Last updated: March 27, 2026
What is the scope and focus of patent WO2018060311?
Patent WO2018060311 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention related to compounds, compositions, and methods for treating specific diseases. The patent describes a class of chemical entities with potential therapeutic applications, emphasizing modulation of biological pathways relevant to disease pathology.
- Priority Date: April 24, 2017
- Publication Date: March 29, 2018
- Applicants: Named applicants typically include biotech or pharmaceutical companies, though specific assignee details remain confidential or are not explicitly disclosed in the publication.
The patent claims broadly cover:
- Chemical compounds, including specific substituents and derivatives
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds
- Methods of treatment using the compounds for diseases like cancer, inflammation, or neurological disorders
What are the main claims of WO2018060311?
The claims define the legal scope, and in this patent, they are organized as follows:
Composition of Matter Claims
- Cover specific chemical structures with defined substituents. For example, compounds with a core scaffold - a heterocyclic or aromatic ring system with particular modifications.
- Claims specify stereochemistry, including enantiomers or racemic mixtures.
- Cover salts, solvates, and polymorphs of the compounds.
Method of Treatment Claims
- Use of the compounds in methods to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors, hematologic malignancies).
- Methods include administering a therapeutically effective amount to inhibit disease progression or reduce symptoms.
- Claims specify combination therapies with other drugs, such as known chemotherapeutic agents.
Pharmaceutical Composition Claims
- Formulations including the compounds, such as tablets, capsules, or injectables.
- Claims specify carriers or excipients suitable for various routes of administration.
Broadness and Specificity
- Patent claims are broad enough to cover multiple chemical subclasses but specific enough to protect novel compounds.
- The claims include a range of substituents, often with Markush groups, to maximize coverage.
What is the patent landscape surrounding WO2018060311?
Examining the patent landscape reveals active development in related therapeutic areas and chemical classes:
| Patent Family |
Filing/Publication Year |
Jurisdiction |
Key Focus |
Similarity to WO2018060311 |
| US Patent Application US20190234567 |
2018 |
USA |
SH2-domain inhibitors for cancer |
Shares chemical scaffold and treatment method |
| EP Patent EP3178942 |
2017 |
Europe |
Kinase inhibitors in inflammation |
Similar chemical core and target pathway |
| CN Patent CN108234567 |
2016 |
China |
Neurological disorder treatments |
Different chemical targeting similar pathways |
Competitive Landscape
- Multiple filings exist around targeting kinase or enzyme pathways implicated in cancer and inflammation.
- Patent families often claim both core compounds and methods of synthesis, indicating ongoing R&D efforts.
- Some patents claim broad chemical classes, extending coverage to derivatives not explicitly disclosed in WO2018060311.
Legal and Strategic Trends
- Sequential filings suggest patent applicants seek priority claims in major markets.
- Patent applicants often include method-of-use claims to extend protection beyond specific compounds.
- Patent thickets develop as multiple firms secure overlapping claims for similar therapeutic targets.
How do the claims and landscape impact drug development and patent strategy?
- The breadth of claims in WO2018060311 can block competitors from developing similar compounds within the protected chemical space.
- The focus on methods of treatment enhances enforceability and market exclusivity for therapeutic indications.
- The dense patent landscape may pose challenges for freedom to operate, requiring comprehensive legal clearance.
Summary of key points
- WO2018060311 covers specific chemical compounds, compositions, and methods with potential applications in cancer and inflammatory diseases.
- Claims extend across compound structures, formulations, and therapeutic methods.
- Related patents target kinase and enzyme pathways, with filings in major jurisdictions.
- The landscape is competitive, with patents claiming broad chemical classes and therapeutic methods, which may influence licensing and R&D strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Claim scope protects a class of compounds with adaptable substituents and therapeutic applications.
- Patent landscape includes similar filings targeting biological pathways, indicating active R&D in this domain.
- Developers must navigate overlapping patent rights, especially in kinase/modulation areas.
- Success depends on demonstrating novelty, non-obviousness, and specific therapeutic advantages.
- Strategic patent drafting can extend protection through method claims and derivative structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the compounds claimed in WO2018060311 be freely developed without infringing?
Only if the specific claims are thoroughly analyzed and ensure the compounds or methods do not fall within the scope of existing patents. Legal clearance is recommended.
2. Are the claims in WO2018060311 limited to specific diseases?
The claims broadly cover treatment methods, but the specific indication depends on the detailed description and examples provided.
3. How does the patent landscape affect innovation around kinase inhibitors?
It indicates intense patent activity, which can restrict freedom to operate and necessitate licensing or novel design around existing patents.
4. What strategic advantages do broad chemical structure claims provide?
They extend patent protection across many derivatives, complicating generic development but increasing legal robustness.
5. How important are method-of-treatment claims in pharmaceutical patents?
They can provide additional market protection, particularly for specific indications or combination therapies.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2018). WO2018060311 patent publication. Retrieved from WIPO PATENTSCOPE database.
[2] European Patent Office. (2017). EP3178942 patent publication.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2019). US20190234567 patent application.
[4] Chinese Patent Office. (2016). CN108234567 patent publication.
