Last updated: March 9, 2026
What does WIPO Patent WO2016009067 cover?
Patent WO2016009067, titled "Method for treating cancer," is a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) application published on January 14, 2016. It primarily addresses novel therapeutic uses related to cancer treatments, focusing on a specific class of agents or methods that inhibit tumor growth.
Key aspects include:
- Subject matter: The patent claims cover the use of a specific compound or class of compounds for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
- Type of patent: International patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), providing a basis for national phase filings.
- Priority date: Filed on July 24, 2014.
- Claims: The application contains broad claims covering methods, compositions, and uses involving the described compounds.
How broad are the patent claims?
Main claims include:
- Use claims for applying a specific compound (referred to as "Compound X") to treat various cancers.
- Composition claims describing drug combinations that include the compound and other agents.
- Method claims for administering a therapeutically effective amount to an individual diagnosed with cancer.
- Treatment scope: Claims are broad, covering multiple cancer types, including solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
Patent claim specifics:
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Limitations |
| Use claim |
Method of treatment using Compound X for cancer |
Specific to cancer types disclosed in the application |
| Composition claim |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising Compound X and excipients |
Defined by specified dosage and forms |
| Method of administration |
Specific routes (oral, intravenous) for delivering Compound X |
Limited to disclosed routes and doses |
| Diagnostic methods |
Optional claims towards using biomarkers for patient selection |
Narrower scope, focusing on specific biomarkers |
Claims are formulated broadly but are limited to the specific compounds and methods disclosed. Some claims extend to related derivatives and analogs, broadening potential patent coverage but are still anchored in the original compound.
What is the patent landscape surrounding this application?
The patent landscape for cancer therapeutic agents is crowded:
- Prior art: Several patents and applications cover kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapies. Notable patents include those for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and novel small molecules.
- Patent families: The applicant has filed related applications in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, EP, JP, and CN, expanding geographical coverage.
- Competitive patents: Several filings have similar claims targeting cancer pathways, indicating intense competition in the domain.
Patent families and related filings:
| Jurisdiction |
Filing Strategy |
Scope of Coverage |
| USPTO |
National phase filings from PCT |
Broad claims similar in scope to WO2016009067 |
| EP patent |
Priority claimed from WO application |
Focused on European market, with narrow claims for specific derivatives |
| JPO |
Focused on Japanese market |
Emphasizes specific forms and dosages of compounds |
| CN |
Chinese filings targeting local market |
Broad claims covering methods and compositions |
Patent filing date timeline:
| Year |
Event |
| 2014 |
Priority date (Japan application) |
| 2016 |
WO publication (PCT application) |
| 2017-2022 |
National phase filings in key jurisdictions |
Potential freedom-to-operate issues:
- Similar claims by major pharmaceutical players targeting kinase inhibitors, including Pfizer, Novartis, and Merck.
- Existing patents might challenge the novelty or inventive step of WO2016009067 depending on the specific compound and its uses.
How does this patent defend or extend the landscape?
The application expands the landscape by:
- Claiming a novel compound or set of compounds with anti-cancer activity.
- Covering new therapeutic uses not previously patented.
- Including combination therapies with known agents, providing tactical coverage.
It may face challenges related to:
- Prior art citations involving similar compounds or methods.
- Patentability issues if the claimed compounds are derivatives of known molecules with similar uses.
Implications for the industry and R&D
- The broad claims covering cancer indications suggest strategic intent to safeguard multiple therapy avenues.
- The filing in multiple jurisdictions indicates an intention to commercialize globally, possibly via licensing or partnership.
- Patent strength depends on novelty over existing kinase inhibitors and selective claims over specific derivatives.
Key Takeaways
- WO2016009067 focuses on the use of a particular class of compounds for cancer treatment with broad claims covering methods and compositions.
- The patent landscape surrounding cancer therapeutics is highly competitive, with strong prior art in kinase and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- The application’s broad claims increase its potential scope but may face invalidation risks if prior art disclosures are strong.
- Filing in key jurisdictions ensures global coverage but requires validation of claims’ novelty and inventive step.
FAQs
1. How strong are the claims in WO2016009067?
The claims are broad, covering various cancer types and methods of treatment. Their strength depends on the novelty and non-obviousness over prior art in kinase inhibitors and targeted therapies.
2. Could existing patents threaten this application’s validity?
Yes. Patents on similar compounds or therapeutic uses can challenge novelty. Detailed prior art searches are necessary to confirm validity.
3. How does the patent landscape influence potential licensing deals?
A broad patent landscape around similar agents could make licensing more complex but also indicates a sizable market opportunity. Patent strength and scope are critical for valuation.
4. What are common challenges in patenting cancer therapies?
Challenges include demonstrating that the compound is novel, involves an inventive step, and is specific in its use claims. Prior art searches in kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies are essential.
5. Is the patent likely to impact upcoming cancer drug approvals?
If granted with robust claims, the patent could block or delay similar innovations but must withstand legal challenges based on existing patents.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2016009067. Available at: https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2016009067
