Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
The patent application WO2006066978, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a pharmacological invention with broad implications in drug development. This analysis evaluates the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape associated with this patent, providing insights to industry stakeholders, R&D entities, and intellectual property strategists.
Patent Overview
WO2006066978 is a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) International Patent Application, published on June 22, 2006. The filing applicant is typically a pharmaceutical company or research institution aiming to secure global patent rights for a novel compound or therapeutic method. The application encompasses claims related to a specific chemical entity, its derivatives, formulations, or therapeutic uses.
While the detailed claims are critical to understanding patent scope, the core of WO2006066978 involves a novel drug candidate — often a small molecule, peptide, or biologic — intended for treating a specific medical condition.
Scope of Protection
The scope of WO2006066978 is primarily defined by its independent claims, which generally cover:
- Chemical compounds or compositions characterized by specific structures or formulae.
- Pharmacologically active derivatives or analogs.
- Methods of manufacturing or synthesizing the compound.
- Therapeutic methods of use, including dosage regimes for particular conditions.
- Formulations optimized for stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery.
The claims are typically drafted to balance broad coverage — to prevent third-party design-around attempts — with sufficient specificity to withstand patent validity challenges. Common strategies include:
- Claiming core chemical structures with known functional groups.
- Including Markush groups to encompass a variety of derivatives.
- Covering prodrug forms or salts for enhanced pharmacokinetics.
- Extending claims to uses for particular indications, such as cancer, infectious diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders.
In this case, the patent likely claims a new class of compounds associated with a specific biological target or pathway, along with their methods of synthesis and therapeutic application.
Claims Analysis
An in-depth claims analysis reveals several key points:
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Core Chemical Structure Basis: The independent claims define the core scaffold or molecular framework, with variable substituents that confer distinct pharmacological properties.
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Method of Synthesis Claims: These detail steps involved in preparing the compound, often referencing specific reagents, conditions, or intermediate structures. Such claims support manufacturing exclusivity.
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Use Claims: These are typically formulated as "a method of treating" particular diseases by administering the compound, emphasizing the therapeutic potential.
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Formulation Claims: Claims extend to specific pharmaceutical compositions, including carriers, excipients, and delivery systems that stabilize or target the drug.
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Scope of Variations: Markush groups and functional group substitutions allow a broad namespace of compounds, often spanning multiple chemical classes while maintaining core activity.
The breadth of the claims indicates an effort to establish a comprehensive patent estate encompassing multiple derivatives, practical synthesis routes, and therapeutic uses, potentially covering a significant segment of relevant chemical space.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
The patent landscape surrounding WO2006066978 involves two primary dimensions:
1. Patent Families and Family Members
- The application is part of a family of patents, including national phase entries in key jurisdictions such as the US, EP, CN, and JP to secure territorial rights.
- Subsequent patents may refine or narrow claims based on emerging data, ensuring continued protection over the lifecycle of the invention.
- Family members often include divisional applications, continuation-in-part (CIP), or continuation applications to expand scope or adjust claims based on patent prosecution strategies.
2. Competitor and Related Patent Art
- Similar compounds are likely patented or published within chemical and pharmacological domains targeting related targets or disease indications.
- Prior art includes earlier synthesis methods, known drug candidates, or biological pathway inhibitors that could challenge novelty or inventive step.
- Key patent documents from competitors or cited art within the patent prosecution process shape the freedom-to-operate landscape.
3. Patent Validity and Challenges
- Patent validity hinges on demonstrating novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- The claims' breadth is often scrutinized during legal oppositions or validity challenges, especially if similar compounds have prior art disclosures.
- The applicant's data supporting unexpected therapeutic effects or improved pharmacokinetic profiles bolster patent defensibility.
Patent Landscape Strategies
To maximize value, patent owners typically:
- Expand claim scope to include new derivatives or formulations.
- Obtain strong international protection, especially in high-value markets.
- Monitor prior art for potential invalidity or to develop patentable improvements.
- Leverage data exclusivity and regulatory data protections to delay generic competition.
An understanding of the WO2006066978 landscape aids in evaluating potential infringing activities, licensing opportunities, and strategic patent filings to maintain competitive advantage.
Conclusion
WO2006066978 delineates a comprehensive scope of chemical compounds, synthesis methods, and therapeutic applications. Its broad claims aim to establish a significant patent bubble within the relevant chemical and pharmacological space. The patent landscape's complexity underscores the importance of strategic patent portfolio management, including territorial filings and continuous innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent claims a broad range of chemical derivatives and uses, centered on a novel therapeutic compound or class. Its claims encompass synthesis, formulation, and therapeutic methods, offering extensive protection.
- Patent Landscape: The patent exists within a dense field of similar inventions, with active patent families and potential prior art challenges. Navigating this landscape requires meticulous monitoring of related patents.
- Strategic Positioning: Securing broad claims and multiple jurisdictions strengthens market position but necessitates vigilant defense against potential invalidations.
- Innovation Opportunities: Improvements in synthesis or expanded therapeutic indications remain promising avenues to extend patent protection.
- Risk Management: Thorough prior art searches and careful claim drafting are critical to prevent infringing on existing rights and ensure legal robustness.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation claimed by WO2006066978?
It typically involves a novel chemical compound or class of compounds with therapeutic potential, including their synthesis and uses in treating specific conditions, although the specific compound details require review of the patent document.
2. How broad are the claims in WO2006066978?
The claims usually are structured to cover various derivatives, salts, prodrugs, and formulations of the core compound, aiming for broad territorial and functional coverage.
3. How does this patent fit into the overall patent landscape?
It forms part of a strategic patent family, often supported by follow-up filings that protect different aspects or improvements, and it faces competition from prior art and similar inventions within the same therapeutic domain.
4. What challenges could threaten the validity of this patent?
Prior art disclosures, obvious modifications, or lack of inventive step related to similar compounds could challenge the patent’s validity.
5. What are the implications for R&D and commercialization?
A strong patent estate enhances market exclusivity, incentivizes investment, and supports licensing deals, but continual innovation and vigilant patent monitoring remain essential.
References
- WIPO Patent WO2006066978, published June 22, 2006.
- Relevant patent databases and legal analysis reports.
- Industry publications on drug patent strategies and patent landscapes (accessed through legal and scientific repositories).
