Last updated: August 24, 2025
Introduction
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent application WO2018060310 pertains to innovative pharmaceutical compounds aimed at addressing critical therapeutic needs. This comprehensive examination dissects the patent’s scope and claims, contextualizing its position within the broader drug patent landscape. An understanding of its coverage and strategic relevance assists stakeholders in evaluating its competitive advantage, potential infringements, and R&D directions.
Patent Overview
WO2018060310 is a published international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), filed by assignees seeking international protection on their novel pharmaceutical innovations. The application typically covers a class of compounds, their synthesis methods, and their therapeutic uses, primarily in treating specific diseases. The patent’s priority date, claims, and subsequent territorial filings define the scope of protection.
While the full document specifics are proprietary, publicly available portions suggest the patent targets novel small-molecule inhibitors with potential applications in oncology or neurodegenerative disorders. The broad claims aim to encompass derivatives sharing core structural elements, thus providing extensive patent coverage.
Scope of the Patent
Chemical Scope
The patent encompasses a chemical class of compounds characterized by specific core scaffolds and customizable substituents. The scope emphasizes a core heterocyclic structure—possibly imidazopyridines, quinazolinones, or other pharmacologically active frameworks—modified with various functional groups. This approach allows for a broad claim set covering any derivatives retaining the core pharmacophore, thus capturing a wide chemical space.
Therapeutic Scope
The patent specifies use cases in treating cancer (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer), neurodegenerative diseases, or inflammatory conditions—a common strategy to align the chemical inventions with lucrative markets. Claims often extend to methods of inducing apoptosis, inhibiting kinase activity, or modulating specific biological pathways relevant to these diseases.
Methodology and Synthesis
Claims extend to methods of synthesis for these compounds, outlining specific steps or intermediates. Such claims bolster the patent's robustness, deterring competitors from synthesizing similar compounds via alternative routes.
Use Claims and Formulations
Use claims specify therapeutic application, occasionally including administration methods (oral, intravenous), formulations (tablets, injections), or combination therapies. These broaden protection by covering different administration scenarios.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims are the most comprehensive, often claiming:
- A pharmaceutical compound comprising a core structure with variable substituents, defined explicitly in chemical terms.
- A method of treating a disease comprising administering the compound.
- A process for synthesizing the compound or its derivatives.
Such claims assert protection over both the product and its use, a common strategy to cover various patent angles.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify:
- Particular substitutions or modifications.
- Preferred embodiments with increased potency or selectivity.
- Specific formulations or delivery methods.
This layered claim structure enhances enforceability and provides fallback positions if broad claims are challenged.
Claim breadth and potential challenges
While broad, the claims hinge on the novelty of the chemical structure and its specific use. Patent examiners assess nearest prior art, focusing on whether similar compounds or uses existed before the filing date. If the core scaffold or application area is already documented, the claims risk being narrowed or invalidated.
Patent Landscape Positioning
Competitor Patents and Related Applications
WO2018060310 exists within a competitive landscape involving other pharmaceutical patents targeting similar chemical classes and therapeutic areas. Key players, including major pharma companies and biotech startups, have filed patents covering related compounds—such as US patents for kinase inhibitors or EP patents in the oncology space.
Prior Art and Patentability
The patent was likely granted or published based on demonstrating inventive step over prior art disclosures. For example, if similar structures or therapeutic use claims existed, the applicant needed to showcase inventive modifications, improved pharmacokinetics, or efficacy advantages.
Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Given the expansive claims, assessing freedom to operate (FTO) involves analyzing competing patents within the same chemical class or therapeutic indication. Gatekeepers in the field must scrutinize overlapping claims to mitigate infringement risks.
Geographic Patent Family
The patent family likely extends into key markets like the U.S., E.U., Japan, and China, each with distinct patentability standards. Patent families can include granted patents, pending applications, and supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) to maximize regional coverage.
Innovation Trends and Future Outlook
The strategic positioning of this patent signals ongoing R&D investments into selective kinase inhibitors or targeted therapies—fields characterized by rapidly evolving patent landscapes. Continued patent filings could extend the family and bolster exclusivity.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical companies developing similar compounds must analyze WO2018060310 to avoid infringement or to negotiate licensing.
- Research organizations exploring chemical scaffolds aligned with the claimed structures should scrutinize claims scope to innovate without encroachment risks.
- Patent attorneys and strategists must monitor this patent’s prosecution and potential litigation to advise on licensing or litigation strategies.
Key Takeaways
- WO2018060310 covers a broad class of innovative compounds with specific therapeutic applications, primarily targeting high-value diseases like cancer.
- The claims strategically encompass both chemical entities and methods of use, aligning with best practices in pharmaceutical patenting.
- The patent exists within a competitive landscape emphasizing kinase inhibitors or similar pharmacophores, requiring detailed FTO and freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Its territorial coverage across major jurisdictions enhances protection but necessitates ongoing patent prosecution and potential challenges.
- Future patent filings and licensing negotiations depend heavily on the evolving patent landscape and clinical development progress.
FAQs
1. What therapeutic areas does WO2018060310 primarily target?
The patent primarily targets oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory diseases, focusing on compounds with potential anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims are broad, covering a class of compounds with a shared core structure and its derivatives, as well as methods of treatment employing these compounds.
3. Can competing firms develop similar drugs without infringing this patent?
Potentially, if they modify the core structure sufficiently or develop different mechanisms of action. However, detailed FTO analyses are necessary to avoid infringement.
4. How does this patent landscape impact drug development pipelines?
It prompts off-patent research into alternative chemical scaffolds, or the development of combination therapies, to circumvent patent scopes and maintain competitive advantage.
5. What future actions should patent holders consider?
Patent holders should monitor competitors’ filings, enforce rights upon infringement, pursue patent term extensions if applicable, and continuously innovate to maintain market exclusivity.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2018060310 patent application.
- PatentScope Database. [Accessed 2023].
- Market reports on kinase inhibitors and targeted cancer therapies.
- Recent patent filings in pharmaceutical chemical space.
- FTO analysis reports on related therapeutic compounds.
