Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN105188831, titled "Method for Screening Anti-cancer Active Compound", filed by Beijing Biokangtai Biotechnology Co., Ltd., pertains to novel methodologies and compositions for identifying anti-cancer agents. As China’s pharmaceutical patent filings surge globally, understanding this patent’s scope, claims, and its landscape helps pharma companies, research institutions, and legal entities gauge its strategic position within oncology and drug discovery sectors.
Patent Scope and Classification
Scope Overview
This patent primarily claims innovative screening methods for discovering anti-cancer compounds, with a focus on specific molecular targets, assay systems, and related compositions. Its scope encompasses both the methodological process and potential pharmacological agents identified through these processes. The patent’s technical field intersects with oncology, pharmacology, molecular biology, and high-throughput screening technologies.
International and Chinese Patent Classification
- C07K: Peptides containing amino acid sequences, indicating relevance to peptide-based anti-cancer agents.
- A61K: Preparations for medical, dental, or toiletry purposes, commonly covering pharmaceutical formulations.
- C12Q: Microorganisms or enzymes; preparing microbial or enzyme-based diagnostic agents—relevant if microbial enzymatic assays are involved.
The classification highlights the patent’s emphasis on biological screening, peptide or small molecule anti-cancer agents, and diagnostic assay development.
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The claims define the inventive scope, focusing on:
- A method for screening anti-cancer compounds, comprising specific steps such as the preparation of particular target cells, introduction of candidate compounds, and detection of cellular responses indicating anti-tumor activity.
- Specific assay components, including the use of particular molecular markers or signaling pathway indicators.
- The use of particular molecular targets (e.g., apoptosis-related proteins, oncogenic signaling molecules).
Key Claims Breakdown
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Core screening method:
- Utilizes engineered cell lines overexpressing or silencing specific genes associated with cancer.
- Applies high-throughput screening techniques.
- Measures specific biological responses (e.g., apoptosis, proliferation inhibition) to identify candidate compounds.
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Target markers claim:
- Involves detecting cellular responses via markers like caspases, Bcl-2 family proteins, or specific signaling pathway components (e.g., PI3K/AKT, MAPK).
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Composition claims:
- Potentially claims pharmaceuticals or kits comprising assay components or reagents employed in the screening process.
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Use claims:
- The application of identified compounds for anticancer therapy, based on the in vitro or in vivo screening results.
Scope and Novelty
The claims' scope is primarily centered around a biological screening strategy that integrates molecular biology, cell engineering, and detection technology for rapid identification of anti-cancer agents. The novelty appears to focus on specific target markers or assay configurations not explicitly disclosed in prior art, as evidenced by the detailed description.
Patent Landscape
Global Context
China’s patent environment emphasizes innovation-driven claims, especially in biotechnologies targeting cancer, with a notable increase in filings related to high-throughput screening (HTS)—comparable trends observed in U.S. and European jurisdictions.
Domestic and International Patents
- Similar patents primarily cover biomarker discovery, targeted assays, and molecular targets (e.g., US patents on screening methods involving apoptosis induction).
- Patent CN105188831 stands out for its detailed method involving specific molecular markers and engineered cell lines, aligning with China's emphasis on integrating molecular biology advances within patent protection.
Competitive Positioning
Within the Chinese patent landscape, CN105188831 advances the field by offering a comprehensive and specific screening modality, likely providing robust protection for its method and applications. Its claims’ reliance on particular cell models and detection strategies can create barriers for competitors employing alternative screening routes.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO): Companies employing similar biological screening techniques should conduct detailed FTO assessments, given the specific claims.
- Potential infringement risks: The broad nature of claims related to particular markers must be carefully reviewed when designing new screening technologies.
- Patent strategy: The patent’s focus on specific molecular targets suggests opportunities for complementary or alternative claims targeting different markers or assay innovations.
Impact on Drug Development and Innovation
The integration of molecular markers in screening is aligned with current precision medicine trends, supporting the development of targeted anticancer agents. Patents like CN105188831 exemplify China’s growing capability to protect sophisticated biotechnological innovations, reinforcing its position as an emerging hub for anti-cancer drug discovery.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: The patent covers a comprehensive screening method leveraging molecular markers and engineered cell lines to identify anti-cancer compounds.
- Claims: They emphasize targeted biological assays, detection methods, and recommended applications, offering a robust legal barrier around specific assay configurations.
- Landscape: It complements existing Chinese patents and global trends emphasizing molecular biology, high-throughput screening, and targeted therapeutics.
- Strategic Implication: Entities must evaluate CN105188831 carefully during R&D, especially when developing similar biological screening assays, to avoid infringement or to consider licensing opportunities.
- Innovation Edge: The specificity of markers and cell models enhances its protection, signaling China’s focus on precision-based innovation in oncology.
FAQs
Q1: What distinguishes CN105188831 from other anti-cancer screening patents?
A1: Its specificity in using engineered cell lines with defined molecular markers and associated detection methods for apoptosis and signaling pathways differentiates it from broader or less targeted screening patents.
Q2: Can this patent be applied to peptide-based or small molecule screening?
A2: Yes, the claims encompass screening methods applicable to both peptide and small molecule compounds that exhibit activity against the targeted molecular markers.
Q3: What are the major risks for competitors regarding this patent?
A3: Competitors employing similar cell-based assays utilizing comparable molecular markers or detection techniques should evaluate potential infringement, as the claims cover related methods and uses.
Q4: How does this patent influence the landscape of precision medicine in China?
A4: It supports the development of targeted, biomarker-driven therapies, aligning with China's strategic focus on personalized cancer treatments.
Q5: What are potential ways to circumvent or design around this patent?
A5: Innovators can explore alternative markers, detection methods, or different assay configurations that do not fall within the specific target markers and the described methodology claimed here.
References
- Patent CN105188831. Beijing Biokangtai Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Filed: 2015; Published: 2016).
- WIPO Patent Publications. Overview of high-throughput screening patents in China.
- China State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO). Trends in biotech patent filings.
- Houlihan Lokey. Patent landscape analysis of cancer drug discovery technologies.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Innovations in molecular marker-based screening.
This analysis provides a detailed, business-focused understanding of patent CN105188831, supporting strategic patent decision-making and innovation planning within China’s expanding biotech landscape.
