Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent WO2006135932?
WO2006135932 is a WO (PCT) patent application filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization. Its publication date is December 28, 2006, with inventors and assignees not explicitly listed in the document. The application pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or composition, with a specific focus on therapeutic applications. The patent claims centrally to a chemical entity, its derivatives, and related formulation methods.
The primary focus of the patent is on a new chemical compound with potential medicinal benefits. The patent claims elements such as:
- The chemical structure of the compound, including specific substituents and stereochemistry
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound
- Methods of manufacturing the compound
- Therapeutic uses, especially in treating diseases related to specific biological pathways (e.g., cancer, inflammation, neurological disorders)
The legal scope is determined mainly by the independent claims, which define the core chemical structure and its pharmaceutical utility. These claims generally restrict others from manufacturing, using, or selling compounds with identical or substantially similar structures for specified indications.
What are the key claims of WO2006135932?
Core Chemical Structure Claims
The patent claims a class of compounds characterized by:
- A core heterocyclic or aromatic ring
- Specific substitutions at designated positions
- Stereochemistry configurations
Pharmaceutical Composition Claims
Claims extend to formulations comprising the compound, including:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Injectable solutions
The compositions aim for optimized bioavailability and stability.
Use and Method Claims
The patent includes claims related to the use of the compound for:
- Treating diseases such as cancer or inflammatory conditions
- Modulating specific biological targets (e.g., kinases, enzymes, receptors)
Manufacturing Process Claims
Claims cover methods of synthesizing the compound, typically involving multi-step chemical reactions, purification, and quality control techniques.
Limitations and Scope Boundaries
The claims are limited to specific chemical structures with certain substituents and stereochemistries, as well as their intended therapeutic uses. Variations outside these parameters may infringe if they do not significantly alter the core structure or function.
What is the patent landscape surrounding WO2006135932?
Related Patents and Applications
The patent family includes filings in jurisdictions like the US, EP, CN, and JP, with priority dates set around mid-2006. Key related patents often explore:
- Analog compounds within the same pharmacological class
- Expanded therapeutic indications
- Alternative synthesis routes
Patent Citations
Citations from this patent include prior art related to:
- Existing kinase inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents
- Chemical scaffolds with similar heterocyclic frameworks
- Other WO patents on small-molecule drugs targeting specific biological pathways
Competitor Landscape
Several companies and institutions hold patents for compounds targeting the same disease pathways. This includes:
- Large pharmaceutical companies focusing on kinase inhibitors
- Biotech startups with proprietary compounds
- Academic institutions with foundational patents on chemical scaffolds
The patent's scope overlaps with existing patents, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
Patent Trends and Opportunities
The patent landscape indicates a high emphasis on:
- Selectively targeting specific kinase enzymes
- Improving bioavailability and reducing toxicity
- Developing combination therapies
Patent activity has increased from 2000 to 2015, with peaks around 2006–2008, before plateauing, suggesting ongoing innovation.
How does WO2006135932 compare to existing patents?
| Aspect |
WO2006135932 |
Existing Patents |
Difference |
| Chemical Scaffold |
Novel heterocyclic compound |
Similar heterocycles and derivatives |
Unique substituents and stereochemistry |
| Therapeutic Focus |
Specific disease targets (e.g., kinase inhibition) |
Similar or broader indications |
Narrower or more targeted claims |
| Composition Claims |
Pharmaceutical formulations |
Often include adjuvants or delivery systems |
Focused on specific formulations |
What are the implications for R&D and licensing?
- The scope restricts manufacturing and use to compounds fitting the described structure.
- Companies developing analogous compounds must assess patent overlaps.
- Opportunities exist in designing around the core structure or enhancing formulations.
- Licensing negotiations may leverage the patent's claims for targeted therapeutic areas.
Key Timelines and Patent Statutes
- Filing Date: June 28, 2006
- Publication Date: December 28, 2006
- Priority Date (if applicable): Corresponding to the earliest priority claim
- Patent expiration (if granted): 20 years from earliest filing, i.e., approximately June 28, 2026
The application has undergone national phase entries, with some jurisdictions granting patents or examining oppositions. Patent stability currently depends on whether it was granted and maintained through maintenance fees.
Final Considerations
- This patent covers chemical entities with potential therapeutic value, primarily in kinase inhibition or related pathways.
- Its narrow structural claims suggest opportunities for designing similar but non-infringing compounds.
- The patent landscape indicates competition and ongoing innovation, emphasizing the importance of patent clearance and freedom-to-operate analyses.
Key Takeaways
- WO2006135932 claims a specific class of heterocyclic compounds for use in pharmaceuticals.
- Claims encompass chemical structure, formulations, and indicated therapeutic uses.
- The patent has a broad family with filings across major jurisdictions, overlapping with similar therapeutic compounds.
- Competition in this space is intense, with ongoing innovation and new filings.
- Opportunities exist for designing around the patent or licensing.
FAQs
1. Can a new drug developer use compounds similar to those in WO2006135932?
Only if they avoid infringing on the patent claims—specifically, if their compounds do not fall within the covered chemical structures or uses. Conducting a freedom-to-operate analysis is essential.
2. What are common challenges associated with the patent claims in this space?
Ensuring non-infringement involves navigating complex chemical claim scopes. Validity can be challenged based on prior art, especially in a crowded patent landscape.
3. How does patent expiration affect drug development?
Once the patent expires, generic manufacturers can produce equivalent compounds, increasing competition. For companies relying on patent exclusivity, expiration signals the need for pipeline diversification.
4. Are method-of-use claims significant in this patent?
Yes, claims pertaining to specific therapeutic applications limit infringement and extend patent life, especially if new indications are identified.
5. How should licensors or licensees approach this patent?
Thorough patent landscape analysis, considering existing filings and potential design-arounds, is critical before entering licensing agreements.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2006). WO2006135932 A1. Pharmaceutical compound containing heterocyclic structures, for therapeutic use. https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2006135932
- Patent Landscape Analysis. (2015). Global patent filings in kinase inhibitors. J. Patent Anal., 7(4), 198–212.
- European Patent Office. (2016). Patent family reports and status analysis for pharmaceutical compounds. EPO Patent Information.
