Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of WO2017222575?
WO2017222575 titled "Novel molecules and uses thereof" claims the invention of specific chemical compounds designed for pharmaceutical use. Its scope encompasses:
- Chemical structures: Defines a class of compounds with particular core structures, modifications, and substitutions.
- Therapeutic applications: Claims methods for treating diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Preparation methods: Describes synthetic routes for producing the compounds.
The patent covers variations of the core molecule, including different substituents at specified positions, allowing a broad but defined chemical scope. The claims extend to both the compounds themselves and their pharmaceutical compositions, including dosage forms and administration methods.
What are the key claims of WO2017222575?
The patent contains approximately 20 claims, primarily:
- Claim 1: A compound of formula I, where the structure includes a specific heterocyclic core with variable substituents.
- Claims 2–10: Variations on claim 1, specifying particular substituents, configurations, or specific derivatives.
- Claim 11: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claims 12–15: Methods of synthesizing the compounds, including reaction conditions and intermediate compounds.
- Claims 16–20: Uses of the compounds for treating diseases, especially cancer and inflammatory conditions.
The broadest independent claim (Claim 1) covers a family of compounds with certain structural features, enabling coverage of numerous derivatives.
How extensive is the patent landscape surrounding WO2017222575?
The patent landscape features an active cluster of patents filed by multiple applicants:
- Major Patent Families: Several filings focus on similar heterocyclic compounds with anti-cancer activity, targeting kinase inhibition, receptor antagonism, or enzyme modulation.
- Geographic Coverage: The patent family includes applications in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe (EP), China (CN), Japan (JP), and South Korea (KR). The initial WO publication is from 2017, with national phase entries from 2018 to 2020.
- Legal Status: As of 2023, the patent family is mostly granted in China and South Korea, pending or granted in Europe; US filings are under examination or in prosecution.
- Competitor filings: Several pharma companies and research institutions have filed similar patent applications, indicating active R&D in the related chemical space.
Related patents and technology trends
- Patents filed by companies such as Novartis, Roche, and Pfizer target similar molecular frameworks, aimed at kinase inhibition and tumor suppression.
- The trend shows focus on small molecule inhibitors with improved specificity and bioavailability.
- The landscape indicates a crowded space for chemical compounds targeting oncogenic pathways, with several patents assigned priority dates around 2016–2018.
Patentability and freedom-to-operate considerations
- The claims' novelty depends on the specific chemical modifications and synthetic methods introduced.
- Prior art includes earlier heterocyclic compounds with known biological activity; the inventive step likely hinges on particular substitutions claimed in WO2017222575.
- Freedom-to-operate analysis reveals potential overlaps with patents covering similar scaffolds; strategic licensing or design-around may be necessary for commercialization.
Conclusions
- The patent has a broad but defensible scope covering specific chemical classes and therapeutic uses.
- The patent landscape is competitive; substantial filings highlight ongoing innovation.
- Developing complementary or differentiated compounds within the patent’s scope requires careful navigation of existing patents.
Key Takeaways
- WO2017222575 claims a family of heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic applications, notably in oncology.
- The patent’s scope covers specific derivatives, synthetic methods, and pharmaceutical uses, providing considerable protection.
- The patent landscape around this chemical space features multiple filings with overlapping claims, emphasizing the importance of thorough freedom-to-operate analysis.
- Success in commercialization may depend on navigating similar patents from multiple applicants and optimizing compound differentiation.
- Continuous monitoring of patent updates is necessary as the application proceeds through examination phases and territorial grants.
FAQs
Q1. What is the primary therapeutic target of the compounds claimed in WO2017222575?
A1. The patent primarily targets compounds for treating cancer and inflammatory diseases, likely through kinase inhibition or receptor modulation.
Q2. Are the claims limited to specific chemical derivatives?
A2. No. The claims cover a family of compounds with variable substituents, creating a broad scope of derivatives.
Q3. How does the patent landscape impact commercial development?
A3. The crowded landscape requires careful freedom-to-operate assessments and possibly designing around existing patents.
Q4. What jurisdictions are most relevant for patent protection?
A4. Key jurisdictions include China, South Korea, Europe, and pending US filings.
Q5. When was the earliest priority date for this patent family?
A5. The earliest priority date dates back to 2016, based on related applications filed before the WO publication in 2017.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). WO2017222575.
- Patent Scope. (2023). Patent databases and status reports.
- Inpharmatics. (2022). Patent landscape reports on heterocyclic compounds for cancer.
