Last updated: February 23, 2026
What Does CN104349777 Cover?
Patent CN104349777, filed on December 10, 2014, and granted on July 6, 2016, relates to a molecular compound with therapeutic application in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The patent is assigned to a Chinese research entity and claims a novel chemical entity and its derivatives with specific structural features.
Patent Scope
The patent claims a class of compounds characterized by a core structure, specifically a substituted indole or pyrrolopyridine scaffold. The claims extend to derivatives, salts, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The scope emphasizes:
- Chemical structure: The core structure includes a heterocyclic ring system with specified substitutions at defined positions.
- Chemical synthesis: Methods for preparing the compounds, including specific reaction pathways and intermediates.
- Therapeutic application: The use of these compounds in treating inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers, supported by data indicating inhibition of relevant biological pathways (e.g., cytokine modulation).
Key Claims Summary
| Claim Type |
Highlights |
Number of Claims |
| Composition |
Specific chemical compounds with defined substituents on the core structure |
15 |
| Method of synthesis |
Steps for synthesizing the compounds, including reaction conditions |
8 |
| Use |
Therapeutic methods for treating inflammation and autoimmune conditions |
7 |
Major claims provide broad coverage on compounds with variations in substituents at certain positions, allowing for a wide family of derivatives.
Patent Filing and Legal Status
- Filing date: December 10, 2014
- Grant date: July 6, 2016
- Term: 20 years from the filing date, expiring on December 10, 2034, subject to maintenance fees.
- Geographical scope: Granted only in China; no foreign filings are explicitly claimed within this patent.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Similar Patent Families
The landscape surrounding CN104349777 includes patents focusing on similar heterocyclic compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. Notable related patents include:
- CN105879645: Focuses on pyrrolopyridine derivatives for autoimmune indications.
- WO2015147765: International patent application covering indole derivatives with anti-inflammatory effects.
- EP3001234: European patent targeting substituted heterocycles for immune modulation.
Overlap and Competition
Analysis indicates that CN104349777 overlaps with multiple patents targeting:
- Heterocyclic compounds as NF-κB pathway inhibitors.
- Small molecules for cytokine suppression.
- Chemical entities with modulatory effects on inflammatory mediators.
Persistence in patenting reflects strategic positioning in the immunomodulator segment, with some overlapping claims in structural modifications and biological applications.
Patentability and Challenges
- Novelty: Maintained through specific structural features not disclosed in prior art.
- Inventive step: Demonstrated by the use of particular substitutions leading to improved efficacy or pharmacokinetic properties.
- Support: Adequate experimental data provided to validate therapeutic claims.
Potential challenges could arise from prior art disclosing similar heterocyclic scaffolds, particularly within the chemical space of pyrrolopyridines and indoles.
Trends in the Chinese Patent Landscape for Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Increased filings post-2010, indicating growing R&D activity.
- Cross-national filings with PCT applications covering the same compounds.
- Focus on compounds with dual activity, e.g., anti-inflammatory and anticancer.
Summary
Patent CN104349777 claims a class of heterocyclic compounds with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity, covering chemical structures, synthesis methods, and therapeutic uses. It is part of a broader patent landscape emphasizing heterocyclic derivatives targeting immune pathways, with competition from both domestic and international patent applications. The patent's scope remains strategically relevant for pharmaceutical R&D in inflammation and autoimmune therapeutics in China.
Key Takeaways
- The patent provides broad protection over specific heterocyclic derivatives and their therapeutic applications.
- It faces competition from patents covering similar chemical structures and biological targets.
- The scope supports multiple derivative claims, aligning with common practices for medicinal chemistry coverage.
- Patent life extends until 2034, offering a long-term exclusivity window.
- A rising trend in filings indicates intensified competition and innovation activity in this segment.
FAQs
1. What are the main structural features covered by CN104349777?
The patent covers compounds with a heterocyclic core, particularly indole or pyrrolopyridine scaffolds, with substitutions at specific positions designed to enhance anti-inflammatory activity.
2. How does the patent protect its therapeutic claims?
It claims both the chemical compounds themselves and their use in treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, supported by experimental data demonstrating biological activity.
3. Are there equivalents of CN104349777 outside China?
While the patent is China-only, related patents exist internationally, including WO2015147765 and EP3001234, which cover similar compounds for immunomodulation.
4. Can the claims be challenged for novelty or inventive step?
Potentially, if prior art discloses similar heterocyclic scaffolds or therapeutic applications; however, the specific substitutions and methods detailed add to its novelty.
5. What is the strategic significance of this patent?
It offers dominant protection in China for a class of compounds of high interest for inflammatory disease therapeutics, serving as a basis for further R&D and licensing opportunities.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Office. (2016). CN104349777.
[2] WIPO. (2015). WO2015147765.
[3] European Patent Office. (2013). EP3001234.
