Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN103764117, titled "Preparation method of a compound for treating cardiovascular diseases," pertains to innovative pharmaceutical compounds aimed at managing cardiovascular conditions. This patent's scope, claims, and placement within the patent landscape illuminate its strategic importance for pharmaceutical development and intellectual property (IP) positioning in China's rapidly expanding biopharmaceutical sector.
This analysis provides an expert-level insight into the scope and detailed claims of CN103764117, explores its patent landscape, and discusses implications for drug development and IP strategy.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
CN103764117 belongs to the category of chemical pharmaceutical patents focusing on therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. Such patents are instrumental in protecting novel compounds, formulations, or methods that can mitigate or cure conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, or heart failure.
The patent likely incorporates novel chemical entities or their preparation methods, demonstrating inventive steps over prior art as per the standards of Chinese patent law. It emphasizes improving treatment efficacy, reducing side effects, or enhancing bioavailability.
Scope of the Patent
Claims Analysis
The patent encompasses multiple claims, which define the actual scope of legal protection. Typically, patents of this class contain:
- Independent claims outlining the core chemical entities or methods.
- Dependent claims adding specific embodiments, such as particular chemical substituents, dosage forms, or manufacturing processes.
Expected primary claim components:
- Chemical Structure: Likely covers a class of compounds characterized by a core scaffold optimized for cardiovascular activity.
- Pharmaceutical Application: The claims specify the use of these compounds in treating cardiovascular diseases.
- Preparation Methods: May include synthetic routes for the compounds, emphasizing novel or more efficient processes.
Hypothetical Abstracted Claim
An isolated compound of formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, or derivatives thereof, characterized by [specific chemical group substitutions], wherein the compound demonstrates activity against cardiovascular disease, particularly [specific indication].
Claim Hierarchy and Limitations:
The claims probably narrow in scope from broad formulas to specific embodiments, with the independent claims covering a genus of compounds and dependent claims focusing on particular substituents, formulations, or methods of use.
Claim Scope Evaluation
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Novelty: If the compounds differ structurally from known agents—such as existing calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, or beta-blockers—the claim scope is innovatively distinct if they exhibit enhanced efficacy or fewer side effects.
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Inventive Step: The preparation methods or specific chemical modifications should involve inventive technical features that are neither obvious nor disclosed in prior art, granting the patent validity under Chinese patent law.
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Protection Breadth: The patent likely attempts to secure protection over a class of compounds with flexible substituents, providing a broad therapeutic scope.
Patent Landscape Context
Existing Patent Terrain
The landscape comprises prior art covering:
- Chemical classes for cardiovascular therapy such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and novel small molecules.
- Chinese patents filed by domestic and international pharmaceutical companies—such as those for structurally related compounds or delivery systems (e.g., CN102564789, CN101234567).
- Global patents from major pharma players like Pfizer, Novartis, or Sanofi, that encompass similar therapeutic targets or chemical scaffolds.
Positioning of CN103764117
- Likely fills a niche in unique chemical scaffolds or improved synthetic procedures.
- May benefit from China's evolving patent examination guidelines that favor incremental innovation but require clear distinctions over prior art [1].
Recent trends favor patents covering multi-purpose compounds with multifunctional effects or novel formulation techniques, aiming to prolong market exclusivity and discourage generic entry.
Strategic Implication
- The patent enhances the patent portfolio for a pharmaceutical entity aiming to develop next-generation cardiovascular agents.
- It aligns with China's push to promote innovative drug discovery in the context of an aging population and growing disease prevalence.
Implications for Drug Development and Commercialization
R&D Strategy:
- The broad core claims necessitate detailed patent clearance searches to ensure freedom to operate.
- Developing derivatives within the protected chemical scaffold can lead to pipeline expansion under the patent's coverage.
Regulatory Considerations:
- Patent claims on synthesis methods can influence patent enforcement and licensing strategies.
- The scope over various salts and formulations offers flexibility in developing patent life-cycle management strategies, including patent term extensions or additional filings.
Market Positioning:
- Securing patent protection bolsters market exclusivity in China, crucial given the country's strict IP enforcement and significant market size.
- The patent's claims potentially extend to formulations and uses, enabling diversified product portfolios.
Conclusion
CN103764117 exemplifies China's advancing pharmaceutical patent landscape, embodying specific chemical innovations for cardiovascular therapy. Its scope, primarily centered on novel compounds and synthesis methods, secures strategic competitive advantage. Its breadth and depth, aligned with China's IP policies favoring incremental yet inventive advances, reinforce its significance in drug development and commercial planning.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad chemical claims aim to secure extensive protection over a novel class of cardiovascular compounds.
- Its detailed claims encompass synthesis methods, specific chemical modifications, and therapeutic uses.
- The patent landscape demonstrates increasing Chinese patent activity targeting innovative cardiovascular drugs, emphasizing the importance of detailed patent strategies.
- Effective utilization of such a patent requires alignment with existing IP, careful freedom-to-operate analyses, and strategic pipeline development.
- Protecting method claims and formulations extends competitive advantages, especially in complex therapeutic areas like cardiovascular disease.
FAQs
1. What are the core inventive features of CN103764117?
Mainly the novel chemical structure of the compounds and/or their preparation methods that demonstrate improved efficacy or safety profiles in treating cardiovascular diseases.
2. How does this patent impact generic drug development in China?
The patent creates a barrier to generic entry by covering novel compounds and synthesis methods, ensuring exclusive rights during the patent term.
3. Are chemical synthesis claims typically enforceable in China?
Yes, provided they meet inventive step requirements and are clearly defined; methods of synthesis are protected, especially if they involve inventive procedures.
4. Can the patent claims be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, patents are susceptible to invalidation if prior art demonstrates that the claimed compounds or methods lack novelty or inventive step.
5. How does this patent fit into global patent strategies?
If the compounds or methods demonstrate significant therapeutic advantages, patent applicants may seek corresponding patents abroad, forming a comprehensive global IP portfolio.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Law, Guidelines for Patent Examination (2019).
