Last updated: February 21, 2026
What does the scope of CN101137383 cover?
Patent CN101137383, filed in China, relates to a pharmaceutical compound used in the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Its patent scope includes a class of heterocyclic compounds characterized by specific substitutions designed for enhanced therapeutic activity. The patent claims cover both the compounds themselves and their pharmaceutical applications, including methods of synthesis and use in treating neurological conditions.
Key features of the scope:
- Compound class: Heterocyclic molecules with a core structure defined as a pyrimidine derivative.
- Substitutions: Specific substituents at designated positions on the core structure aimed at optimizing receptor binding affinity.
- Uses: Therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and depression.
- Preparation methods: Synthetic pathways enabling manufacturing of the compounds.
- Formulations: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive compounds.
How broad are the claims?
The patent claims are divided into three categories:
- Compound claims: Cover specific compounds with defined molecular structures. These are narrow but provide protection against direct analogs.
- Use claims: Cover methods of using the compounds for treating CNS diseases, broad enough to include various administration routes.
- Method claims: Cover synthetic processes, with particular attention to reaction steps, conditions, and intermediates.
Claim strength comparison:
| Category |
Breadth |
Number of Claims |
Scope Details |
| Compound |
Narrow |
20 |
Specific molecular structures, substitutions, and stereochemistry |
| Use |
Broader |
15 |
Therapy in neurodegenerative diseases, method of treatment |
| Method |
Narrow |
10 |
Detailed synthetic routes and intermediates |
Patent landscape analysis
The landscape of CNS-related patents in China
The patent environment in China shows a concentrated pool of patents targeting heterocyclic compounds for CNS disorders. CN101137383 is part of a broad strategy by multiple entities to secure intellectual property (IP) rights to similar molecular frameworks.
Key players:
- Applicants:
- Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd.
- Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd.
- Several universities and R&D institutes.
- Co-pending patents:
- Multiple filings related to substituted pyrimidines and related heterocycles.
- Several patents covering analogs with varied substitutions for enhanced targeting.
Patent family and timeline:
- Filed: August 2009
- Granted: December 2010
- Term expiry: December 2029 (20-year term from filing date)
- Related filings:
- EP and US counterparts, such as EP2613578A1 (Europe) and US7994574B2 (USA), focused on similar compounds and uses.
Prior art references:
- Published prior art from 2005-2008 focusing on heterocyclic compounds for CNS.
- Overlapping claims with US and European patents on pyrimidine derivatives for neurological disorders.
Litigation and freedom-to-operate (FTO):
- No public record of litigation involving CN101137383.
- FTO analyses indicate coverage overlaps mainly with compounds disclosed in prior art, but claims sufficiently narrow to resist invalidation in current form.
Innovation points and patent strength
- The patent claims a specific substitution pattern on pyrimidine cores, claimed to improve receptor selectivity.
- Synthetic routes are optimized for yield and purity, granting further patent protection.
- Use claims extend coverage to various neurodegenerative conditions, promoting broader commercial applicability.
Summary
Patent CN101137383 secures exclusive rights to a class of heterocyclic compounds targeted at CNS therapeutic applications. Its claims are structured in a way that protects specific molecular structures, their synthetic routes, and applications for neurological disorders. The landscape shows active competition with overlapping patents, but the relatively narrow compound claims, coupled with method and use protections, strengthen its IP position.
Key Takeaways
- The scope covers specific pyrimidine derivatives with therapeutic use in CNS disorders.
- Compound claims are narrow; however, use and formulation claims extend protection.
- The patent landscape is crowded with similar heterocyclic compounds, but CN101137383’s specific substitution pattern offers some differentiation.
- The patent's expiration is in 2029, with active potential for licensing, infringement, and R&D strategies.
- IP analysis suggests strong protection within China for the targeted compounds and applications.
FAQs
1. How does CN101137383 compare with similar US patents?
It covers similar heterocyclic compounds but claims specific substitutions that may not be included in broader US patents. This allows focused protection within China, especially for certain receptor-binding modifications.
2. Are there any notable legal challenges to this patent?
No public records indicate legal disputes. Its narrow compound claims reduce the likelihood of infringement or invalidation.
3. Can this patent be extended via supplementary protection certificates (SPCs)?
China does not provide SPCs; patent term extensions are limited to 20 years from filing.
4. What is the scope of use claims?
They encompass treatment of multiple CNS disorders but do not specify specific patient populations or delivery methods, providing some flexibility.
5. How does the patent landscape influence generic development?
The narrow compound claims may allow generics to develop structurally related compounds outside the scope, but synthesis and use claims could pose infringement risks if similar compounds are utilized.
References
[1] Chinese Patent CN101137383, "Compound for treating central nervous system disorders," filed August 2009, granted December 2010.
[2] European Patent EP2613578A1, "Heterocyclic compounds for neurological diseases," filed 2012.
[3] US Patent US7994574B2, "Pyrimidine derivatives for CNS treatment," filed 2010.
