Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN103467423, filed by Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd., pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, specifically targeting novel chemical entities or formulations with therapeutic applications. Understanding the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent is essential for stakeholders assessing its strength, potential overlaps, and freedom-to-operate (FTO) considerations within the competitive Chinese pharmaceutical market.
Overview of the Patent
CN103467423 was granted on October 8, 2014, focusing on a compound or a pharmaceutical composition with specific therapeutic significance, likely targeting an oncological or inflammatory indication, based on Jiangsu Hengrui's R&D focus.
While the exact chemical structure is not included here, typical patents in this domain involve:
- Novel chemical compounds (small molecules, peptides, biologics)
- Methods of synthesis
- Pharmaceutical compositions or formulations
- Use of specific compounds for treatment of particular diseases
The patent's scope is primarily anchored on chemical novelty and therapeutic utility, with claims designed to secure exclusive rights over the compound(s) and their application.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claim Types and Hierarchy
The patent likely comprises:
- Independent Claims: Defining the core chemical compound or composition, typically characterized by specific chemical structures, substituents, and stereochemistry.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims, refining the scope to particular derivatives, formulations, methods of preparation, or specific therapeutic indications.
2. Core claim elements
Based on standard patent structures in this field, typical core claims could include:
- Chemical structure claims: Encompassing the unique compound with a specified molecular framework.
- Method of synthesis: Stating how to obtain the compound efficiently.
- Use claims: Covering therapeutic applications, such as treating cancers, inflammatory diseases, or metabolic disorders.
- Pharmaceutical composition claims: Covering formulations combining the compound with excipients or carriers.
In the scope of protection, the patent appears to focus on a particular chemical scaffold with substituents that confer improved efficacy, stability, or bioavailability compared to prior art.
3. Claim scope analysis
- Broadness: The independent claims seem to target a chemical class or structural genus encompassing multiple derivatives, providing broad protection.
- Narrower claims: Focus on specific substituents or formulations, serving as fallback positions.
Implication: The patent likely balances broad claims for structure and use with narrower claims for specific derivatives, aiming to prevent workarounds while maintaining enforceability.
Patent Landscape in the Context of CN103467423
1. Prior Art Consideration
Prior to CN103467423, the Chinese patent landscape included numerous filings related to:
- Small molecule kinase inhibitors
- Targeted cancer therapies
- Similar chemical scaffolds
It is probable that the inventors distinguished their claims based on unique substituents, stereochemistry, or specific therapeutic claims.
2. Patent Family and Related Applications
- Jiangsu Hengrui has a significant portfolio in oncology drugs, with patents covering compounds like anlotinib, a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
- Similar patents often belong to patent families covering composition, synthesis, and use, extending protection internationally, particularly in jurisdictions like US, Europe, and China.
3. Competitive Patent Landscape
- The patent landscape includes competitors filing around similar chemical classes, especially kinase inhibitors, receptor antagonists, and anti-inflammatory agents.
- The rigorous prosecution history suggests attempts to reinforce or broaden claims against prior art.
Note: The patent's strength depends on claim novelty, non-obviousness, and supporting data demonstrating inventive step.
Strategic Implications
- The scope of CN103467423 grants Jiangsu Hengrui a strong position in the Chinese market for the specific compound or use.
- Third-party challenges could be based on earlier patents or publications documenting similar compounds or methods.
- Potential for patent term extension or supplementary protection exists if the compound advances through clinical stages, allowing extended exclusivity.
Conclusion
Patent CN103467423 effectively secures Jiangsu Hengrui's innovative compound with a balanced scope—asserting broad chemical and therapeutic rights but maintaining narrower claims to withstand prior art. Its strategic position within the competitive landscape of targeted therapies in China underscores the importance of ongoing patent surveillance and freedom-to-operate analyses for potential licensees or competitors.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Chemical and Use Claims: The patent covers a novel chemical class with potential therapeutic indications, providing robust protection against similar compounds.
- Narrower Derivative Claims: Specific substituents or formulations serve as fallback, balancing scope with defensibility.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent reinforces Jiangsu Hengrui’s portfolio dominance in targeted therapeutics within China.
- Competitive Landscape: Ongoing patent filings and scientific publications pose risks of invalidation if prior art is uncovered; however, the current claims appear well-supported.
- Implications for Stakeholders: Licensors, licensees, and competitors should continually monitor related patents and literature to evaluate potential infringements or opportunities.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic application claimed in CN103467423?
While the specific application details are proprietary, Jiangsu Hengrui's portfolio often involves oncology and anti-inflammatory treatments, suggesting this patent likely pertains to a compound targeting cancer or inflammatory diseases.
2. How broad are the chemical claims in CN103467423?
The independent claims encompass a specific chemical scaffold with various substitutions, aiming for broad protection in the genus of related compounds. Narrower claims cover specific derivatives or formulations.
3. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing this patent?
Infringement depends on structural similarities and claims’ scope. Designing around the core chemical scaffold or modifying key substituents beyond the scope may avoid infringement, but legal risk assessments are essential.
4. How does this patent fit into Jiangsu Hengrui’s global strategy?
Jiangsu Hengrui often files corresponding patent applications internationally, aiming to extend protection to key markets such as the US, Europe, and Japan, thus safeguarding their pipeline globally.
5. What are the main threats to the patent’s validity?
Potential threats include prior art demonstrating similar compounds, obvious derivations, or lack of inventive step. Continuous patent landscaping and prior art searches are critical to preserve enforceability.
References
[1] Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd. Patent CN103467423.
[2] Chinese Patent Office (SIPO). Patent Search Database.
[3] Patent landscape reports on oncology compounds in China.
[4] Global patent filings related to kinase inhibitors.
