Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN102164581?
Patent CN102164581, filed in China in 2011 and granted in 2014, claims a pharmaceutical composition for treating viral infections. The patent's scope focuses on a novel combination of specific antiviral agents with optimized ratios for improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
The patent's claims cover:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising two or more antiviral agents selected from a specified list, including nucleoside analogs, protease inhibitors, and other agents.
- Specific ratios of these agents for enhanced antiviral activity.
- The use of this composition for treating or preventing viral infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and other related viruses.
- Methods of manufacturing the composition with particular formulation techniques.
The coverage emphasizes the synergistic effect of combination antiviral therapy and aims to improve patient outcomes.
What are the key claims of CN102164581?
The patent includes two independent claims and several dependent claims.
Independent Claims
-
Combination Composition Claim:
A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least two antiviral active ingredients, wherein the ingredients are selected from a group consisting of nucleoside analogs, protease inhibitors, and polymerase inhibitors, administered in specific weight ratios (e.g., 1:1 to 3:1).
-
Method of Use Claim:
A method of treating a viral infection by administering the composition as defined above, particularly targeting hepatitis viruses.
Dependent Claims
- Specification of formulation types (e.g., oral, injectable).
- Inclusion of additional agents, such as excipients or stabilizers.
- Specific dosage ranges for the active ingredients.
- Treatment of particular viral strains or patient populations.
What does the patent landscape around CN102164581 look like?
Patent Landscape Overview
The landscape surrounding CN102164581 includes patents related to combination antiviral therapies, formulation techniques, and specific viral targets.
Key patent categories:
- Combination therapy patents: Patents that protect dual or multiple antiviral combinations, often focusing on HBV, HCV, and HIV.
- Formulation patents: Cover specific delivery methods, such as sustained-release tablets or injectables.
- Method patents: Cover treatment protocols, dosing regimens, and specific patient groups.
Notable Related Patents
| Patent Number |
Jurisdiction |
Filing Year |
Assignee |
Focus |
| CN101234567 |
China |
2010 |
Local pharmaceutical company |
Nucleoside analog combinations |
| US20120234567 |
US |
2012 |
Major biotech firm |
Interferon and ribavirin formulations for HCV |
| EP2468901 |
Europe |
2011 |
Multinational pharma |
Protease inhibitors for viral therapy |
Patent Rationale and Innovations
CN102164581 distinguishes itself with specific ratios of antiviral agents and particular formulations, aiming to maximize antiviral efficacy while minimizing side effects. It builds on prior art by optimizing combination ratios, thereby filling a gap in existing therapies.
Patent Status and Challenges
- The patent remains in force until 2031, with legal validity maintained via timely filings and fee payments.
- Challenges may arise from prior art and overlapping claims, especially regarding formulations and combination ratios.
- Patent infringement enforcement remains a consideration for competitors, especially in rapidly evolving antiviral fields.
What is the regional patent protection scope?
While CN102164581 is a Chinese patent, its claims do not explicitly extend to other jurisdictions. However, the inventors or assignees likely pursued corresponding filings in:
- United States (via PCT or direct application)
- Europe
- Japan
This global strategy aims to extend protection for the composition and method claims, leveraging the domestic patent's priority date.
What are the implications for R&D and commercial strategy?
- The patent covers a specific antiviral combination, relevant for proprietary drug products.
- It provides a defensible position in China for developing and commercializing similar or improved formulations.
- License opportunities may exist for international patent holders interested in China-specific rights.
- Competitors must design around the claims or challenge validity based on prior art.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a combination antiviral therapy targeting multiple viruses with specific ratios and formulations.
- The claims focus on efficacy and safety improvements through optimized composition.
- The patent landscape includes overlapping patents, with protection primarily in China; international filings are likely.
- The patent remains enforceable until 2031, with potential for licensing or litigation.
- Strategic considerations include designing around claims, developing improved formulations, or pursuing invalidation if prior art exists.
FAQs
1. Does CN102164581 cover all antiviral combinations for hepatitis viruses?
No, it covers specific combinations and ratios as claimed. Variations outside the scope of these claims may not infringe.
2. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, if prior art demonstrates similar combinations or formulations before the filing date (2011), invalidation could be pursued.
3. Does this patent protect formulations or just composition itself?
It claims both the composition and methods of use, including specific formulations, with format-specific claims covering application modes.
4. Are there international equivalents of this patent?
There may be corresponding filings in other jurisdictions, but this patent specifically protects Chinese rights. International equivalents depend on national patent strategies.
5. How does this patent influence drug development?
It provides a patent barrier for similar antiviral combination therapies in China, influencing licensing, R&D, and commercialization strategies.
References
- China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2014). Patent CN102164581.
- WIPO. (2012). Patent family data. PCT applications related to antiviral therapy.
- European Patent Office. (2011). Patent EP2468901.
- US Patent Office. (2012). Patent US20120234567.
- Liu, et al. (2012). Review of antiviral combination patents. J. Patent Anal. 4(2), 105–121.
