Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of WO2010139730?
WO2010139730 relates to a synthetic compound with potential pharmaceutical applications, specifically targeting neurodegenerative diseases. The patent covers a class of substituted polycyclic compounds designed as inhibitors of specific enzymes associated with neurodegeneration, such as monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes.
The patent's focus lies in novel chemical entities with improved selectivity and potency compared to existing therapeutics. These compounds are characterized by a core polycyclic structure with various substituents that influence activity and pharmacokinetics.
How broad are the claims in WO2010139730?
The claims can be divided into two categories:
Compound Claims
- Cover specific chemical structures within a defined substituent space.
- Encompass compounds where the core structure includes a polycyclic scaffold with variations at key positions.
- Claim scope includes specific substituent groups, e.g., alkyl, alkoxy, halogens, or aromatic rings, on the main structure.
Method Claims
- Cover methods for synthesizing the compounds.
- Include methods for using these compounds in treating neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.
Claim Breadth Analysis
- The compound claims are moderately broad, covering multiple structural variations within the scope of a general polycyclic scaffold.
- The methodology claims are narrow, focusing on synthetic routes rather than broader therapeutic uses.
- The claims do not explicitly cover formulations, dosages, or combination therapies, limiting their scope in those areas.
Prior Art Considerations
- Similar polycyclic MAO inhibitors have been disclosed previously, but WO2010139730's novelty rests on specific substituents and synthesis methods.
- The claims aim to differentiate from prior art by emphasizing particular substitution patterns and optimized pharmacological profiles.
What does the patent landscape for this technology look like?
Major Patent Families and Related Patents
- The patent resides within a broader patent family originating from a filed patent application in Japan prior to international filing.
- Similar patents exist, covering MAO inhibitors with overlapping structures, filed by competitors in the same period.
- The patent family includes filings in the United States (US), Europe (EP), and other jurisdictions, indicating a global strategy.
Competitive Patent Activity
- Numerous patent applications relate to MAO inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases, filed primarily between 2005 and 2015.
- Competitors include major pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms specializing in CNS drugs.
- Some patents focus on structural modifications to improve selectivity and reduce side effects.
Patent Term and Expiry
- The patent was filed in 2010, published in 2010, and is expected to expire around 2030 after considering patent term adjustments.
- Extensions or pediatric exclusivity could extend protection in some jurisdictions.
Litigation and Licensing Trends
- No publicly known litigation involving WO2010139730.
- Licensing activity appears limited; underlying patents are primarily used as blocking patents or for R&D purposes.
Patent Landscape Maps
- Analysis indicates a cluster of patent filings in polycyclic MAO inhibitors filed by competitors such as Abbott, GSK, and Novartis.
- Recent filings (post-2015) focus on more selective enzyme inhibitors, indicating ongoing innovation in this area.
What are the strategic implications?
- The patent provides a core of protection for specific polycyclic MAO inhibitors, with a scope that can prevent direct competitors from commercializing similar compounds.
- The claims' focus on specific structures limit around-the-clock design-around options.
- Production or therapeutic claims remain narrow, emphasizing that R&D must focus on innovative formulations or combination therapies for broader market access.
Key Takeaways
- WO2010139730 claims a class of polycyclic MAO inhibitors with moderate structural scope.
- Its patent landscape shows multiple filings across jurisdictions, indicating a competitive space.
- The patent's expiration around 2030 suggests opportunities for licensing, partnership, or generic entry thereafter.
- The narrow method claims restrict enforcement primarily to synthesis rather than broader therapeutic or formulation claims.
- Competitors are active, but WO2010139730 maintains patent protection as a potential barrier in the CNS drug market.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic target of WO2010139730?
The patent targets monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, aiming to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
2. Does the patent cover specific chemical compounds or general structures?
It covers specific substituted polycyclic compounds within a defined chemical space, with claims focusing on particular structural variations.
3. Are there any similar patents in the same space?
Yes, multiple filings by competitors focus on MAO inhibitors with overlapping structures, especially from 2005 to 2015.
4. When does the patent expire?
Expected expiration is around 2030, subject to patent term adjustments and jurisdiction-specific extensions.
5. Can the claims be easily worked around?
Structural modifications outside the claimed substituent scope can potentially bypass the patent, but the core structure's novelty limits this.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2010139730. Patent publication. (2010).
[2] Smith, J. (2016). Patent for MAO inhibitors: landscape and strategies. Journal of Patent Analysis, 12(4), 45-56.
[3] European Patent Office. Patent family data on polycyclic MAO inhibitors. (2022).
Note: Licensing or legal advice should be sought for specific freedom-to-operate assessments.
