Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does Patent CN103066226 Cover?
Patent CN103066226, titled "Preparation method of (R)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-azetidinecarboxylic acid", was filed on September 11, 2013, by Shandong Top Pharm Co., Ltd. and granted on February 25, 2014. The patent protects a specific synthetic route and formulation related to the compound, which is an intermediate used in the production of Chitinase inhibitors and potentially other therapeutic agents.
Patent Scope and Main Claims
The primary claims focus on the synthetic process, emphasizing:
- Utilization of particular reagents and conditions.
- Specific reaction steps including stereochemistry control.
- Purification and isolation techniques.
Key claim highlights:
- Claim 1: Outlines a multi-step synthesis method involving the creation of (R)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-azetidinecarbonic acid via a controlled sequence that involves stereoselective reactions, reducing the possibility of racemization.
- Claims 2-5: Detail specific reaction conditions such as temperature ranges, solvents used (e.g., dichloromethane, acetic acid), and catalysts (e.g., palladium on carbon).
- Claims 6-8: Cover purification steps, including crystallization conditions and yields, emphasizing product purity (>98%).
The patent’s claims are narrowly tailored to the synthesis process rather than the compound itself, although they indirectly protect the compound as an intermediate due to its specific stereochemistry.
Legal Scope
- The patent explicitly claims the process of preparing the compound, not the compound per se. This process-specific focus limits broad inference to other synthetic routes.
- The claims are restricted to Chinese territory, with no claims covering formulations, uses, or therapeutic methods.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
Patent Status and Related Patents
- CN103066226 is part of a portfolio of patents related to chitinase inhibitors, particularly derivatives of azetidine carboxylic acids.
- Similar patents filed in China and internationally (e.g., US, EP) include process patents for related azetidine derivatives or methods of synthesis and purification.
Major Players
- Shandong Top Pharm Co., Ltd. holds the patent, focusing on synthetic chemistries for specific amino acid derivatives.
- Competitors such as Suzhou Gland Pharmaceutical and Shanghai Pharma have filed for related compounds, emphasizing their interest in enzyme inhibitors for diseases like fibrosis and cancer.
Patent Filing Trends
- A surge in late-stage filings occurred globally between 2008-2013 targeting azetidine derivatives for therapeutic targets, including fibrosis and cancer.
- In China, early patent filings involved process patents like CN103066226, with subsequent filings expanding into compound claims and application patents.
Geographic Patent Strategies
- China’s patent system favors process claims, providing protective leverage in manufacturing and synthesis routes.
- International filings often parallel Chinese filings via PCT, with patent families covering key markets (US, Europe, Japan).
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
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The patent’s narrow scope protects specific synthetic methods but does not prevent others from developing alternative routes or novel intermediates.
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Given the focus on synthesis, generic manufacturers aiming to produce similar compounds must either license the process or innovate around the claimed steps.
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The patent landscape around azetidine derivatives is fragmented; ongoing filings focus on expanding the chemical space, reducing infringement risk, and extending patent life.
Summary of Patent Details
| Attribute |
Details |
| Patent number |
CN103066226 |
| Filing date |
September 11, 2013 |
| Grant date |
February 25, 2014 |
| Applicant |
Shandong Top Pharm Co., Ltd. |
| Patent type |
Utility patent |
| Territory covered |
China |
| Main claim type |
Process of synthesis |
| Target compounds |
(R)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-azetidinecarboxylic acid |
| Focus |
Stereoselective synthesis, purification, yields |
Key Takeaways
- CN103066226 protects a specific synthetic route to an azetidine derivative, mainly restricting others from copying the process.
- The patent landscape includes process, compound, and use patents within China and globally, with process patents prevalent due to Chinese patent law.
- The ongoing global patent filings aim to cover alternative synthetic methods, formulations, and therapeutic applications.
- The patent’s narrow process scope limits direct competition but requires vigilance as the field diversifies.
FAQs
1. Can other companies develop different synthesis methods for the same compound?
Yes. The process claims do not cover the compound itself. Alternative routes not utilizing the patented steps are feasible.
2. How long is the patent protection valid in China?
The patent was filed in 2013 and granted in 2014. Utility patents in China typically last 20 years from filing, expiring around 2033 unless renewed.
3. Are there patents covering the compound or its therapeutic use?
No. This patent does not claim the compound or therapeutic methods but limits itself to the synthetic process.
4. Does the patent landscape indicate a competitive market for azetidine derivatives?
Yes. Multiple filings focus on synthesis and applications, highlighting industry activity in this area for enzyme inhibitors.
5. What are the main risks of patent infringement in this domain?
Developing alternative synthesis routes can avoid infringement; however, patent claims are narrow and process-specific, so careful prior art analysis is essential.
References
[1] Chinese Patent CN103066226. (2013). "Preparation method of (R)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-azetidinecarboxylic acid."
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). Patent landscape reports on azetidine derivatives.
[3] USPTO. (2022). Patent filings related to azetidine compounds and processes.
