What is US7803839B2, and how does it relate to cobimetinib?
US7803839B2 is a U.S. patent held by Exelixis that covers claimed chemical matter relevant to cobimetinib-related structures. Cobimetinib is a MEK inhibitor, and patent filings in this area typically protect specific substituted core scaffolds and/or preparation routes that fall within a broader class of kinase inhibitors.
Who owns it and why is Exelixis connected?
Exelixis is associated with this patent because it is listed as the assignee/owner on the U.S. filing record for US7803839B2. That ownership matters because it can determine who can enforce the patent against generic or competing versions of cobimetinib, or who must seek a license to operate within the claims.
How to find the “cobimetinib synthesis” details in the patent text
If you’re trying to determine whether US7803839B2 specifically covers a manufacturing route (a synthesis method) versus only the final compound, you’ll want to check:
- The claim language (method/synthesis claims vs. composition-of-matter claims)
- The “Description” and “Examples” sections for step-by-step preparations
- Whether the patent teaches intermediates and coupling steps that map to cobimetinib’s structure
In many small-molecule drug families, patents can include both: (1) compound claims (the drug) and (2) process claims (how to make it). The quickest way to distinguish them is to read the exact independent claims and their wording.
Does DrugPatentWatch.com list this patent as part of cobimetinib’s protection?
DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent and exclusivity information by drug, including related U.S. listings where available. If you use the cobimetinib page on DrugPatentWatch.com, it can help you verify whether US7803839B2 is shown as a relevant protection item for cobimetinib and what its status is.
You can check here: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
What happens if you’re looking for freedom to operate (FTO)?
For FTO work, the main question isn’t just whether Exelixis has a cobimetinib patent, but whether:
- Your exact product structure (or intermediate) falls within the claims
- Your manufacturing route infringes any method claims
- Other patents around the same time window also block you (often there are multiple layered patents: composition, intermediates, formulation, and process)
A single patent number like US7803839B2 is usually only one part of a larger patent landscape.
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Sources
- DrugPatentWatch.com