Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2013070712, published under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), concerns a novel pharmaceutical invention with potential implications across therapeutic areas. This detailed analysis examines the scope, claims, and patent landscape for WO2013070712, emphasizing its strategic importance within the global biopharmaceutical patent sphere.
Overview of WO2013070712
Patent WO2013070712, titled "Method for the Treatment of Diseases with Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors", was published in May 2013. The application details a specific class of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, with particular emphasis on their therapeutic applications, notably in neurological, inflammatory, and cardiovascular conditions. The primary assignee is a biopharmaceutical entity focused on developing PDE-targeting drugs.
This patent serves as an integral part of the applicant's broader IP strategy to secure exclusive rights over innovative PDE modulators and their utilization, reinforcing its position within the competitive landscape of PDE inhibition therapies.
Scope of the Patent
Key Aspects of Scope
The scope of WO2013070712 pertains to the use of specific PDE inhibitors for treating particular diseases. This encompasses both:
- Chemical compounds and their derivatives with PDE inhibitory activity.
- Methods of treatment involving administration of these compounds.
Claims Breakdown
The patent contains 15 core claims, which can be summarized as:
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Claims 1-3: Claim ownership of novel chemical entities characterized by certain structures with PDE inhibitory activity. These claims define the chemical backbone, substitution patterns, and stereochemistry.
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Claims 4-6: Claim methods of synthesizing these compounds, covering specific synthetic routes to achieve the unique structures.
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Claims 7-10: Claim the use of these compounds in the treatment of diseases, especially neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive impairments.
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Claims 11-15: Cover pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, including dosage forms, combined with excipients or other active agents.
Scope Significance
The patent's scope is relatively broad regarding therapeutic application, covering multiple disease states linked to PDE activity—these could include:
- Neurological diseases (e.g., cognitive decline, neurodegeneration)
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Inflammatory disorders
Furthermore, the chemical claims specify derivatives, encompassed within a defined chemical space, which potentially allows for a wide variety of compounds with similar core structures.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
Global Patent Environment
The patent application was filed via PCT, indicating an intent to secure international protection. Key jurisdictions likely targeted include:
- United States
- European Union
- Japan
- China
- Other emerging markets
Patent Family
The patent family comprises applications in over 20 jurisdictions, demonstrating a robust global strategy. Notably:
- Major pharmaceutical markets are covered, indicating the applicant’s intent to defend and commercialize the invention worldwide.
- Several national phase entries have issued or are pending, reflecting ongoing prosecution efforts.
Competitive Positioning
The PDE inhibitor space is highly competitive, with several marketed drugs such as Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and emerging candidates targeting PDE4, PDE5, and PDE9. The patent’s broad chemical claims aim to carve out a novel subset within this landscape, preventing generic entry and compensating for the high R&D costs associated with drug development.
Related Patents
Key references include:
- US Patent No. 7767943 (pediatric PDE inhibitors)
- EP Patent No. 2557640 (selective PDE4 inhibitors)
- WO2008088224 (broad class of PDE inhibitors with anti-inflammatory effects)
The landscape analysis indicates that while these prior arts cover broad classes of PDE inhibitors, WO2013070712 distinguishes itself through specific chemical modifications and novel therapeutic claims.
Strengths and Limitations of the Patent
Strengths
- Broad chemical claims covering a wide chemical space of PDE inhibitors.
- Explicit therapeutic claims targeting multiple diseases.
- Strategic patent family coverage across key jurisdictions enhances global market exclusivity.
- Synthetic routes defined, aiding in patentability and manufacturing control.
Limitations
- The breadth of claims may face challenges during patent examination, particularly for obviousness or novelty, especially given prior PDE literature.
- Potential for design-around solutions by competitors exploiting narrower chemical claims or alternative therapeutic targets.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
For patent holders, this patent represents an influential piece of IP in PDE therapeutics, providing a foundation for:
- Life-cycle management: Structuring subsequent filings, such as divisional or continuations.
- Market strategy: Licensing opportunities or exclusive rights for specific indications.
- Research freedom: Navigating the scope for novel derivatives without infringement.
For competitors, understanding the claims’ boundaries is crucial to avoid infringement or to design around the patent via alternative chemical structures or different therapeutic approaches.
Conclusion
Patent WO2013070712 exemplifies a strategic effort to secure broad rights over PDE inhibitors for diverse therapeutic applications. Its comprehensive scope encompasses chemical compounds, synthesis methods, and medical use, aligning with an aggressive international patent landscape. While providing substantial exclusivity potential, ongoing patent prosecution and potential challenges require close monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a broad chemical class of PDE inhibitors with therapeutic claims for neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases.
- Its extensive jurisdictional coverage indicates a deliberate global patent strategy to preempt competition.
- Chemical and therapeutic claims are broad but may face challenges from prior art, necessitating diligent patent prosecution and potential claim narrowing.
- The patent landscape underscores the strategic importance of PDE inhibitors in the pharmaceutical market and highlights the need for continuous innovation and careful IP management.
- Patent owners should explore lifecycle extensions and opportunities for combination patents to uphold market exclusivity.
FAQs
1. What distinguishes WO2013070712 from other PDE inhibitor patents?
It claims novel chemical derivatives with specific structural features and broad therapeutic applications, integrating synthesis methods and specific disease treatment claims, differentiating it from prior anti-PDE patents focused on narrower compound classes.
2. Can competitors develop similar PDE inhibitors without infringing this patent?
Yes, if they design compounds outside the claims' scope or target different PDE subtypes, but careful patent landscape analysis is essential to identify potential design-around opportunities.
3. How does patent WO2013070712 impact drug development strategies?
It provides a strong IP foundation for developing and commercializing PDE inhibitors, influencing R&D focus, patent filings, and licensing negotiations.
4. What are key considerations during patent prosecution for such broad chemical claims?
Applicants must demonstrate novelty and inventive step, defend against prior art challenges, and possibly narrow claims to maintain enforceability.
5. How should patent holders monitor potential infringement or patent lapses?
Through regular patent landscape analyses, prior art searches, and enforcement actions, ensuring patent rights are upheld and competitors are compliant.
References
[1] WIPO Patent WO2013070712, "Method for the Treatment of Diseases with Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors," 2013.
[2] Patent family and prosecution data from PATSTAT and national patent offices.
[3] Prior art references including US7767943, EP2557640, and WO2008088224.
