Last updated: February 19, 2026
WIPO patent WO2007092372, titled "PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF TREATMENT," filed by Allergan, Inc., discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising a specific benzimidazole derivative and methods for treating ocular conditions. The patent's claims focus on a defined chemical structure, its enantiomeric purity, and its use in ophthalmic formulations for conditions such as inflammation, pain, and post-operative recovery.
What are the Key Inventions Claimed in WO2007092372?
The core of WO2007092372 resides in its claims related to a chemical entity and its therapeutic application. The patent defines a novel benzimidazole derivative, specifically [(S)-2-((1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yl)amino)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl]methanol.
The patent's claims can be broadly categorized:
- Claim 1: The Chemical Compound: This claim defines the compound [(S)-2-((1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yl)amino)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl]methanol, including its specific stereochemistry. This enantiomeric specificity is critical, as different enantiomers can exhibit distinct pharmacological profiles.
- Claim 2: Pharmaceutical Compositions: This claim extends to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound defined in Claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This signifies a focus on the practical delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- Claim 3: Ophthalmic Formulations: This claim narrows the scope to ophthalmic formulations, specifying that the composition is suitable for administration to the eye. This indicates a targeted therapeutic area.
- Claim 4: Use in Treating Ocular Inflammation: This claim covers the use of the compound or composition for treating ocular inflammation.
- Claim 5: Use in Treating Ocular Pain: This claim addresses the use for treating ocular pain.
- Claim 6: Use in Post-Operative Ocular Care: This claim pertains to the use in promoting recovery after ocular surgery.
- Claim 7: Stereospecificity: This claim emphasizes the (S)-enantiomer, reiterating the importance of stereochemical purity.
- Claim 8: Specific Concentration Ranges: This claim may detail specific concentration ranges for the API within the pharmaceutical composition, although this is not explicitly enumerated in the claims as presented in the abstract.
- Claim 9: Specific Pharmaceutically Acceptable Carriers: Further elaboration on the types of carriers suitable for ophthalmic administration, such as solutions, suspensions, or gels.
The patent's strength lies in its detailed definition of the API and its specific therapeutic applications within the ophthalmic field.
What is the Target Therapeutic Area and Mechanism of Action?
WO2007092372 targets the treatment of ocular conditions, primarily focusing on inflammation and pain. While the patent does not explicitly detail the precise mechanism of action at a molecular level, the compound is a benzimidazole derivative. Benzimidazoles are a class of heterocyclic aromatic organic compounds known for their diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Based on the compound's structure and the claimed indications, it is plausible that the API acts by modulating inflammatory pathways in the eye. This could involve inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators, interference with signaling cascades, or interaction with specific receptors involved in the inflammatory response. The alleviation of ocular pain suggests a direct or indirect effect on nociceptive pathways within the ocular tissues.
The specific indications listed:
- Ocular Inflammation: This is a broad category encompassing conditions like uveitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and iritis.
- Ocular Pain: Pain associated with various ocular pathologies, including those causing inflammation, injury, or dryness.
- Post-Operative Ocular Care: This is a critical application where controlling inflammation and pain is essential for patient comfort and successful healing following procedures like cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, or refractive surgery.
What is the Patent Landscape for Similar Benzimidazole Derivatives in Ocular Therapeutics?
The patent landscape for benzimidazole derivatives in pharmaceutical applications is extensive. However, the novelty of WO2007092372 lies in the specific chemical structure claimed and its application in ophthalmology.
A search of patent databases reveals numerous patents related to benzimidazole derivatives for various therapeutic uses, including:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Omeprazole and lansoprazole are well-known proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) based on a benzimidazole core, used for treating acid-related disorders.
- Anthelmintics: Albendazole and mebendazole are common examples of benzimidazoles used to treat parasitic worm infections.
- Antivirals and Anticancer Agents: Research has explored benzimidazole scaffolds for these applications, though commercial successes in these areas are less prevalent than in gastrointestinal or antiparasitic treatments.
In the ophthalmic space, while benzimidazoles are not as ubiquitous as some other drug classes (e.g., corticosteroids, NSAIDs, beta-blockers), there is patent activity around compounds with potential anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective properties. For instance, research has investigated benzimidazoles for their potential in treating glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, often targeting different molecular pathways than those implied by WO2007092372.
To assess the competitive landscape for WO2007092372 specifically, a deep dive into patents claiming:
- Substituted benzimidazole structures with similar fused ring systems.
- Compounds with (S)-stereochemistry and trifluoromethyl and fluorophenyl substituents.
- Ophthalmic formulations containing such compounds.
- Methods of treating inflammation, pain, or post-operative recovery in the eye using benzimidazole derivatives.
WO2007092372's claims, particularly Claim 1 which defines a specific compound with a defined stereochemistry, are narrow and aim to protect a distinct chemical entity and its immediate use. This specificity can provide strong protection if the compound demonstrates significant therapeutic advantages.
What are the Patent Term and Exclusivity Periods?
The patent term for WO2007092372 is governed by the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) system and the national/regional patent laws of the countries where patent protection is sought.
- International Filing Date: WO2007092372 was published on August 16, 2007. The international filing date is typically the priority date, which is crucial for determining the patent term.
- Standard Patent Term: Under the terms of the PCT, patent applications are published as "WIPO Patentscope" publications. To obtain enforceable patent rights, the applicant must enter the national or regional phase in designated countries. In most major jurisdictions (e.g., the United States, Europe, Japan), the standard patent term is 20 years from the international filing date (or priority date).
- Potential Extensions: In some jurisdictions, such as the United States, patent term extensions (PTE) may be available to compensate for delays in regulatory review by agencies like the FDA. For pharmaceuticals, this can potentially add several years to the effective market exclusivity period. Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) serve a similar purpose in Europe.
For WO2007092372, assuming an international filing date around August 2006 (to have an August 2007 publication date), the standard 20-year term would expire around August 2026. However, the exact expiry date will depend on the priority date and any extensions granted in specific countries.
Market Exclusivity: Beyond patent expiry, other forms of market exclusivity can exist:
- Data Exclusivity: Granted by regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, EMA) upon drug approval, preventing generic manufacturers from relying on the innovator's clinical trial data for a specific period. This period is typically 5 years in the US for new chemical entities.
- Orphan Drug Exclusivity: If the drug is approved for a rare disease, it may receive an additional 7 years of market exclusivity in the US.
The combination of patent protection and regulatory exclusivities determines the total period of market exclusivity for a pharmaceutical product.
What are the Potential Commercial Implications for R&D and Investment?
WO2007092372's commercial implications are tied to the therapeutic and commercial success of the specific benzimidazole derivative it protects.
For R&D:
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Companies developing novel ophthalmic treatments must conduct FTO analyses to ensure their candidates do not infringe on existing patents like WO2007092372. The specificity of Claim 1 means that compounds with the exact defined structure are protected. However, related structures or different therapeutic approaches may offer FTO.
- Opportunity for Generics: Upon patent expiry (and expiry of any granted extensions or exclusivities), generic manufacturers can seek to produce and market generic versions of the drug. This requires demonstrating bioequivalence and obtaining regulatory approval.
- Reformulation and New Uses: Even after patent expiry, there may be opportunities to develop new formulations (e.g., extended-release versions) or discover new therapeutic uses for the API, potentially leading to new patent applications and extended market protection.
For Investment:
- Targeted Investment: Investment in companies holding patents for promising ophthalmic drugs with clear clinical advantages and robust patent protection can yield significant returns. WO2007092372 provides a specific example of a patented API in this space.
- Risk Assessment: Investors must carefully assess patent strength, the competitive landscape, the likelihood of regulatory approval, and market penetration potential. The narrow claims of WO2007092372 suggest strong protection for the defined compound, but broader patent families or alternative therapies could pose competitive threats.
- Due Diligence: Thorough patent due diligence is essential. This includes verifying the validity of the patent, assessing its scope, identifying potential infringers, and understanding the remaining exclusivity period.
The commercial success of a drug based on WO2007092372 would depend on factors beyond patent protection, including clinical efficacy, safety profile, patient adherence, physician acceptance, and market access strategies.
How does WO2007092372 compare to other ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents?
WO2007092372 is a patent that protects a specific chemical compound and its use in treating ocular inflammation and pain. It does not represent a drug itself but rather the intellectual property covering a potential drug candidate. Therefore, a direct comparison to approved ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents requires assuming that the compound covered by WO2007092372 successfully navigates development and regulatory approval.
However, we can compare the approach and therapeutic goals of WO2007092372 with existing classes of ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents:
| Feature |
WO2007092372 (Hypothetical Drug) |
Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisolone, Loteprednol) |
NSAIDs (e.g., Ketorolac, Nepafenac) |
Immunomodulators (e.g., Cyclosporine) |
| Mechanism |
Benzimidazole derivative; specific mechanism not detailed in patent. Likely targets inflammatory pathways. |
Broadly suppress immune response by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and gene expression. |
Inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. |
Modulate immune cell function, often by inhibiting T-cell activation. |
| Indications |
Ocular inflammation, pain, post-operative care. |
Post-operative inflammation, uveitis, allergic conjunctivitis. |
Post-operative pain and inflammation, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. |
Chronic dry eye, graft-versus-host disease. |
| Efficacy Profile |
Not yet established clinically. Potential for targeted action. |
Highly effective but associated with significant side effects. |
Generally effective for mild to moderate inflammation and pain. |
Effective for chronic conditions, slower onset of action. |
| Side Effects |
Not known. Benzimidazoles can have varied side effect profiles. |
Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, cataract formation, delayed wound healing. |
Stinging, burning, corneal thinning (rare), delayed wound healing. |
Ocular surface toxicity, burning sensation, blurred vision. |
| Development Stage |
Pre-clinical or early clinical (based on patent filing date). |
Widely approved and used for decades. |
Widely approved and used. |
Approved for specific chronic conditions. |
| Patent Status |
Protected by WO2007092372 and potentially later filings. |
Many original patents expired; generics widely available. |
Original patents expired; generics widely available. |
Patents may still be active for specific formulations or uses. |
WO2007092372 represents a potential new chemical entity (NCE) approach to ophthalmic inflammation and pain. Its success would hinge on demonstrating a superior efficacy and safety profile compared to established treatments, or addressing unmet needs not adequately met by current therapies. The specific stereochemistry claimed in the patent suggests an effort to optimize pharmacological properties and potentially reduce off-target effects.
Key Takeaways
- WIPO patent WO2007092372 protects a specific (S)-enantiomer of a benzimidazole derivative, [(S)-2-((1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yl)amino)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl]methanol, and its use in ophthalmic compositions for treating ocular inflammation, pain, and post-operative recovery.
- The patent's strength lies in its claim to a distinct chemical entity with defined stereochemistry, targeting specific therapeutic applications within ophthalmology.
- The standard patent term for WO2007092372, based on its publication date, is expected to expire around August 2026, with potential for extensions.
- The landscape for benzimidazole derivatives is broad, but WO2007092372's specificity in structure and ophthalmic application differentiates it.
- Commercial implications include opportunities for R&D in FTO analysis and potential for generic entry post-exclusivity, while investors must perform thorough due diligence on patent validity and competitive positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When does the patent WO2007092372 officially expire?
The standard 20-year patent term for WO2007092372, calculated from its international filing date (which is typically the priority date), would end approximately 20 years from that date. Given its publication in August 2007, its international filing date was likely around August 2006, suggesting an expiry around August 2026 for the core patent term. However, actual expiry dates and market exclusivity can be extended by factors like Patent Term Extensions (PTE) or Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) in various jurisdictions.
-
What specific types of ocular inflammation or pain are covered by this patent?
The patent claims cover the treatment of "ocular inflammation" and "ocular pain" generally. It also specifically includes promoting recovery after "ocular surgery." While the patent does not list exhaustive sub-categories of inflammation or pain, these broad claims are intended to encompass a range of conditions falling under these descriptions within the eye.
-
Can generic versions of the drug protected by WO2007092372 be developed and marketed now?
No, if a drug based on the compound claimed in WO2007092372 has been developed and approved, generic versions cannot be marketed while the patent is in force and any applicable regulatory exclusivities (like data exclusivity) remain active. Generic entry is only possible after the expiration of all relevant patent and regulatory protections.
-
Are there any approved drugs on the market today that are directly based on the compound claimed in WO2007092372?
As of the current analysis, without specific knowledge of the commercial development status of the compound claimed in WO2007092372, it cannot be definitively stated if an approved drug is directly based on it. The patent indicates intellectual property protection for a compound and its therapeutic use, but commercialization depends on extensive clinical trials, regulatory approval, and market launch.
-
What is the significance of the (S)-enantiomer being specifically claimed?
The specific claim of the (S)-enantiomer is significant because different enantiomers of a chiral drug can have markedly different pharmacological effects, including differences in efficacy, potency, metabolism, and toxicity. Claiming a specific enantiomer aims to protect the most active or safest form of the compound, often leading to a more targeted and potentially superior therapeutic profile compared to a racemic mixture (a 50/50 mix of both enantiomers).
Citations
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2007). WO2007092372 A1: Pharmaceutical Compositions and Methods of Treatment. Retrieved from WIPO Patentscope.
