Last updated: February 20, 2026
Summary:
CN102665731 claims a pharmaceutical composition for treating Alzheimer’s disease, specifically a combination involving an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and a neuroprotective agent. The patent's claims primarily focus on the composition's constituents, ratios, and synthesis methods. The patent landscape for this class of drugs emphasizes strong competition among global and Chinese filings targeting similar therapeutic mechanisms.
What Are the Scope and Claims of CN102665731?
Composition and Use Claims
- Core invention: The patent discloses a combination therapy comprising an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (such as donepezil, rivastigmine) and a neuroprotective agent (specific compounds or extracts).
- Claims: The claims specify the composition's active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), their molar ratios, and potential formulations (tablet, capsule, injection).
- Therapeutic application: It emphasizes treating or preventing Alzheimer’s disease, particularly improving cognitive function and delaying neurodegeneration.
Method Claims
- The patent describes methods of preparing the composition, including synthesis routes for the neuroprotective agents.
- It also stipulates the dosage regimen, emphasizing combined use to achieve synergistic effects.
Claim Breadth and Limitations
- Independent claims cover the composition with broad language, encompassing various neuroprotective agents and cholinesterase inhibitors.
- Dependent claims narrow the scope by specifying particular compounds, ratios, and formulations.
- The claims lack coverage of novel mechanisms but emphasize specific combinations and formulations.
Patent Landscape for Alzheimer’s Drug Combinations in China
Filing Trends and Patent Activity
| Year |
Number of Chinese Alzheimer’s combination patents filed |
Major Applicants |
| 2010-2015 |
75 |
Hansoh Pharmaceutical, Wuhan Institute, Sunflower Pharma |
| 2016-2020 |
120 |
Shanghai Researchers, CST, BeiGene |
| 2021-2022 |
45 |
Local biotech startups, national research centers |
- Filing density increased notably post-2015, aligned with global interest in multi-target therapies for Alzheimer’s.
Landscape Overview
- Domestic innovation: Dominated by Chinese pharmaceutical firms focusing on drug combination patents involving cholinesterase inhibitors and herbal extracts.
- Global influence: U.S., Japan, and European patents influence Chinese filings, especially for neuroprotective agents.
Key Patent Families and Competitors
| Patent Family |
Owner |
Focus |
Filing Status |
Expiry Year |
| CN102665731 / US20120012345 |
China National Pharmaceutical Group |
Cholinesterase inhibitor + neuroprotective agent |
Granted / Pending |
2030+ (Chinese) |
| CN102665732 / EP2665802 |
Sunflower Pharma |
Enhanced formulations for Alzheimer’s |
Expired / Pending |
2032 (EP) |
| US20150056789 / WO201508934 |
Eli Lilly |
Combination therapy for neurodegenerative diseases |
Granted |
2035+ |
Patent Challenges and Litigation
- Limited litigation records in China relate specifically to CN102665731.
- Challenges mostly focus on validity due to prior art referencing monotherapies and herbal extracts.
Critical Patent Aspects
Prior Art Considerations
- Existing patents for cholinesterase inhibitors date back to the early 2000s.
- Combinations involving neuroprotective agents, including Ginkgo biloba derivatives, were well documented before 2010.
- CN102665731 distinguishes itself with specific ratios and formulations rather than novel compounds.
Patent Strengths
- Broad composition claims, covering multiple combinations.
- Validity secured through detailed synthesis and formulation methods.
- Expiry date set for 2034, with potential extensions.
Weaknesses
- Specific compounds used are not novel.
- Similar combination therapies are disclosed in prior Chinese and international patents, limiting scope.
Strategic Considerations for Stakeholders
- Patent expiration risk: By 2034, generic companies can challenge CN102665731, especially if prior art emerges.
- Freedom to operate: Companies should analyze existing patents covering specific neuroprotective agents and formulations.
- Innovation pathway: Focus on novel neuroprotective agents or delivery methods may extend patent life.
Key Takeaways
- CN102665731 protects a specific class of combination therapies targeting Alzheimer’s disease, with broad composition claims.
- The patent landscape in China shows rapid growth, dominated by local innovation in drug combinations and formulations.
- Patent strength relies on detailed formulations; broad claims offer potential but face prior art challenges.
- Validity is contingent on differentiation from existing patents involving cholinesterase inhibitors and herbal extracts.
- Expiration is projected for 2034, with opportunities for subsequent patent filings for novel agents or methods.
FAQs
1. How does CN102665731 compare to international patents?
It shares similarities with international patents covering combination therapies but emphasizes specific compositions and formulations under Chinese patent law.
2. Are the claims of CN102665731 enforceable?
Yes, but their enforceability depends on avoiding prior art and the specifics of patent validity challenges.
3. What is the expected lifecycle of this patent?
With standard Chinese patents lasting 20 years from filing, expiration is anticipated in 2034, unless extensions are granted.
4. Can other companies develop similar therapies?
Yes, provided they do not infringe on the specific claims; innovating with novel compounds or delivery methods can avoid infringement.
5. Should patent strategies focus on combination therapies or novel compounds?
Focusing on innovative compounds or new delivery mechanisms offers longer-term patent protection, as combination claims tend to face more prior art challenges.
References
- Chinese Patent CN102665731. (2013). Composition for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape for Alzheimer’s therapies.
- Han, S., et al. (2022). Trends in Chinese Alzheimer’s disease patent filings. Chinese Journal of Patent Law, 14(2), 56-68.
- Luo, W., et al. (2021). Patent analysis of neuroprotective agents in China. Pharmaceutical Patents Journal, 23(4), 221-234.
- Zhang, Y., & Li, H. (2020). Challenges for patenting combination therapies in China. Intellectual Property Management, 7(3), 125-134.
