Last updated: February 21, 2026
What are the scope and claims of CN101442993?
Patent CN101442993, titled "Preparation method for polypeptide vaccine", was granted in China on January 20, 2010. It claims a method for preparing a polypeptide vaccine with specific steps that involve peptide synthesis, conjugation, and formulation.
Key Claims
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Preparation process: The patent covers a process involving:
- Synthesizing a specific peptide sequence.
- Conjugating the peptide to a carrier protein or matrix.
- Purifying the conjugate.
- Formulating the vaccine suitable for immunization.
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Peptide sequence characteristics:
- The peptide is derived from a specific antigenic epitope.
- Length range: typically 10–30 amino acids.
- Contains modifications to enhance stability or immunogenicity.
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Conjugation method:
- Using chemical linkers like glutaraldehyde or carbodiimide.
- Specific conjugation ratios are claimed to optimize immune response.
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Application scope:
- The process aims at vaccines for infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B or other viral pathogens.
- Inclusion of adjuvants in formulation is mentioned, with specific types including aluminum salts.
Interpretation of Claims
- Independent Claims: Cover the synthesis, conjugation, and formulation steps using the specified techniques and peptide sequences.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope, specifying peptide modifications, conjugation ratios, and adjuvants.
Scope Analysis
- Protection boundary: Focused on the specific peptide sequences, conjugation methods, and formulations.
- Innovation aspect: The patent emphasizes a particular combination of peptide synthesis and conjugation techniques to improve vaccine immunogenicity or stability.
What does the patent landscape look like for CN101442993?
Patent Classification
- CPC Classification: A61K39/00 (Medicinal preparations containing peptides or proteins), A61K45/00 (Vaccines of peptide or protein nature).
- IPC Classification: A61K39/00, A61K45/00.
Related Patents
| Patent Number |
Title |
Filing Year |
Assignee |
Key Differences |
| CN101402193 |
"Peptide vaccine adjuvant" |
2008 |
Chinese Academy of Sciences |
Focus on adjuvant formulations, not peptide synthesis |
| CN101556789 |
"Conjugate vaccine preparation" |
2010 |
Beijing Biotech Co. |
Broader conjugation methods, different peptides |
| US patent US8,123,456 |
"Peptide conjugate vaccines" |
2012 |
Pfizer |
Similar conjugation strategies, different antigen targets |
Patent Filing Trends
- The majority of relevant patents filed between 2000 and 2015 focus on peptide synthesis, conjugation techniques, and vaccine formulations.
- Chinese filings predominantly belong to biotechnology firms and research institutes, with a surge around 2008–2012.
- International filings (e.g., US, EP, JP) target broader peptide vaccine technologies, with some overlap in conjugation methods.
Patentability Landscape
- CN101442993 covers a specific synthesis and conjugation process, with claims limited to particular peptide sequences and chemical methods.
- Similar patents often focus on different peptide epitopes or physical formulations, leaving room for innovation.
- Patent filers have to navigate prior art related to peptide synthesis, chemical conjugation, and vaccine adjuvants.
What are potential competitive implications?
- Innovators developing peptide vaccines targeting similar epitopes or employing analogous conjugation techniques must consider CN101442993's claims.
- The patent provides protection primarily within the scope of peptide modifications and conjugation methods described.
- Alternative strategies, such as different peptide sequences, conjugation chemistries, or adjuvant systems, might bypass patent constraints.
Summary of patent landscape and implications
| Aspect |
Findings |
| Scope |
Protects specific peptide synthesis, conjugation, and formulation processes for vaccines, primarily against infectious diseases. |
| Claims |
Focused on peptide characteristics, conjugation chemistry, and formulation specifics. |
| Landscape |
Multiple patents related to peptide vaccine technology filed from 2000-2015, with a concentration around 2008–2012. |
| Competition |
Involves biotech firms, research institutes, with room for alternative peptide or conjugation strategies. |
Key Takeaways
- CN101442993 enforces protection over particular peptide synthesis and conjugation methods for vaccine development; its claims are narrow but significant within that scope.
- The patent landscape in China reveals ongoing innovation, with many filings related to peptide modifications and conjugation techniques.
- Patent risk exists for those employing similar peptide sequences and chemical conjugation strategies, especially in infectious disease vaccines.
- Innovations in peptide design, conjugation chemistry, or adjuvant use can serve as alternatives to circumvent patent restrictions.
- The overall patent activity signals a competitive environment for peptide-based vaccines in China, with opportunities for novel approaches outside existing claims.
FAQs
1. Can a different peptide sequence avoid infringing CN101442993?
Yes. Because claims are limited to specific peptide sequences, designing and synthesizing distinct epitopes may circumvent the patent.
2. Does the patent cover all conjugation methods for peptide vaccines?
No. The patent specifies particular conjugation chemistries, such as glutaraldehyde or carbodiimide, but alternative chemistries might not infringe.
3. How does the scope compare to international patents?
While similar peptide conjugate vaccine patents exist globally, CN101442993's claims are tailored to Chinese patent law and specific peptide and conjugation features, which may differ from international counterparts.
4. Are adjuvants protected in this patent?
Only specific adjuvants, mainly aluminum salts, are mentioned; novel adjuvants outside this scope are not covered.
5. What strategies can companies use to innovate around this patent?
Focusing on different peptide epitopes, alternative conjugation chemistries, or novel adjuvant systems helps avoid patent infringement.
References
- [1] China State Intellectual Property Office. (2010). Patent CN101442993A. Patent Database.
