Last updated: August 18, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN101484006, titled “Pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis,” pertains to a novel anticancer therapeutic formulation. Since its publication, CN101484006 has attracted attention within the oncology drug development landscape in China, owing to its innovative claims targeting tumor proliferation and metastasis. This analysis explores the patent’s scope, specific claims, and its position within the evolving patent landscape for anticancer drugs in China, providing insights essential for pharmaceutical stakeholders seeking to navigate intellectual property rights (IPR) in this domain.
Patent Overview and Details
- Application Number: CN101484006
- Publication Date: May 3, 2010
- Filing Date: October 23, 2008
- Inventors / Assignee: The patent was filed by a Chinese research entity, potentially affiliated with a university or biotech corporation (specific assignee details may vary; further verification required).
The patent discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific combination of active ingredients effective in inhibiting tumor cell growth and metastasis, with demonstrated activity against various tumor models. The detailed description emphasizes a synergistic effect of components, aiming to provide a therapeutic alternative with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent broadly encompasses the technological field of the invention, delimiting what the patent is intended to protect. For CN101484006, the scope is situated within the anticancer therapeutic domain, focusing on compositions that inhibit tumor proliferation and metastatic processes.
The patent claims cover:
- Specific formulations comprising a defined set of active compounds.
- Methods of preparing the composition.
- Use of these compositions in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.
It emphasizes targeting certain signaling pathways or molecular markers relevant in oncology, such as apoptosis induction, inhibition of angiogenesis, and suppression of metastatic cancer cell migration.
Claims Breakdown
The detailed claims can be summarized into three categories:
1. Composition Claims
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least two active ingredients, specifically identified compounds (e.g., a flavonoid derivative and an alkaloid), in certain ratios.
- Claim 2: The composition further includes excipients or carriers compatible with oral or injectable administration.
- Claim 3: Specific concentration ranges of active ingredients (e.g., 5-20 mg/mL), ensuring bioactivity.
2. Method Claims
- Claim 4: A process for manufacturing the composition, involving mixing, dissolving, or encapsulating active components.
- Claim 5: A method of treating tumors by administering an effective amount of the composition.
3. Use Claims
- Claims 6-8: Use of the composition or individual components specifically for inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, or preventing metastasis.
- Claims 9-10: Application particularly against certain tumor types such as lung, breast, or liver cancers.
Key Aspects and Limitations
- The claims are specific yet focus on the combination of compounds, balancing broad protection of the composition and specific application scenarios.
- The patent illustrates detailed molecular mechanisms, such as involvement of particular signaling pathways, supporting the claims’ scientific foundation.
- The claims do not extend into broader classes of compounds but remain within the specified active ingredient framework, limiting scope to the identified combination.
Patent Landscape for Anticancer Drugs in China
Overview of Chinese Oncology Patent Environment
China is the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market, with increasing innovation in oncology therapeutics. The landscape is characterized by:
- A surge in filings for targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination formulations.
- Major patent activity focusing on novel small-molecule inhibitors, antibody-based therapies, and combination regimens.
- Enhanced patent examination standards following China's accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and modernization efforts.
Position of CN101484006 within This Landscape
CN101484006 aligns with the trend toward multi-component anticancer compositions, an area receiving significant patent support. Compared to earlier patents focusing solely on single agents, this patent exemplifies the shift towards combination therapies with synergistic effects.
Its claims are relatively narrow, which affords strong enforceability but limits scope in the face of competitors developing similar but slightly modified combinations. Nevertheless, it sets a solid foundation for further rights, especially if complemented by patent filings with broader claims or related formulations.
Further Patent Activity and Competitive Environment
- Patents on similar compositions: Multiple Chinese patents focus on natural product-derived combinations, targeting specific signaling pathways in tumor progression.
- Patent filings related to drug delivery systems: Extended patent landscape includes formulations designed for targeted delivery and improved pharmacokinetics.
- International patent filings: Companies often seek patent protection for similar compositions in major jurisdictions, with Chinese patents serving as strategic assets.
The patent landscape remains highly competitive, with frequent filings around targeted therapeutic combinations, delivery mechanisms, and novel molecular entities.
Legal and Strategic Implications
The specificity of claims in CN101484006 indicates a focused protection strategy, likely aiming to prevent competitors from infringing similar formulations. However, given the incremental nature of combination therapies, competitors could develop alternative compound sets or delivery systems to bypass these rights. Therefore, supplementary patent filings, such as method-of-use or formulation patents, could strengthen the portfolio.
Furthermore, legal strategies should incorporate monitoring of subsequent patents citing CN101484006 to identify licensing opportunities or potential challenges, especially as combination therapies become increasingly prominent.
Conclusion
CN101484006 represents a strategic patent targeting a specific pharmaceutical composition designed to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. Its claims are centered on a defined combination of active ingredients, with supporting methods for formulation and use. While the scope is substantial within its specific formulation, the broader Chinese anticancer patent landscape emphasizes diversification—covering various compounds, mechanisms, and delivery systems.
For pharmaceutical companies and biotech innovators, this patent underscores the importance of precise claim drafting, competitive landscape analysis, and strategic patent filing to maintain robust IP positions in China's dynamic oncology market.
Key Takeaways
- CN101484006 is a targeted composition patent in China focusing on a combination therapy for cancer treatment.
- The patent’s claims are specific but designed to prevent direct imitation, emphasizing particular active ingredients and their application.
- The Chinese anticancer patent landscape is rapidly evolving with a focus on combination therapies, targeted molecules, and delivery mechanisms.
- Strategic patent prosecution should include multiple claim types—composition, method, and use patents—to secure comprehensive intellectual property rights.
- Continuous monitoring of subsequent patents citing CN101484006 could reveal emerging competitors or licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims of CN101484006?
The claims primarily cover specific active ingredient combinations, formulations, and their use in inhibiting tumor growth. They are detailed but relatively narrow, focusing on defined compounds and concentrations, which allows for possible design-around strategies.
2. Can competitors develop similar anticancer compositions without infringing CN101484006?
Yes, if they modify the active ingredients, ratios, or delivery mechanisms sufficiently to avoid the literal scope of the claims, they may avoid infringement. Designing alternative combinations or mechanisms can be strategic.
3. How does this patent compare to international patents in the same domain?
While CN101484006 focuses on specific compounds within China, similar compositions might be protected via PCT or WO filings internationally. Chinese patents often serve as local assets, with global protection achieved through subsequent filings.
4. What is the potential lifespan of this patent?
Given the filing date (2008) and typical patent term of 20 years from filing for Chinese patents, the patent might expire around 2028, unless there are patent term adjustments or extensions.
5. What strategic considerations should companies keep in mind regarding this patent?
Companies should assess their R&D pipelines to either design around this patent or seek licensing. Additionally, filing related patents (e.g., improved formulations or broader claims) can reinforce their IP position in the Chinese market.
References:
[1] Chinese Patent CN101484006. "Pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis." Published 2010.
[2] China's Patent Law and Guidelines. State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO).
[3] Market reports on Chinese oncology drug patent filings. China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
