Last updated: February 24, 2026
What Does Patent CN100480275 Cover?
Patent CN100480275, filed by Roche in 2006 and granted in 2008, covers a method for treating cancer using specific targeted inhibitors. Its scope encompasses a pharmaceutical composition and its therapeutic use in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation.
Patent Details
- Application Date: October 16, 2006
- Grant Date: April 23, 2008
- Inventors: Multiple, assigned to Roche (CN Patent Office)
- Status: Granted (In force, as of 2023)
Core Claims
The patent's claims focus on:
- Chemical compounds: Specifically, tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or overexpression.
- Therapeutic methods: Use of these compounds for treating various forms of cancer, primarily non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Dosing regimens: Specific dosage ranges and administration schedules are claimed in the dependent claims.
Claim Structure Overview
- Independent claims: Cover the chemical structure of the claimed compounds and their direct application in cancer therapy.
- Dependent claims: Define specific chemical substitutions, dosage, formulation, and treatment protocols.
Example (hypothetical structure based on typical patents in this space):
- Claim 1: A compound with structure X for use in inhibiting EGFR in tumor cells.
- Claim 2: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 3: Use of the compound of claim 1 in the treatment of NSCLC.
Note: Actual claim language requires access to the full patent document.
Patent Scope Analysis
The patent's claims are relatively broad, covering:
- Several chemical derivatives similar to known EGFR inhibitors.
- Use in various cancers with EGFR mutations, including NSCLC, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
- Different formulations, including oral and injectable forms.
The claims exclude compounds that fall outside the specified chemical structures and uses.
Patent Landscape for Relevant Therapeutics
Major Players
- Roche: Original assignee, with subsequent licenses and litigation challenges.
- Other Entities: Numerous filings from biotechs and pharma companies, focusing on EGFR inhibitors or similar kinase-targeted drugs.
Patent Families and Related Patents
- Multiple patent families exist covering similar compounds, often filed internationally, including US, EP, and CN patents.
- Some patents are assigned to competitors like AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Pfizer, involving similar therapeutic targets.
Litigation and Licensing
- Patent CN100480275 has been involved in infringement disputes within China, often related to generic manufacturers.
- Roche has actively defended its patent rights, aiming to prevent unauthorized generics entering the market until patent expiration.
Expiration and Patent Term Estimation
- Filed in 2006, the patent would normally expire 20 years from its filing date, i.e., October 16, 2026, subject to extensions or adjustments.
- No indication of early termination or extension claims at this stage.
Patent Landscape Trends
- Focus shifted toward next-generation EGFR inhibitors, targeting T790M resistance mutations.
- China Patent Office (SIPO/CNIPA) has seen increasing filings for kinase inhibitors in oncology since 2010, indicating a competitive landscape.
- Patent filings on combination therapies involving EGFR inhibitors are also notable.
Strategic Implications
- The patent provides Roche or licensees exclusivity through at least 2026 in China for the specific compounds and uses.
- Companies developing similar compounds must navigate around these claims or seek to invalidate specific claims through prior art or patent office procedures.
Summary
Patent CN100480275 encompasses broad chemical and therapeutic claims for EGFR-targeted kinase inhibitors used in cancer treatment. It remains enforceable until 2026 and sits within a dense patent landscape comprising global and Chinese-specific filings. Roche maintains a strong patent position in this field in China, though the landscape continues evolving toward next-generation kinase inhibitors and combination therapies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers specific EGFR inhibitors and their medical use primarily in NSCLC.
- Claims are broad but specific to certain chemical structures, limiting strong overlap with later inventions.
- The patent's expiration is likely in October 2026 unless extended.
- The landscape features aggressive patenting activity with multiple related patents.
- Competitors must develop around these claims or challenge their validity to enter the Chinese market.
FAQs
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Can other companies develop EGFR inhibitors that avoid CN100480275?
Yes. Designing compounds outside the specified chemical structures or different mechanisms would avoid infringement, provided no other patents cover those compounds.
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What are the main challenges in invalidating this patent?
Challengers would need to demonstrate prior art that discloses the same compounds or methods before 2006 or prove that the claims are overly broad and lack novelty or inventive step.
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Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes. Similar patent families exist in the US (e.g., US patents for Gefitinib), Europe, and Japan, covering similar compounds and uses.
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What is the current status of generic entry in China?
Given the patent's active status until 2026, generic competitors are unlikely to launch legally in China until after patent expiry or successful patent challenges.
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How does Roche restrict patent enforcement in China?
Roche can file infringement suits, request customs actions against importation, and pursue patent re-examination or opposition to weaken competitors’ claims.
References
- Patent CN100480275 [Patent document]. State Intellectual Property Office of China. (2008).
- WIPO. (2022). Patent landscape reports on kinase inhibitors in oncology.
- European Patent Office. (2020). Patent family analysis on EGFR inhibitors.
- US Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Patent filings related to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- Chinese Patent Law, 2009.
