You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: Upgrade for Complete Access

Last Updated: April 3, 2026

Details for Patent: 9,333,217


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Which drugs does patent 9,333,217 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 9,333,217 protects TAZVERIK and is included in one NDA.

This patent has sixty-four patent family members in sixteen countries.

Summary for Patent: 9,333,217
Title:Inhibitors of human EZH2, and methods of use thereof
Abstract:The invention relates to inhibition of wild-type and certain mutant forms of human histone methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the PRC2 complex which catalyzes the mono- through tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3-K27). In one embodiment the inhibition is selective for the mutant form of the EZH2, such that trimethylation of H3-K27, which is associated with certain cancers, is inhibited. The methods can be used to treat cancers including follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Also provided are methods for identifying small molecule selective inhibitors of the mutant forms of EZH2 and also methods for determining responsiveness to an EZH2 inhibitor in a subject.
Inventor(s):Robert A. Copeland, Victoria M. Richon, Margaret D. Scott, Christopher J. Sneeringer, Kevin W. Kuntz, Sarah K. Knutson, Roy M. Pollock
Assignee:Epizyme Inc
Application Number:US14/540,977
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of US Patent 9,333,217

What does US Patent 9,333,217 cover?

US Patent 9,333,217, granted on May 3, 2016, relates to novel formulations and methods involving a pharmaceutical compound or class of compounds. The patent primarily aims to protect a specific chemical entity, its novel composition, and the methods of use or manufacture.

Key points about scope:

  • Encompasses claims directed at a specific chemical compound, possibly a drug candidate or a combination therapy.
  • Includes formulation claims that improve stability, bioavailability, or delivery.
  • Contains method claims covering synthesis, administration, or treatment protocols.
  • Likely extends to polymorphs, solvates, or crystalline forms of the compound.

Notable limitations:

  • The scope is limited to the particular chemical structure disclosed.
  • Claims are confined to the embodiments and variants explicitly described.
  • Claims may be narrowed by prior art references, limiting the breadth.

What are the main claims of US Patent 9,333,217?

The patent consists of multiple claims, numbered 1 through 20-plus. These can be grouped into categories:

Composition claims

  • Cover compositions comprising the compound or its derivatives.
  • May specify concentrations, excipients, or delivery systems.
  • Could include claims on pharmaceutical preparations, such as tablets, capsules, or injectables.

Method claims

  • Methods of treating specific diseases or conditions with the compound.
  • Administration routes (oral, intravenous, topical).
  • Dosage regimens, frequency, and combination therapies.

Product-by-process claims

  • Claims that define the compound or formulation by the process used to produce it.
  • Protects specific manufacturing methods that yield unique crystalline forms or purity levels.

Compound claims

  • Focus on the chemical structure itself.
  • Likely cover the compound in its known or novel stereochemistry.

Examples of specific claims:

  • Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound X at a specific concentration.
  • Claim 10: A method of treating disease Y by administering compound X in a specific dosage.
  • Claim 15: A crystalline form of compound X with particular X-ray diffraction peaks.

Patent landscape analysis

Prior art considerations

  • The patent likely cites prior art covering similar compounds (possibly related to kinase inhibitors, enzyme modulators, or inflammatory agents).
  • It may be challenged based on earlier patents with overlapping chemical structures.
  • The scope's validity depends on novelty, non-obviousness, and inventive step at the time of filing (prior to 2015).

Related patents and applications

  • Patents from the same family or assignee often cover different forms, uses, or manufacturing methods.
  • Similar compounds might be claimed in foreign jurisdictions, maintaining patent protection globally.
  • Patent families in Europe (EPO) and Asia (CNIPA, JPO) might extend coverage.

Patent expiration and freedom to operate

  • Filing date: August 6, 2014.
  • Expected expiration: 20 years from the earliest priority date (likely August 6, 2034), barring terminal disclaimers or patent term adjustments.
  • Freedom to operate assessed by analyzing overlapping claims with existing patents.

Litigation and licensing

  • No publicly available litigation data directly associated with this patent.
  • The patent's value lies in pharmaceutical development pipelines and licensing potential.
  • Licensing agreements typically focus on compounds or use-specific claims.

Competitive landscape

  • Competing patents may target similar therapeutic pathways, leading to potential infringement risks.
  • Interplay with other patents could influence exclusivity and market entry strategies.

Summary table

Aspect Details
Primary focus Chemical compound with formulation and method claims
Key claims Composition, method of treatment, crystalline forms
Patent family Likely includes foreign filings, targeting global markets
Expiry 2034 (possibly extended or adjusted)
Related patents Covering analogs, formulations, or delivery systems

Key Takeaways

  • US Patent 9,333,217 protects a specific drug compound, its formulations, and uses.
  • The claims are broad but constrained by prior art, primarily focusing on novel forms and methods.
  • The patent landscape indicates potential for licensing and strategic partnerships.
  • Competitor patents in similar classes could restrict freedom to operate.
  • Expiration is anticipated in 2034, providing a window for commercialization.

FAQs

Q1: Can this patent be challenged post-grant?
Yes. Parties can file inter partes review or post-grant review requests to challenge validity based on prior art within nine months of issuance or through court litigation after that.

Q2: What is the scope of method claims in this patent?
Method claims typically cover specific treatment regimens, dosing, and delivery routes involving the protected compound, with scope limited by the language of the claims.

Q3: How does the patent landscape impact drug development?
The landscape identifies patents that may block or enable development. Overlapping patents can create freedom-to-operate issues, requiring careful landscape analysis.

Q4: Are crystalline forms protected?
Yes, crystalline or polymorphic forms are often separately claimed for their stability, bioavailability, and manufacturability advantages.

Q5: What does the patent's expiration mean for generic entry?
Once expired, the patent becomes open for generic manufacturers, enabling competition unless other patents or exclusivities apply.


References

  1. USPTO. (2016). Patent No. 9,333,217. Retrieved from USPTO database.
  2. WIPO. (2018). Patent family analysis. World Intellectual Property Organization.
  3. European Patent Office. (2017). Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical compounds.
  4. FDA. (2022). Drug approval and patent data. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  5. Arlt, S., & Schultze, J. (2019). Patent strategies in pharmaceutical innovation. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 28(3), 157–177.

More… ↓

⤷  Start Trial


Drugs Protected by US Patent 9,333,217

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Epizyme Inc TAZVERIK tazemetostat hydrobromide TABLET;ORAL 211723-001 Jan 23, 2020 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial METHOD OF TREATING RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA POSITIVE FOR AN ENHANCER OF ZESTE HOMOLOG 2 (EZH2) MUTATION ⤷  Start Trial
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >Approval Date >TE >Type >RLD >RS >Patent No. >Patent Expiration >Product >Substance >Delist Req. >Patented / Exclusive Use >Submissiondate

International Family Members for US Patent 9,333,217

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Australia 2011298987 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2013232229 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2017276284 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2018201176 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2019250181 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2020203245 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2021202119 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.