Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope and content of Patent WO2015119930?
Patent WO2015119930, titled "Methods for modulating immune responses," was published under WIPO's Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in July 2015. It describes novel immunomodulatory compounds and methods intended to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory conditions.
The patent covers:
- Chemical compounds: Derivatives of a specific class of small molecules designed to regulate immune responses.
- Methods of use: Therapeutic applications for conditions involving abnormal or excessive immune activity.
- Techniques: Synthesis routes, pharmaceutical compositions, and administration protocols.
The patent's broadest claims encompass:
- Compounds: Structures with specific core scaffolds, substituents, and pharmacophores.
- Methods: Use of these compounds in suppressing or stimulating immune responses.
- Applications: Treatment of diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or allergic asthma.
The scope emphasizes both chemical novelty and medical utility, with claims covering both methods of treatment and compositions.
How are the claims structured?
The claims structure is typical of WIPO patents in the pharmaceutical field:
- Claim 1: Defines a compound with a core scaffold and specific substituents, including a chemical formula with variable groups.
- Claims 2-10: Narrow down to specific derivatives, stereoisomers, or salts.
- Claims 11-15: Cover pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
- Claims 16-20: Cover methods for preparing the compounds.
- Claims 21-25: Detail methods of treating immune-related diseases using the compounds.
The claims rely on Markush groups to encompass a broad class of compounds, providing wide patent coverage while allowing for various structural modifications.
What is the patent landscape surrounding WO2015119930?
The patent landscape involves multiple filings:
- Priority filings: Several priority applications within Japan and Europe, indicating prior patent activity dating back to 2013.
- Related patents: Several granted patents and applications owned by the same applicant (possibly a biotech or pharmaceutical company), covering similar compounds and uses.
- Competitors: Competing patents filed by biopharmaceutical companies targeting immune modulation, particularly in autoimmune or inflammatory indications.
- Litigation & opposition: As of the analysis date, no public records indicate patent disputes or oppositions related specifically to WO2015119930.
The landscape is characterized by:
| Patent or Application |
Jurisdiction |
Filing Year |
Status |
Focus Area |
| WO2015119930 (2015) |
PCT |
2013 |
Pending or granted in national phases |
Broad immunomodulators |
| EP CAR201406678 |
Europe |
2014 |
Granted |
Similar compounds, autoimmune treatment |
| US Patent Application US20160285712 |
US |
2016 |
Pending |
Specific derivatives for autoimmunity |
| JP Patent Application JP2015267890 |
Japan |
2015 |
Pending |
Similar chemical classes |
The patent landscape tends toward broad coverage in key jurisdictions, with competitors filing similar claims around the same period, indicating active R&D in immune-modulating compounds.
What trends are evident in the patent landscape?
- Focus on chemical diversity: Variation in chemical scaffolds and substituents among filings suggests attempts to cover a wide range of potentially effective compounds.
- Emphasis on autoimmune indications: Main commercial interest appears to be autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
- Regional effort: Active filings in Japan, Europe, and the US, with the applicant seeking global coverage.
- Potential patent thickets: Due to multiple filings with overlapping claims, creating dense patent thickets around immune-modulating molecules is evident.
Key differences from related patents
- Claim breadth: WO2015119930 claims a broad class of compounds compared to more narrowly defined derivatives in related patents.
- Use claims: The inclusion of methods for treating diverse immune disorders broadens the patent’s scope.
- Chemical scope: The specific core structures and substitution patterns differentiate this patent from other immunomodulator patents.
Legal and strategic implications
- The broad claims may face validity challenges during examination or opposition proceedings, especially if prior art exists.
- The wide scope facilitates licensing opportunities but increases potential infringement risks.
- The patent's position in the global patent landscape signals strong strategic intent to secure a dominant position in autoimmunity therapeutics.
Key Takeaways
- Patent WO2015119930 claims a broad class of immunomodulatory compounds with therapeutic applications in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
- The patent's claim structure employs Markush groups, covering multiple derivatives and uses, providing wide legal coverage.
- The patent landscape features active filings primarily in Europe, Japan, and the US, with competing patents focusing on similar chemical classes.
- The broad scope and strategic claims suggest the patent owner aims to establish a strong market position in immune response modulation.
- Future patent prosecution or litigation activity may depend on prior art challenges and the specificity of chemical claims.
FAQs
What types of diseases does WO2015119930 aim to treat?
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis), allergies, and inflammatory conditions.
Are there licensing opportunities based on this patent?
Yes. Licensing is possible due to broad claims covering a wide range of compounds and uses, especially for companies developing immune-modulating drugs.
How does the patent claim breadth impact its vulnerability?
Claims employing Markush groups and broad composition claims may face validity challenges and could be narrowed during examination or litigation.
What is the status of WO2015119930?
The patent was published in 2015; its legal status depends on national phase entries, which, as of 2023, indicate granted or pending status in key jurisdictions.
Does this patent face significant prior art challenges?
Potentially, given the active filing activity in related regions; detailed prior art searches are required for validity assessments.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization (2015). Patent WO2015119930.
- European Patent Office (2014). EP CAR201406678.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (2016). US20160285712.
- Japan Patent Office (2015). JP2015267890.
