How Antibodies Block VLA-4 to Treat Inflammatory Diseases
This patent describes antibodies, which are immune system proteins, designed to specifically attach to and block a target protein called VLA-4, which is involved in inflammation and immune responses.
Original patent title: “Anti-VLA-4 antibodies”
This patent describes antibodies, which are immune system proteins, designed to specifically attach to and block a target protein called VLA-4, which is involved in inflammation and immune responses. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This invention focuses on antibodies and their fragments that are designed to bind to alpha-4, a component of the VLA-4 protein. VLA-4 is a cell surface protein that helps immune cells stick to blood vessel walls and move into tissues, a process central to inflammation. By binding to alpha-4, these antibodies aim to prevent immune cells from migrating, thereby reducing inflammation. For example, in conditions like multiple sclerosis, immune cells incorrectly attack nerve tissue; an antibody targeting VLA-4 would aim to stop these cells from reaching the brain and spinal cord.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover small-molecule drugs that block VLA-4, as the invention specifically relates to antibodies and their fragments.
- Does not cover antibodies that target other cell adhesion molecules not related to the alpha-4 subunit of VLA-4.
- Does not cover gene therapies or cell therapies aimed at modulating VLA-4 expression or function.
- Does not cover diagnostic methods using VLA-4 binding agents, as the focus is on therapeutic antibodies.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in designing antibodies that precisely recognize and bind to the alpha-4 subunit of VLA-4. This specific binding can effectively disrupt the VLA-4 protein's function, preventing immune cells from migrating to sites of inflammation without broadly suppressing the entire immune system.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Tysabri (natalizumab) for multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease
Vedolizumab (Entyvio) for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Antibody therapies for inflammatory bowel disease
Why it matters
The bigger picture
VLA-4 is a critical target in treating various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. Drugs that block VLA-4 have demonstrated significant clinical benefits by preventing immune cells from causing damage in affected tissues. This type of invention contributes to the ongoing development of more effective and targeted therapies for chronic inflammatory conditions.
Filed
February 6, 2023
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies like Biogen, Takeda Pharmaceutical, and other major biotechnology firms are actively developing and marketing VLA-4 targeting antibodies. These companies continue to research new antibody designs and applications for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, aiming for improved efficacy and safety profiles.
Market impact
The development of anti-VLA-4 antibodies has created a significant therapeutic category for severe autoimmune diseases. These biologics have provided new treatment options for patients who did not respond to conventional therapies, establishing a multi-billion dollar market segment. They have also spurred further research into targeted immunotherapies, shifting treatment paradigms towards more specific interventions.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This invention focuses on antibodies and their fragments that are designed to bind to alpha-4, a component of the VLA-4 protein. VLA-4 is a cell surface protein that helps immune cells stick to blood vessel walls and move into tissues, a process central to inflammation. By binding to alpha-4, these antibodies aim to prevent immune cells from migrating, thereby reducing inflammation. For example, in conditions like multiple sclerosis, immune cells incorrectly attack nerve tissue; an antibody targeting VLA-4 would aim to stop these cells from reaching the brain and spinal cord.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in designing antibodies that precisely recognize and bind to the alpha-4 subunit of VLA-4. This specific binding can effectively disrupt the VLA-4 protein's function, preventing immune cells from migrating to sites of inflammation without broadly suppressing the entire immune system.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover small-molecule drugs that block VLA-4, as the invention specifically relates to antibodies and their fragments.
- Does not cover antibodies that target other cell adhesion molecules not related to the alpha-4 subunit of VLA-4.
- Does not cover gene therapies or cell therapies aimed at modulating VLA-4 expression or function.
- Does not cover diagnostic methods using VLA-4 binding agents, as the focus is on therapeutic antibodies.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$36K – $115K
Midpoint $72K · 16.3 yr remaining · industry ×3.0
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How Antibodies Block VLA-4 to Treat Inflammatory Diseases (U.S. Patent No. 12,734,236). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734236/anti-vla-4-antibodies
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Antibodies Block VLA-4 to Treat Inflammatory Diseases cover?
This patent describes antibodies, which are immune system proteins, designed to specifically attach to and block a target protein called VLA-4, which is involved in inflammation and immune responses.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
VLA-4 is a critical target in treating various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. Drugs that block VLA-4 have demonstrated significant clinical benefits by preventing immune cells from causing damage in affected tissues. This type of invention contributes to the ongoing development of more effective and targeted therapies for chronic inflammatory conditions.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover small-molecule drugs that block VLA-4, as the invention specifically relates to antibodies and their fragments.
Patent monitoring