The European Patent Office (EPO) receives more than 2000 oppositions each year, directly impacting the future success and exclusivity of pharmaceutical products.
Monitoring the outcomes of these oppositions is crucial as it assists in developing effective strategies for launching generic versions of drugs. Moreover, it aids in identifying competitors that may be eating into market share.
Like every year, the pharmaceutical sector has seen high opposition filings this year as well.
One patent that has attracted significant attention is from Novartis.
Novartis’ patent EP2959894B1 and Biogen’s patent EP2653873B8, focusing on multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment, have faced over 23 and 14 oppositions, respectively. This highlights the importance of S1P receptor modulators and positions Novartis & Biogen as a key player in advancing MS therapies. Similarly, Novo Nordisk’s patent EP3448416A1 for Semaglutide, a treatment for type 2 diabetes, encountered substantial opposition but still managed to secure a notable position in the rankings.
Author’s note – As top blockbuster drugs approach patent expiration, strategic ANDA filings are critical to secure early mover advantage. Download the Pharsight Digester report now for a deep dive into the patent strategies of the top 5 blockbuster drugs nearing expiration.
Top Patents Facing Opposition
Below is a curated list of the top patents facing multiple oppositions, offering insights into the intricate web of pharmaceutical advancements.
| Patent Number | Title | Assignee | No. of opponents |
| EP2959894B1 | S1P receptor modulators for treating multiple sclerosis | Novartis | 23 |
| EP3294283B1 | Sacubitril-valsartan dosage regimen for treating heart failure | Novartis | 15 |
| EP2653873B8 | Compositions and uses for treating multiple sclerosis | Biogen | 14 |
| EP3590949B1 | Ribonucleic acids containing n1-methyl-pseudouracils and uses thereof | Moderna | 9 |
| EP2981255B1 | Therapeutic uses of empagliflozin | Boehringer Ingelheim | 10 |
| EP3597659B1 | Prevention of disulfide bond reduction during recombinant production of polypeptides | Genentech | 9 |
| EP3524595B1 | High-purity quinoline derivative and method for manufacturing the same | Eisai | 9 |
| EP3448416B1 | Semaglutide in cardiovascular conditions | Novo Nordisk | 8 |
| EP3578175B1 | Rapid dissolution formulation of a calcium receptor-active compound | Amgen | 7 |
| EP3324937B1 | Ready-to-use solution of bortezomib | Stada | 7 |
| EP3324936B1 | Process for the preparation of a bortezomib ester solution | Stada | 6 |
| EP3067043B1 | Pharmaceutical compositions based on superstructures of angiotensin receptor antagonist/blocker (arb) and neutral endopeptidase (nep) inhibitor | Novartis | 6 |
| EP2397142B1 | Use of DPP IV inhibitors | Boehringer Ingelheim | 5 |
| EP3981427B9 | Pegylated liposomes for delivery of immunogen-encoding rna | GlaxoSmithKline | 5 |
| EP2611467B1 | Small liposomes for delivery of immunogen-encoding rna | GlaxoSmithKline | 5 |
This compiled list provides insights into the patent oppositions across diverse pharmaceutical fields, ranging from neurological disorders to diabetes and high-purity quinoline derivatives to ribonucleic acids.
Each entry in the list underscores the commitment of companies to safeguard their intellectual property rights while challenging others, highlighting the strategic significance of these patents in shaping the future of medicine.
Major pharmaceutical companies filing patent opposition
After reviewing contested patents, let’s look at the major corporations fighting over them. These companies, not just focused on drug development, actively shape innovation by contesting these patents.
| Company Name | Total oppositions filed after 2023 |
| Generics | 26 |
| Sandoz | 22 |
| Teva Pharmaceutical Industries | 15 |
| Stada Arzneimittel | 12 |
| Sanofi | 12 |
| Edwards Lifesciences | 6 |
| Pfizer | 6 |
| DR Schn | 6 |
| Biontech | 6 |
| Synthon | 5 |
| Salts Healthcare | 5 |
Generics has filed the maximum number of oppositions in the pharmaceutical industry, totaling 26. By doing so, they’re strategically working to maintain a competitive edge. This further allows them to capitalize on emerging innovations, fostering business growth and maintaining a competitive edge in the pharmaceutical industry.
Monitoring Patent Oppositions with Elixir
While monitoring opposition is the answer to your problems, it can be a cumbersome task if done manually.
That is where Elixir can help!
Elixir is a patent monitoring platform that provides comprehensive insights into patent filings, oppositions, and related activities in the pharmaceutical domain.
With Elixir, you can efficiently track oppositions filed globally, ensuring you don’t miss any critical developments.
Customizable alert systems in Elixir allow users to receive notifications tailored to their interests or technology areas. This ensures timely updates on oppositions against their patents or competitors’.
By utilizing Elixir, you can proactively plan your strategies, stay ahead of competitors, and maximize the success of your products.
Don’t wait; book a demo today to experience Elixir firsthand!
Authored By – Sujeet Singh, Product Development
Edited By – Ridhima Mahajan, Marketing
