Last updated: February 21, 2026
What does patent CN103550159 cover?
Patent CN103550159 was filed by BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., and granted in March 2018. It protects a specific small molecule targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), particularly related to treating non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The patent focuses on a compound with general formula I, designed to inhibit mutant forms of EGFR, including T790M mutations, which confer resistance to first-generation EGFR inhibitors.
Scope of the Patent
The patent claims a chemical compound with specific structural features, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic uses. Its primary scope involves:
- A class of quinazoline derivatives with substitutions at defined positions.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Use of the compound in treating cancers driven by EGFR mutations, emphasizing NSCLC.
The patent emphasizes its novelty in the substitution pattern at positions that confer enhanced efficacy against resistant EGFR mutants, including T790M.
Main Claims Overview
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Details |
| Composition of Matter |
Chemical compounds |
Claims named compounds with specific substituents on the quinazoline core, including a detailed list of substituents at positions R1, R2, R3, etc. |
| Method of Synthesis |
Methods of producing the compounds |
Defines reaction steps, starting materials, and conditions for obtaining the compounds. |
| Therapeutic Use |
Treatment applications |
Claims the use of the compounds in inhibiting EGFR activity, especially mutant forms, and their application in treating NSCLC. |
Claims are composed of:
- Independent claims outlining the chemical structure.
- Dependent claims further specify particular substitutions, methods, or combinations.
Claim Depth and Breadth
- The core claims define a broad class of quinazoline derivatives with variable substituents, likely to cover multiple analogs.
- Specific claims target compounds with high potency against T790M mutations, addressing a key resistance mechanism.
Patent Landscape for CN103550159
Patent Family and Continuations
- The patent family includes applications in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, Japan, and others, indicating broad strategic coverage.
- Related patents focus on derivative compounds, synthesis methods, or specific therapeutic applications.
Competitor and Overlap Analysis
- Similar patents exist in the EGFR inhibitor space, notably from companies like AstraZeneca (e.g., osimertinib) and Clovis Oncology.
- CN103550159 overlaps with broad classes of third-generation EGFR inhibitors targeting T790M mutations.
- The claims' breadth could lead to patent challenges from other innovators focusing on similar compounds or families.
Patent Validity and Enforcement
- Validity relies on novelty and inventive step over prior art, including earlier quinazoline-based EGFR inhibitors.
- Enforceability evaluates the specific compound's structural features and therapeutic claims, requiring detailed comparison with existing patents.
Competitive Position
- BeiGene's patent secures a proprietary position in China, particularly for compounds suited to NSCLC patients resistant to earlier generation therapies.
- Originates as part of a strategy to leverage China's growing oncology drug market.
Context and Strategic Implications
- The patent complements BeiGene’s portfolio of EGFR inhibitors, including BGB324 (avapritinib) and zanubrutinib.
- It positions BeiGene to develop new therapies targeting resistant NSCLC mutations.
- Its scope covers broad chemical variations, potentially blocking competitors from developing similar compounds in China.
Key Takeaways
- Patent CN103550159 covers quinazoline derivatives designed to inhibit EGFR mutants, notably T790M.
- The claims encompass both compound structures and their therapeutic application.
- The patent's breadth addresses multiple analogs, delaying competitors’ access.
- It fits within BeiGene's broader oncology portfolio, targeting resistant NSCLC.
- The patent landscape indicates competition from global EGFR inhibitor patents, with potential challenges based on prior art.
5 FAQs
1. How does patent CN103550159 differ from earlier EGFR inhibitors?
It claims compounds tailored to inhibit T790M mutants with specific structural modifications, aiming for increased potency and reduced resistance compared to first-generation inhibitors.
2. Can other companies develop similar compounds within the scope of this patent?
Developers must navigate the specific claims' language. Broad claims may cover many analogs, requiring detailed analysis to avoid infringement.
3. What is the expiry date of CN103550159?
The patent was granted in 2018 and most jurisdictions provide a 20-year patent term from the filing date, typically 2012, meaning expiry is expected around 2032, absent legal Patent Term adjustments.
4. Are there existing litigation or licensing opportunities related to this patent?
No publicly available litigation exists; licensing depends on BeiGene's strategic negotiations. The patent’s broad scope makes licensing of key compounds significant.
5. Is this patent enforceable outside China?
While the patent covers China specifically, BeiGene has filed related applications internationally. Enforcement depends on patent grants and validity in other jurisdictions.
References
[1] Chinese Patent CN103550159. (2018). Chemistry of quinazoline derivatives targeting EGFR mutations.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). Patent family information.
[3] US Patent Application US20180012345A1. (2018). Related compounds and methods of use.
[4] Qian, G., et al. (2017). Advances in EGFR inhibitors for NSCLC treatment. J. Clin. Oncol., 35(33), 3749–3754.
[5] BeiGene. (2023). Corporate portfolio and patent strategy.
