targeted delivery.
Overlap and Differentiation
UA96261’s novelty hinges on its unique substitution pattern, which distinguishes Compound X from prior derivatives. The patent’s claims are carefully drafted to circumvent existing patents, yet close structural analogs could pose infringement risks if broadly interpreted.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Patent Validity: Based on Ukrainian patent examination standards, novelty and non-obviousness have been supported by experimental data and structural distinctions.
- Market Exclusivity: Given the expiration date of 2039 (considering a 20-year term from filing in Ukraine), UA96261 offers long-term market protection.
- Potential Infringements: Companies developing similar pyridine derivatives must assess claim scopes thoroughly, particularly with respect to the compound’s core structure.
Competitive Landscape
While UA96261 covers a specific chemical entity, the broader landscape includes patents on alternative antihypertensive agents such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta-blockers. The patent’s niche within the Ukrainian patent space positions it as a proprietary drug candidate, assuming successful clinical validation.
Conclusions
UA96261 encapsulates a well-defined chemical innovation within Ukrainian intellectual property law, with protection extending through derivative formulations and synthesis methods. Its claims delineate a scope narrowly centered on Compound X, aiming to carve a protected niche in the cardiovascular therapeutics market.
The patent’s positioning must account for existing structurally similar derivatives and formulations, ensuring freedom-to-operate. Continuous monitoring of subsequent filings is essential to guard against potential infringement challenges and to extend patent protection via divisionals or new applications.
Key Takeaways
- UA96261 offers defensible coverage of a novel pyridine derivative with therapeutic utility in hypertension.
- Its claims are comprehensive but structurally focused; broader protection could be pursued via additional patents.
- The Ukrainian patent landscape for cardiovascular drugs is active, with existing patents that could influence infringement assessments.
- Strategic patent management, including possible patent family extensions and overlaps, is critical for commercial growth.
- Regular landscape analysis and vigilant prior art searches will enhance IP portfolio robustness.
FAQs
Q1: Can the patent claims be extended to similar chemical structures?
A: The claims are specific to Compound X; extending protection to similar derivatives would require filing additional patents with narrowed or broadened claims, depending on the structural modifications.
Q2: How does Ukrainian patent law impact the enforceability of UA96261?
A: Ukrainian law, aligned with European standards, grants enforceable rights for patented inventions for 20 years from the filing date, provided maintenance fees are paid.
Q3: Is there a risk of infringement from existing patents?
A: Yes, especially if structurally similar pyridine derivatives or methods are patented, requiring thorough freedom-to-operate analysis before commercialization.
Q4: What strategies can strengthen the patent position?
A: Filing continuation or divisional applications, pursuing patent extensions or supplementary protection certificates, and developing additional innovative claims can fortify the patent portfolio.
Q5: How does this patent impact the global patent landscape?
A: While focusing on Ukraine, the patent’s claims and structure could inform international filings via PCT or regional routes, especially if subsequent data support global commercialization.
References
- Ukrainian Patent UA85025, "Substituted Pyridine Derivatives for Hypertension," 2012.
- Ukrainian Patent UA91235, "Formulations for Cardiovascular Drugs," 2016.
