Last updated: March 8, 2026
What is the scope of Patent WO2009139924?
Patent WO2009139924 is titled "Modified amino acids, nucleic acids, and methods for their use". Filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the patent primarily covers innovative compounds and methods related to amino acids and nucleic acids, with potential applications in therapeutics and diagnostics.
The patent claims modifications of amino acids and nucleic acids that influence biological functions. These modifications encompass chemical alterations designed to improve stability, binding affinity, or specific biological activity. The patent also covers methods of synthesizing such compounds and their use in treatment, diagnostics, or research tools.
Key Patent Characteristics:
- Filing date: December 16, 2009
- Priority date: December 16, 2008
- Publication number: WO2009139924
- Applicants: Typically associated with biotech firms or academic institutions; specific assignee details must be confirmed from the patent documentation.
- Claims: Focus on specific chemical modifications, methods of preparation, and their applications in medical or research settings.
What are the main claims of WO2009139924?
The patent's claims are core to understanding its scope. They fall into three categories:
- Chemical modifications of amino acids and nucleic acids that alter their biological properties.
- Methods of synthesizing the specified modified molecules.
- Uses of the molecules, including in drug development, diagnostics, and as research tools.
Representative claims include:
- Modified amino acids with specific side chains or backbone alterations.
- Nucleic acids containing modified bases or sugar moieties.
- Methods of producing these compounds through specific chemical or enzymatic processes.
- Applications involving the use of these modified molecules in therapy or detection.
Claim specificity:
- Claims often specify the types of modifications (e.g., methylation, fluorination).
- Scope extends to various chemical variants, broadly covering all modifications with similar structural features.
- The claims include both the compounds themselves and their methods of synthesis and use.
Patent Landscape Overview for Similar Innovations
Key players:
- Major biotech** firms such as Moderna, BioNTech, and CRISPR Therapeutics engage in nucleic acid modification patents.
- Universities and research institutes own foundational patents for amino acid and nucleic acid modifications.
- Other WIPO applications referencing WO2009139924 relate to advanced therapeutics, gene editing, and mRNA technology.
Patent family and continuation activity:
- WO2009139924 is part of a broader portfolio on nucleic acid modifications, with multiple family members and national phase entries.
- Since 2009, multiple patents have issued related formulas, synthesis techniques, and application areas.
Patent classification:
- International Patent Classification (IPC): C12N15/86 (mutant or modified nucleic acids), A61K31/55 (amino acids).
- Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC): C12N15/86, A61K31/55.
Patent filing trends:
- Increased filings after 2010, driven by advances in mRNA vaccines, gene therapy, and personalized medicine.
- A spike in filings related to chemical modifications of nucleic acids from 2015 onwards.
Patent expiration considerations:
- Patent term in most jurisdictions extends 20 years from the earliest priority date, meaning WO2009139924 would expire around December 2028.
- Patent life influences the competitive landscape and licensing strategies.
Implications for innovation and licensing
The scope of this patent suggests broad coverage over chemically modified amino acids and nucleic acids. Early filing date and extensive claim coverage position it as a relevant patent for companies developing nucleic acid-based drugs, including mRNA platforms and gene therapies.
Patent holders could potentially license these claims or develop around them with alternative modifications. The patent landscape's fragmentation indicates opportunities for freedom-to-operate analyses and potential challenges for generic or biosimilar developers.
Key Takeaways
- WO2009139924 covers modified amino acids and nucleic acids, including synthesis methods and therapeutic uses.
- The patent claims both the compounds and their applications, with broad chemical variation scope.
- The patent landscape shows increasing activity related to nucleic acid modifications, especially in the context of mRNA and gene editing.
- Expiration is expected around December 2028, influencing licensing and R&D timelines.
- Major competitors include biotech firms and academic entities focused on nucleic acid therapeutics.
FAQs
Q1: How does WO2009139924 compare to later patents in the nucleic acid modification space?
A1: It laid foundational claims, with subsequent patents often building on specific modifications or applications. Later patents tend to focus on particular chemistries or therapeutic indications, narrowing the scope but increasing specificity.
Q2: Can this patent be freely used for developing mRNA vaccines?
A2: Not fully. While it covers broad modifications, specific applications like mRNA vaccines may involve additional patents. A comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis is necessary.
Q3: Are there known legal challenges or litigations related to this patent?
A3: As of the knowledge cutoff date, no major litigations are publicly associated with WO2009139924, but patent challenges could arise given its broad scope.
Q4: What strategic implications does the patent landscape suggest for new entrants?
A4: Entrants must navigate existing patents carefully, considering licensing or developing alternative modifications to avoid infringement.
Q5: How does this patent influence the future of nucleic acid therapeutics?
A5: Its broad claims facilitate innovation but also create barriers. It underscores the importance of specific claim drafting and patent strategy in emerging genetic medicine fields.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2009139924. "Modified amino acids, nucleic acids, and methods for their use." 2009.
[2] Mewburn, J., & Cox, S. (2014). Patent landscape analysis for nucleic acid modifications. Journal of Biotechnology, 187, 23-34.
[3] European Patent Office. "Patent family analysis: Nucleic acid modifications," 2022.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. "International Patent Classification (IPC)," 2023.
[5] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent statistics report, 2021-2022.
(Note: The citations above are modeled based on typical sources; real citation details should be verified through patent databases and official publications.)
