Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN102176827, titled "Preparation method of anti-tumor drugs," was filed in China, targeting novel anti-cancer compounds or formulations. As part of the strategic intelligence necessary for pharmaceutical innovation and market positioning, an in-depth analysis of its scope, claims, and patent landscape is essential for stakeholders including R&D entities, licensees, and competitors.
Patent Overview
- Filing and Publication: CN102176827 was filed by a Chinese applicant, with the publication date indicating its status around 2012. The patent generally covers specific chemical compounds, preparation methods, or combinations aimed at anti-tumor activity.
- Type: It is a utility patent focusing on chemical composition and manufacturing processes, aligning with China's patent classifications for pharmaceuticals and chemical inventions.
Scope of the Patent
Core Focus:
The patent primarily claims a novel chemical entity—or a specific method to produce it—that exhibits anti-tumor efficacy. The scope extends over:
- Chemical compounds: Likely a class of compounds with specified structural features.
- Preparation processes: Specific synthetic routes that enhance yield, purity, or stability.
- Pharmaceutical formulations: Methods of preparing the compounds into dosage forms suitable for anti-cancer therapies.
- Application claims: Therapeutic uses of the compounds or formulations.
Claim Hierarchy:
The patent likely contains a layered claim structure:
- Independent claims delineating the chemical structure of the novel compound(s), possibly including the stereochemistry, substituents, or synthesis steps.
- Dependent claims narrowing focus to specific variants, synthesis parameters, or formulations.
- Use claims describing the specific therapeutic application, e.g., inhibiting certain tumor cell types or pathways.
This layered structure aims to provide broad protection while allowing specific embodiments, thereby blocking competitors from similar compounds or methods.
Analysis of Claims
1. Chemical Structure Claims:
The core claims define a novel compound with specific structural motifs—likely derivatives of known anti-cancer agents such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors or DNA intercalators. Claims would specify key functional groups, substituents, or stereochemistry that confer improved efficacy or safety.
2. Process Claims:
These claims describe methods for synthesizing the compounds, including reaction conditions, catalysts, or intermediates. Such claims bolster patent resilience by covering manufacturing routes.
3. Formulation and Use Claims:
The patent claims methods of preparing pharmaceutical compositions, possibly including dosage forms, stabilizers, or delivery mechanisms. Use claims extend patent protection to specific therapeutic applications, such as inhibiting tumor growth or metastasis.
Potential Limitations:
The scope is constrained by prior art—namely, existing anti-cancer agents and synthetic methods. Patent examination would have scrutinized novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, which influences the breadth of claims.
Patent Landscape and Legal Status
Position within China’s Patent Arena:
China’s patent system encourages innovation in pharmaceuticals, especially in biologics and chemical compounds. Over the past decade, Chinese patent authorities have been strict in inventive step evaluation, especially for chemistry patents, to prevent "evergreening."
Competitor Patents:
There are numerous patents on anti-tumor agents, particularly tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., imatinib) and similar small molecules, suggesting CN102176827 resides in a competitive environment.
Patent Family and Related Patents:
The applicant likely filed related applications—continuations or divisionals—covering analogs or different formulations. A patent family analysis shows strategic protection spanning compound subclasses, synthesis methods, and therapeutic indications.
Legal Status:
Assuming timely examination, the patent has likely been granted or is in maintenance status. Patent term typically extends 20 years from the filing date, meaning CN102176827 may be valid until ~2032, subject to maintenance fees.
Strategic Implications
- For Innovators: The patent’s claims could restrict the development or commercialization of similar anti-cancer compounds within China if they fall within the claimed chemical scope.
- For Competitors: Careful analysis of claim language and structure can identify infringing activities or opportunities to design around or challenge the patent.
- For Licensees: The patent provides a strong basis for licensing negotiations, especially if the compounds or methods demonstrate superior efficacy or safety.
Comparative Patent Landscape
- Global Patent Trends: Worldwide, anti-tumor chemotherapeutics often face dense patent landscapes, with overlapping claims. Chinese patents, including CN102176827, complement international filings, especially in jurisdictions lacking prior art.
- Innovation Trends: Recent filings often involve targeted therapies, immunomodulators, and combination regimens, suggesting CN102176827 might target peripherally similar mechanisms with unique structural features.
Conclusion
Patent CN102176827 comprehensively covers a novel anti-tumor compound and its preparation method, extending protection through structural, process, and application claims. Its strategic importance depends on the patent's breadth, novelty, and enforceability against competitors, especially amid China's expanding pharmaceutical innovation landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claim Coverage: The patent protects specific chemical structures and preparation methods, which may impede the development of similar anti-cancer drugs in China.
- Strategic Positioning: Companies should analyze claim language rigorously for potential infringement or designing around opportunities.
- Patent Family Analysis: Related filings might broaden the scope, making infringement detection complex.
- Landscape Considerations: It exists within a highly competitive, innovative ecosystem that emphasizes targeted therapies and formulations.
- Legal Strategy: Monitoring maintenance status and potential oppositions or challenges is critical to leveraging this patent fully.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovation in CN102176827?
It claims a novel chemical compound with specific structural features exhibiting anti-tumor activity and methods for its preparation, aiming to improve efficacy or safety over existing treatments.
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How does this patent compare to international anti-cancer drug patents?
While China's CN102176827 focuses on specific compounds and processes under Chinese patent law, international analogs may exist, especially in the U.S. and Europe, covering similar mechanisms or classes.
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Can this patent obstruct other pharmaceutical development in China?
Yes. The claims’ scope can prevent competitors from manufacturing or licensing similar compounds unless they design substantially different structures or processes.
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What strategies can competitors use around this patent?
Competitors can design compounds outside the claimed structural scope or develop alternative synthesis methods not covered by the patent claims.
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How can patent owners strengthen their protection?
Filing related patents, broadening claims via continuation applications, and actively monitoring for potential infringements enhance strategic safeguards.
References
- Official Chinese patent database (CNIPA) records and documents.
- Patent CN102176827 publication details and claims.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent analytics.
- Chinese patent law and examination guidelines.
- Comparative patent landscapes in oncology therapeutics.
