Combination of a PD-1 Antagonist and a VEGFR Inhibitor for Treating Cancer: A Detailed Analysis of US Patent 10,570,202
Introduction
The United States Patent 10,570,202, issued on February 25, 2020, describes a groundbreaking combination therapy involving a Programmed Death 1 receptor (PD-1) antagonist and a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor for the treatment of cancer. This patent is a significant milestone in the field of oncology, offering a novel approach to combating various types of cancer.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by Jean-Francois Andre Martini, Jamal Christo Tarazi, Rodolfo Fleury Perini, and David J. Mauro. The assignees of this patent are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources, but it is likely associated with a pharmaceutical company given the nature of the invention.
Patent Claims
Overview of Claims
The patent claims revolve around the combination therapy of a PD-1 antagonist and a VEGFR inhibitor. Here are the key aspects of the claims:
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Combination Therapy: The patent describes the use of a combination of an antagonist of the PD-1 receptor and a VEGFR inhibitor for treating cancer. This combination is particularly effective for cancers that express PD-L1[2][5].
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Specific Agents: The claims include specific examples of PD-1 antagonists such as pembrolizumab and VEGFR inhibitors like axitinib. These agents are known for their efficacy in targeting different pathways involved in cancer progression[1][5].
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Cancer Types: The patent specifies the treatment of various cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, kidney neoplasms, and plasma cell myeloma, among others[1].
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Dosage and Administration: The claims also cover various dosages and administration methods for the combination therapy, ensuring flexibility in treatment protocols[1].
Claim Scope
The scope of the claims is broad yet specific, covering the combination of two distinct classes of drugs:
- PD-1 Antagonists: These drugs block the PD-1 receptor, enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
- VEGFR Inhibitors: These drugs inhibit the VEGFR pathway, which is crucial for angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) that tumors need to grow and metastasize.
The combination of these two mechanisms targets both the immune system's response to cancer and the tumor's ability to grow and spread, making it a potent therapeutic strategy[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
Several related patents highlight the evolving landscape of cancer treatment using combination therapies:
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Patent 10,869,924: This patent, issued on December 22, 2020, describes combination therapies involving a PD-L1 antagonist and another therapeutic agent, further expanding the scope of immunotherapy combinations[2].
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Patent 8,791,140: This patent, issued on July 29, 2014, relates to crystalline forms of a compound suitable for treating abnormal cell growth, indicating ongoing research in pharmaceutical formulations[2].
Patent Expiration Dates
The patent 10,570,202 is set to expire on February 3, 2035, or August 3, 2035, depending on the specific claim extensions. This timeline is crucial for understanding the exclusivity period during which the inventors or assignees have sole rights to the combination therapy[2].
Mechanism of Action
PD-1 Antagonists
PD-1 antagonists, such as pembrolizumab, work by blocking the PD-1 receptor on T cells. This blockade prevents the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), which are often expressed by cancer cells to evade immune detection. By inhibiting this interaction, the immune system is more effectively able to recognize and attack cancer cells[1].
VEGFR Inhibitors
VEGFR inhibitors, such as axitinib, target the VEGFR pathway, which is essential for angiogenesis. By inhibiting VEGFR, these drugs reduce the formation of new blood vessels that supply the tumor with nutrients and oxygen, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis[4].
Clinical Implications
The combination of PD-1 antagonists and VEGFR inhibitors has shown promising results in clinical trials:
- Enhanced Efficacy: The dual mechanism of action can lead to improved treatment outcomes by targeting both the immune system and tumor angiogenesis.
- Specific Cancer Types: This combination is particularly beneficial for cancers that express PD-L1 and have a high angiogenic potential, such as renal cell carcinoma[1].
Regulatory and Commercial Aspects
Patent Protection
The patent provides exclusive rights to the inventors or assignees until its expiration in 2035. This exclusivity is crucial for recouping the significant investment in research and development of these combination therapies[2].
Generic Availability
As of now, there is no generic version of Inlyta (axitinib) available in the United States, which means that the patent holders maintain market exclusivity for this specific VEGFR inhibitor[2].
Conclusion
The United States Patent 10,570,202 represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment by combining PD-1 antagonists and VEGFR inhibitors. This combination therapy targets multiple pathways critical for cancer progression, offering a potent and innovative approach to oncology.
Key Takeaways
- Combination Therapy: The patent describes a combination of PD-1 antagonists and VEGFR inhibitors for treating cancer.
- Specific Agents: Pembrolizumab and axitinib are examples of drugs used in this combination.
- Cancer Types: The therapy is effective for various cancers, including renal cell carcinoma and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
- Patent Expiration: The patent expires in 2035, ensuring exclusivity for the inventors or assignees until then.
- Clinical Implications: The combination enhances efficacy by targeting both immune response and tumor angiogenesis.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of the United States Patent 10,570,202?
A: The patent focuses on a combination therapy involving a PD-1 antagonist and a VEGFR inhibitor for treating cancer.
Q: Which specific drugs are mentioned in the patent?
A: The patent mentions pembrolizumab as a PD-1 antagonist and axitinib as a VEGFR inhibitor.
Q: What types of cancer can be treated with this combination therapy?
A: The therapy is particularly effective for cancers such as renal cell carcinoma, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and kidney neoplasms.
Q: When does the patent expire?
A: The patent expires on February 3, 2035, or August 3, 2035, depending on the specific claim extensions.
Q: Why is this combination therapy significant?
A: This combination targets both the immune system's response to cancer and the tumor's ability to grow and spread, making it a potent therapeutic strategy.
Sources
- US10570202B2 - Combination of a PD-1 antagonist and a VEGFR inhibitor for treating cancer - Google Patents
- Generic Inlyta Availability - Drugs.com
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- Axitinib - Uses, DMF, Dossier, Manufacturer, Supplier, Licensing - PharmaCompass
- US10570202B2 - Combination of a PD-1 antagonist and a VEGFR inhibitor for treating cancer - Google Patents (Japanese version)
