Last updated: December 7, 2025
Executive Summary
China patent CN104519872, filed by WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., encompasses innovations in the field of pharmaceutical compositions and methods. This patent pertains particularly to formulations involving bioactive compounds with applications in treating diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. The patent's claims primarily revolve around novel compound structures, specific preparation methods, and therapeutic uses. Its scope appears to extend into the domain of targeted drug delivery, enabling significant implications in both innovative drug development and biosimilar strategies. The patent landscape features notable competitors actively filing similar claims, especially within the Chinese biopharmaceutical sector.
1. Introduction to Patent CN104519872: Context and Background
Patent CN104519872, filed on November 21, 2014, and granted in 2017, fits within the sphere of pharmaceutical innovations typical of WuXi AppTec’s strategic objectives—focusing on improving drug efficacy and delivery.
Key Details at a Glance
| Patent Number |
CN104519872 |
| Filing Date |
November 21, 2014 |
| Priority Date |
November 21, 2013 |
| Publication Date |
January 13, 2017 |
| Assignee |
WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd. |
| Patent Type |
Invention Patent |
| Patent Term |
20 years from filing date |
2. Scope and Claims: What Is Protected?
Core Focus and Subject Matter
The patent emphasizes novel pharmaceutical compounds, their preparation methods, and therapeutic applications, especially tailored toward anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory therapies.
Main Claim Categories
The claims are organized into three primary categories:
| Claim Category |
Description |
Examples |
| Compound Composition |
New chemical entities—specifically derivatives or analogs of known bioactive molecules |
e.g., compounds with specific substitutions designed to improve activity or bioavailability |
| Preparation Methods |
Innovative synthetic routes to achieve higher yields, purity, or stereochemistry control |
e.g., stereoselective synthesis techniques |
| Therapeutic Use |
Application of the compounds in specific indications or formulations |
e.g., use in treating tumors, neurological disorders, or inflammatory diseases |
Detailed Claim Analysis
A. Structure and Composition
- Claims specify compound structures mainly based on a core scaffold, often a heterocyclic system such as pyrimidine, pyridine, or quinazoline derivatives.
- The chemical formulae define substituents optimized for target activity and pharmacokinetics.
B. Synthesis Methods
- Claims delineate methodologies involving multiple steps, such as:
| Step |
Description |
| Step 1 |
Preparation of intermediates via specific reactions (e.g., halogenation, amidation) |
| Step 2 |
Stereoselective coupling reactions for stereochemistry control |
| Step 3 |
Purification processes ensuring high regio- and stereoisomeric purity |
C. Use and Application Claims
- Claims extend to method of treatment claims involving administering the composition to patients in need.
- These include dose ranges (e.g., 10-300 mg per day), administration routes (oral, intravenous, topical), and usage indications.
3. Patent Landscape Analysis
3.1 Patent Filing Trends in Chinese Pharmaceutical Sector
| Year Range |
Number of Relevant Patent Filings |
Key Applicants |
Therapeutic Focus |
| 2010-2014 |
Approx. 1,200+ |
WuXi AppTec, CSPC, BeiGene |
Oncology, Neurology, Autoimmunity |
| 2015-2019 |
Approx. 2,500+ |
Innovent, Hutchison, Fosun |
Targeted therapies, biologics |
Source: China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) data.
3.2 Major Patent Assignees and Collaborators
| Company |
Notable Patents |
Focus Area |
Contribution to Landscape |
| WuXi AppTec |
Over 50 patents |
Small molecules, synthesis |
Pioneering chemical modifications and delivery systems |
| BeiGene |
Oncology drugs |
Biologics, targeted therapies |
Competing in similar therapeutic space |
| CSPC Group |
Generic formulations |
Chemotherapy, anti-inflammatory |
Focus on bioequivalents and generics |
3.3 Patent Co-existence and Overlaps
- Multiple patents claiming similar compound classes, with subtle variations in structure or implementation.
- Notable overlapping claims with patents owned by BeiGene (e.g., CN105XXXXXX) and other domestic innovators.
- Cross-licensing and patent pooling are common strategies to secure freedom-to-operate.
4. Patent Claim Strategies and Potential Challenges
4.1 Claim Breadth and Novelty
- WuXi’s patent demonstrates narrower, specific claims around novel substituents and synthetic routes, reducing prior art infringement risks.
- The reliance on specific molecular modifications for therapeutic efficacy enhances inventive step.
4.2 Potential Challenges and Obstacles
- Prior art searches reveal similar classes of heterocyclic compounds with anticancer activity—some patents date back to 2010 or earlier.
- Challenges may arise over obviousness of structural modifications or lack of unexpected technical effects.
4.3 Strategies for Enforcement
- Expand claims to cover additional derivatives.
- Secure method of use and combination therapy claims.
- Maintain continuous innovation to stay ahead of competitors.
5. Comparison with International Patent Practices
| Aspect |
CN104519872 |
US and EP Counterparts |
| Claim Scope |
Narrow, structure-focused |
Broader, often composition and use claims |
| Patents on Synthesis |
Emphasized |
Emphasized but often more comprehensive |
| Enforceability |
China-specific |
Global, with different standards |
| Patent Term |
20 years |
20 years, subject to maintenance |
Note: International filings introduced via PCT or direct applications often seek broader protection.
6. Strategic Implications and Business Opportunities
6.1 For Innovators
- Leverage the detailed claims of CN104519872 for licensing or patent licensing negotiations.
- Identify gaps in claim coverage to develop novel derivatives.
6.2 For Competitors
- Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid infringement.
- Develop alternative compounds outside the scope of CN104519872.
6.3 For Patent Holders
- Consider filing divisionals or continuations to extend protection.
- Engage in patent landscaping regularly to monitor competitors.
7. Conclusion and Key Takeaways
- The patent CN104519872 establishes a focused scope, primarily protecting specific chemical structures and their synthesis methods for pharmaceutical applications.
- The patent landscape in China for targeted drugs shows intense competition, with overlapping claims necessitating strategic patent management.
- Its strength lies in detailed structural claims and innovative synthesis methods, but it faces challenges relating to prior art and claim breadth.
- To optimize protection, patent owners should broaden claims, continuously innovate, and monitor the evolving landscape diligently.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the primary innovations claimed in CN104519872?
A: The patent claims novel heterocyclic compounds, specific synthetic processes, and their therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology and neurological diseases.
Q2: How broad are the claims of CN104519872?
A: Claims are structured mainly around particular chemical structures and synthesis methods, making them relatively narrow but highly specific.
Q3: How does the patent landscape in China influence drug development?
A: It encourages innovation with a competitive environment but requires careful navigation of overlapping patents to mitigate infringement risks.
Q4: What are the challenges in enforcing CN104519872?
A: Overlaps with similar patents and prior art claims can lead to validity challenges; precise claim language and continuous innovation are essential.
Q5: How does CN104519872 compare with international patents in the same field?
A: Chinese patents tend to be narrower, focusing on specific structures and methods, while US/EU patents often have broader claims covering compositions, methods, or uses.
References
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration. Patent CN104519872 data.
[2] WuXi AppTec Annual Reports. (2013-2022).
[3] WIPO Patent Database. Patent family analysis of related innovations.
[4] Han, et al., "Patent Strategies in Chinese Biopharmaceuticals," Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 2021.
[5] CNIPA Patent Trends Report, 2022.
