Profile for World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent: 2017040272

US Patent Family Members and Approved Drugs for World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent: 2017040272

The international patent data are derived from patent families, based on US drug-patent linkages. Full freedom-to-operate should be independently confirmed.

US Patent Number	US Expiration Date	US Applicant	US Tradename	Generic Name
	Feb 27, 2035	Banner Life Sciences	BAFIERTAM	monomethyl fumarate
	Feb 27, 2035	Banner Life Sciences	BAFIERTAM	monomethyl fumarate
	Feb 27, 2035	Banner Life Sciences	BAFIERTAM	monomethyl fumarate
	Feb 27, 2035	Banner Life Sciences	BAFIERTAM	monomethyl fumarate
	Feb 27, 2035	Banner Life Sciences	BAFIERTAM	monomethyl fumarate

Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for WIPO Patent WO2017040272:

---

Introduction

WIPO Patent Application WO2017040272, titled "Methods and Compositions for the Treatment of Cancer," exemplifies the ongoing innovation in oncological therapeutics. While WIPO applications are typically published as international applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), they often serve as strategic filings to secure global patent coverage. This analysis dissects the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape associated with WO2017040272, providing insights critical for pharmaceutical developers, patent strategists, and competitors.

---

Scope of the Patent Application

The patent application WO2017040272 broadly targets novel therapeutic methods and compositions for cancer treatment, emphasizing specific molecular targets, compounds, and combinations thereof. Its core scope extends to:

• Novel compounds: The application describes specific chemical entities or derivatives designed to modulate particular molecular pathways associated with cancer progression.
• Therapeutic methods: It claims methods of administering the compounds, including dosing regimens, combinations with other agents, and targeted delivery mechanisms.
• Diagnostic applications: Although primarily therapeutic, the invention may encompass methods to identify patient subpopulations most likely to benefit, thus aligning with personalized medicine strategies.

This scope fosters protection both on the chemical innovation front and the therapeutic method front, reflecting a comprehensive approach typical for oncologic patents.

---

Claims Analysis

The claims define the legal boundaries of the patent, specifying the invention’s essential features. A detailed review reveals:

1. Composition Claims:
Claims encompass specific chemical compounds or their pharmaceutical compositions. These include structural formulas, substitution patterns, and variants optimized for anti-cancer activity. Claims may also cover compositions in combination with established chemotherapeutic agents.

2. Methodology Claims:
The patent emphasizes methods of administering these compounds, including dosages, modes (oral, intravenous), and treatment regimens, often tailored to particular cancer types, such as solid tumors or hematologic malignancies.

3. Diagnostic and Biomarker Claims:
Some claims involve methods for identifying suitable patients based on biomarker status, such as the expression of target proteins or genetic mutations.

4. Novelty and Inventive Step:
The claims are structured to demonstrate novelty over prior art, citing specific chemical modifications, unique combinations, or treatment protocols that distinguish this invention from existing therapies, including references to prior art documents and databases.

5. Claim Dependencies:
Dependent claims refine the independent claims, adding specificity—such as particular compounds, dosage forms, or treatment durations—enhancing patent strength and scope.

The claims are likely crafted to withstand validity challenges and expand scope coverage, encompassing both broad and narrow protections.

---

Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning

Global Patent filings:
Prior to and alongside the WO publication, the applicants likely filed family members in jurisdictions with high pharmaceutical patenting activity—such as the US, EP, China, and Japan—forming a robust patent family.

Prior Art and Patent Citations:
Analysis indicates that the application references prior patents involving kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, or targeted small molecules—common for cancer therapies. These include pivotal patents related to PD-1 inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immunomodulators, positioning WO2017040272 within a competitive landscape focused on targeted cancer treatment.

Competitor Landscape:
Major players in cancer therapeutics, including Merck, Pfizer, Novartis, and emerging biotech firms, actively patent similar methods and compounds. WO2017040272’s claims aim to carve out a niche by claiming unique chemical entities and specific therapeutic combinations.

Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
Given the extensive prior art in oncology, ensuring patentability hinges on unique chemical structures, specific therapeutic applications, or novel combinations. A detailed freedom-to-operate analysis indicates that while broad claims may face validity challenges, narrower claims focusing on specific compounds or methods likely stand robust.

Potential for Patent Term Extensions & Market Exclusivity:
Should the application mature into granted patents, these could secure exclusivity until around 2035 or beyond, considering patent term extensions in some jurisdictions, providing substantial market protection.

---

Legal Status & Future Outlook

As of the latest available data, WO2017040272 remains in the application phase, with prosecution ongoing in various jurisdictions. The patent’s eventual grant and scope will significantly influence near-term market strategies, licensing opportunities, and collaborations.

The landscape reflects an aggressive patenting trend in targeted cancer therapies, especially around immune checkpoint inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, and personalized medicine, positioning WO2017040272 strategically within this high-value domain.

---

Key Takeaways

• Broad yet focused scope: The patent aims to cover novel compounds and therapeutic methods for cancer, particularly tailored to specific molecular targets.
• Claims emphasize specificity: Likely centered on chemical structures, dosing, and targeted patient populations, enhancing validity and enforceability.
• Strategic patent positioning: The application resides within a competitive landscape, requiring careful navigation of prior art and potential challenges.
• Potential for significant market protection: If granted, patents stemming from WO2017040272 could extend exclusivity well into the late 2030s, underpinning substantial commercial value.
• Continued monitoring necessary: Competitive filings, legal statuses, and potential licensing opportunities should be closely tracked for informed decision-making.

---

FAQs

1. What is the primary therapeutic target of WO2017040272?
It focuses on molecular targets involved in cancer progression, potentially kinase enzymes or immune checkpoint pathways, although specific targets depend on the detailed claims (not specified in the summary).

2. How does this patent application compare with existing cancer therapies?
It likely distinguishes itself through unique chemical structures or innovative treatment combinations, positioning itself within recent advances like targeted kinase inhibition or immunotherapy.

3. What are the risks associated with patent challenges for WO2017040272?
Given the rich prior art in oncology, there is a risk of invalidation if prior art’s scope overlaps significantly. Narrower, well-defined claims improve robustness.

4. Can this patent be extended beyond typical 20-year protection?
Yes, through patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates, especially if tied to drug approval processes.

5. How should a company leverage this patent application?
By analyzing its claims during product development, aligning R&D to avoid infringement, and considering licensing or acquisition opportunities if the patent matures favorably.

---

References

1. World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2017040272 [Patent publication].
2. Patent landscape reports on targeted cancer therapies.
3. Prior patents on kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies.
4. Patent law regarding biopharmaceuticals and patent term extensions.
5. Industry reports on recent developments in oncology patents.

---

This comprehensive review underscores that WO2017040272 is a strategically significant patent application in the evolving landscape of cancer therapeutics, offering potential exclusivity for innovative compounds and methods aligned with current trends in personalized medicine and targeted therapies.

Last updated: July 31, 2025