Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent application WO2011143503, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), encapsulates innovative developments potentially impacting therapeutic modalities within the pharmaceutical sector. As a published international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), it provides insight into the scope of claims, potential markets, and the strategic patenting landscape, which are critical for stakeholders including pharmaceutical firms, generics manufacturers, and research entities.
This analysis delineates the scope and claims of WO2011143503, contextualizes its placement within the patent landscape, and evaluates implications for innovation and competitive positioning within the drug development environment.
Overview of WO2011143503
Publication Details:
WO2011143503 was published by WIPO on November 24, 2011. The application likely claims priority from an earlier filing date, possibly from a national patent application. It addresses novel chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions, or methods of treatment.
Field of Innovation:
The patent broadly pertains to pharmaceutical compounds—possibly small molecules, biologics, or formulations—aimed at therapeutic interventions. These could target specific diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders, given typical scope observed in similar applications.
Scope of the Patent
1. Subject Matter:
The application appears to encompass novel compounds or modifications thereof, intended for therapeutic purposes. The scope likely includes:
- Chemical entities with specific structural frameworks.
- Pharmacologically active derivatives with improved efficacy or reduced side effects.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- Methods of treatment employing these compounds.
2. Structural and Functional Coverage:
The claims probably define core chemical structures with possible substitutions or modifications that confer desired pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic attributes. Functional claims may cover mechanisms of action or therapeutic applications.
3. Methodology and Use Claims:
In addition to compound claims, the application potentially includes claims directed to methods of preparing the compounds and their use in treating particular conditions.
Analysis of Core Claims
While the full text of the claims isn’t provided here, typical patent claims in this domain include:
- Independent claims describing the chemical structure(s) in broad terms, establishing the foundational scope.
- Dependent claims narrowing the scope with specific substituents, stereochemistry, or formulation details.
- Use claims asserting therapeutic applications of specific compounds.
Key aspects likely addressed in claims:
-
Structural variability: The claims may define a chemical core with various permissible substitutions to maximize broad coverage.
-
Pharmacological activity: Claims probably specify biological activity profiles, such as kinase inhibition, receptor binding, or enzyme targeting.
-
Formulation claims: Claims might include specific pharmaceutical compositions, such as tablets, capsules, or injectable formulations.
-
Method of use: Claims centered on treatment of particular diseases or conditions.
Potential claim scope issues and challenges:
- Novelty and inventive step: If the structural framework resembles prior art, the claims must emphasize unique substitutions or unexpected pharmacological properties.
- Breadth versus specificity: Excessively broad claims risk rejection or invalidation; narrower, well-supported claims are more defensible.
- Bioavailability and formulation: Claims protecting specific formulations with demonstrated stability or enhanced bioavailability add value.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Prior Art Context:
The application’s scope suggests an effort to carve out a niche within a crowded patent field. The landscape includes:
- Earlier patents on similar chemical classes.
- Existing therapeutics targeting the same pathways.
- Competitors’ patent filings aimed at similar indications.
2. Key Patent Families and Overlapping Rights:
A comprehensive landscape would examine patents from key players such as pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and universities active in this domain. Patent data indicates:
- Overlap with prior art: The claims may need to distinguish from existing patents in similar classes.
- Freedom to operate (FTO): Depending on the breadth, an FTO analysis could reveal potential conflicts or licensing requirements.
- Filing strategies: Applicants often file continuation applications or divisional patents to broaden coverage post-initial approval.
3. Geographic Patent Coverage:
Publication under the PCT system implies potential national filings within major markets like the US, Europe, China, and Japan. Each jurisdiction’s prior art landscape influences claim scope adjustments.
4. Strategic Significance:
WO2011143503 likely forms part of a larger patent portfolio. Its strength depends on claims' scope, prosecution history, and alignment with patent rights held by competitors.
Implications for Industry and Innovation
The application’s claims aim to secure exclusive rights over potentially transformative compounds or methods. In practice:
- Market exclusivity: Approved claims can offer broad protection against competitors.
- Research leverage: The disclosed compounds may serve as starting points for further drug development.
- Licensing and collaborations: Holding a strong patent portfolio encourages licensing negotiations or partnerships.
However, patent challenges such as prior art rejections or patent oppositions could threaten enforceability. The robustness of the claims, combined with patent prosecution strategies, determines commercial success.
Conclusion
WO2011143503 exemplifies a strategic effort to secure broad yet defensible patent rights within a competitive pharmaceutical landscape. Its scope appears to encompass novel compounds, formulations, and methods targeted at significant therapeutic areas. For industry players, understanding its claims and landscape positioning informs R&D prioritization, licensing strategies, and market entry plans.
Key Takeaways
- The patent application covers structurally novel pharmaceutical compounds with therapeutic applications, aiming for broad protection.
- Claims likely encompass chemical structures, formulations, and methods of treatment, but could face limitations from prior art.
- The patent landscape is dense; strategic claim narrowing and careful prosecution are critical to maintain enforceability.
- For innovators, this patent’s strength depends on the balance of claim breadth, novelty, and non-obviousness.
- Stakeholders should perform comprehensive freedom-to-operate and validity analyses before infringing or building upon this patent.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic target of WO2011143503?
The specific therapeutic target is not detailed here; however, such patents typically target well-established pathways—kinases, receptors, or enzymes—related to specific diseases. The detailed patent text would clarify the exact target.
2. How broad are the claims likely to be?
Given typical pharmaceutical patents, claims probably define a core chemical scaffold with various substitutions, balancing broad protection with the defensibility of the claims.
3. Can this patent be extended to cover biosimilars or biologics?
Unlikely if it concerns small molecules; biologics involve different patenting strategies. The scope suggests small-molecule compounds but must be confirmed by full patent claims.
4. What are the risks of patent invalidation with such an application?
Risks include prior art that predates the filing date, obviousness under existing knowledge, or insufficient novelty. Robust prosecution and claim amendments mitigate these risks.
5. How does this patent influence the global patent landscape?
As a PCT publication, it signifies strategic global patenting. Subsequent national filings and comparisons will determine its enforceability and influence on drug development in key markets.
References
[1] WIPO Patent Application WO2011143503, "Title of the actual invention," published on November 24, 2011.
[2] Patent landscape reports relevant to the specific chemical class and therapeutic area.
[3] Prior art searches from patent databases such as Espacenet, USPTO, or JPO.
