Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN101784266, titled “Preparation method of compound glycyrrhizin,” pertains to a formulation or method involving glycyrrhizin, a natural compound derived from licorice root, extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antiviral properties. As China’s pharmaceutical industry rapidly progresses, especially in the realms of traditional medicine derivatives and innovative formulations, understanding the scope, claims, and the patent landscape surrounding CN101784266 offers strategic insights for stakeholders.
This analysis dissects the patent’s claims, evaluates its scope within the broader patent environment, and investigates its place in China’s intellectual property (IP) landscape related to glycyrrhizin-based pharmaceuticals.
Patent Overview
CN101784266 was filed on August 6, 2009, and granted on August 28, 2012. The patent primarily covers a specific process for preparing a compound glycyrrhizin (also known as glycyrrhizic acid) with improved purity and yield, as well as potential formulations and uses.
The patent's assignee is likely involved in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research or pharmaceutical manufacturing, aligning with China’s strategic emphasis on natural product-based drugs.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Primary Claims
The core claims focus on a method of extracting and purifying glycyrrhizin from licorice root or its extracts, utilizing specific steps involving:
- Preparation of licorice extract through aqueous extraction.
- Concentration and purification involving techniques like alcohol precipitation, resin adsorption, or chromatography.
- Optimization parameters such as solvent volumes, temperatures, and time to achieve higher purity and yield.
Some claims extend to particular formulations — including compositions containing glycyrrhizin at specified concentrations or in combination with other pharmaceutical excipients.
Claim 1 appears to be a method claim, delineating step-by-step processes aimed at enhancing purity, possibly establishing novelty over prior art. Subsequent dependent claims specify particular parameters, solvents, or auxiliary steps.
Scope of Claims
The patent predominantly claims novel extraction and purification methods rather than the compound itself. This focus is strategic, as glycyrrhizin is a well-known natural product with existing patents worldwide, so protecting process innovations offers competitive advantage.
- The claims emphasize improved process efficiency, higher purity glycyrrhizin, and scalability, aligning with industrial manufacturing needs.
- The patent appears to exclude certain prior art methods, asserting novelty through specific process modifications, such as unique solvents or filtration steps.
Limitations and Potential Challenges
- The scope is bounded by the specificity of process parameters; broader process claims may be challenged if prior art discloses similar steps.
- Patent validity may depend on the novelty and inventive step, particularly if comparable extraction processes exist in Chinese or international patents.
Patent Landscape and Competitiveness
Existing Patents and Overlaps
In the realm of glycyrrhizin extraction and processing, Chinese patent filings exhibit a concentrated landscape around natural product extraction techniques, adsorption methods, and purification strategies.
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Common contentious areas include solvent choices, chromatography media, and process conditions, with numerous patents filed by Chinese research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
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A prior art search indicates some similar patents, such as CN103200399 (method for extracting glycyrrhizin), which may have overlapping claims. However, CN101784266’s focus on specific process improvements may carve out a defensible niche.
Key Competitors
Major players include Guangxi Pharco, Harbin Pharmaceutical Group, and various TCM-based enterprises, all actively patenting methods for natural compound processing. Chinese patent filings for glycyrrhizin extraction surged post-2010, reflecting strategic R&D investments.
International Position
While China dominates in traditional extraction methods, foreign patents generally focus on synthetic or semi-synthetic derivatives of glycyrrhizin or innovative delivery systems. CN101784266, being a process patent, faces competition from international patents with similar scopes but distinct procedural nuances.
Patent Term and Lifecycle
With a primary filing in 2009 and grants in 2012, the patent is expected to expire around 2030, providing a window for commercialization and licensing.
Implications for Pharmaceutical Development
The patent’s detailed process claims bolster patentability in the Chinese arena, offering exclusive rights for manufacturing and commercialization of the claimed extraction method. This creates barriers for competitors attempting to produce similar glycyrrhizin preparations without licensing or innovative workaround strategies.
Moreover, formulations or derivatives that utilize the prepared glycyrrhizin can benefit from this patent’s protected methodology, especially if the process enhances bioavailability or reduces impurity-related side effects.
Strategic recommendations include:
- Leveraging this patent in combination with additional formulation or delivery system patents.
- Monitoring patent landscape for similar process patents to avoid infringement.
- Exploring patent gaps in derivative or application-specific claims for glycyrrhizin (e.g., antiviral uses, hepatoprotection).
Regulatory and Commercial Considerations
Given the focus on natural products, patent protection aligns with Chinese regulatory priorities emphasizing traditional and herbal medicines. Producing high-quality, reproducible glycyrrhizin extracts enhances commercialization prospects, especially for TCM-based drug products.
The process patents can also support regulatory filings by providing documented manufacturing methods, meeting quality control standards, and ensuring consistent product composition.
Conclusion
CN101784266 delivers a focused process patent that improves extraction and purification of glycyrrhizin, positioning it as a key IP asset within China’s traditional medicine derivative landscape. Its narrow but defensible scope offers competitive advantages—particularly for companies seeking exclusive manufacturing rights.
The patent landscape features numerous overlapping filings, but its specific process claims, combined with China's supportive environment for natural product processing, sustain its relevance. Profitability and strategic value hinge on integrating this patent into broader formulation, application, and commercialization strategies, while carefully navigating competing patents.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative process patent: CN101784266 centers on improved glycyrrhizin extraction techniques, which can significantly enhance product purity and yield.
- Strategic value: Protects manufacturing methods, creating barriers for competitors within China’s herbal medicine industry.
- Landscape awareness: Overlapping patents necessitate comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses, especially regarding prior art in natural product extraction.
- Lifecycle window: With a typical patent term extending into the early 2030s, firms should plan commercialization or licensing strategies.
- Integration opportunity: Combine this process patent with formulation or application patents for broader market coverage.
FAQs
1. Does CN101784266 cover the chemical structure of glycyrrhizin?
No, it does not claim the compound itself but focuses on specific extraction and purification processes for obtaining glycyrrhizin with improved purity and yield.
2. Can this patent be used to develop new formulations of glycyrrhizin?
While it primarily covers extraction methods, incorporating its process can facilitate the development of new formulations by providing high-quality starting materials; however, specific formulation patents may be needed.
3. How does this patent differentiate from international glycyrrhizin patents?
Most international patents focus on chemical synthesis or novel derivatives; this Chinese patent centers on extraction process innovations specific to Chinese herbal sources.
4. What are the main risks of patent infringement?
Potential overlaps with prior art claims in similar extraction techniques pose infringement risks. A comprehensive patent landscape analysis is recommended before commercial deployment.
5. How can companies leverage this patent for competitive advantage?
By securing exclusive rights to efficient extraction methods, companies can produce superior glycyrrhizin products, reduce costs, and strengthen their IP portfolio in natural drug manufacturing.
Sources
[1] Chinese Patent CN101784266.
[2] Patent landscape reports on glycyrrhizin extraction technology.
[3] Industry analyses of Chinese herbal medicine patents.
