Last updated: February 19, 2026
This report details the scope and claims of Chinese patent CN105943554, a patent covering a pharmaceutical composition and its therapeutic uses. The analysis focuses on the patent’s key inventive steps, asserted claims, and the competitive landscape.
What is the core invention of CN105943554?
The patent CN105943554, filed on August 20, 2015, by Shanghai Aibi Technology Co., Ltd. (上海艾比科技有限公司), claims a pharmaceutical composition and its application in treating diseases. The claimed composition is primarily composed of a specific extract derived from Porphyra yezoensis (紫菜), commonly known as nori or laver.
The patent describes the preparation method of this extract, involving a multi-step process of extraction, filtration, and concentration. The key active components are stated to be specific polysaccharides and proteins isolated from the Porphyra yezoensis thalli. The patent asserts that these components exhibit significant biological activity, particularly in modulating the immune system and exhibiting antiviral properties.
What are the key claims of CN105943554?
The patent's claims define the legal boundaries of the invention. CN105943554 has multiple claims, with the primary ones focusing on:
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an extract of Porphyra yezoensis (紫菜), wherein the extract is prepared by a specific process involving fermentation, extraction, filtration, and concentration. The claim details the ratios of water, ethanol, and other solvents used in the extraction process.
- Claim 2: The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprising pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
- Claim 3: The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, for use in treating viral infections.
- Claim 4: The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, for use in treating immune deficiency diseases.
- Claim 5: The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, for use in treating tumors.
The patent also includes claims related to the specific method of preparing the Porphyra yezoensis extract, and its use in producing medicaments for the aforementioned therapeutic applications. The core novelty lies in the specific extraction and purification process yielding a potent fraction with demonstrable therapeutic effects.
How is the Porphyra yezoensis extract prepared according to the patent?
The preparation method outlined in CN105943554 is crucial to the claimed invention. The process begins with the selection of high-quality Porphyra yezoensis. The patent details the following key steps:
- Fermentation: The Porphyra yezoensis material undergoes a fermentation process, typically using specific microbial strains under controlled temperature and pH conditions for a defined period. This step is described as enhancing the bioavailability and biological activity of the desired components.
- Enzyme-Assisted Extraction: After fermentation, an enzyme-assisted extraction is performed using a combination of water and organic solvents such as ethanol. The patent specifies the concentration of ethanol (e.g., 30-70%) and the extraction temperature and duration. Enzymes may be added to break down cell walls and release intracellular compounds.
- Filtration: The crude extract is then filtered to remove solid impurities and debris. Multiple filtration stages using membranes of varying pore sizes are indicated to achieve a purified liquid extract.
- Concentration: The filtered extract is concentrated, typically through evaporation under reduced pressure, to increase the yield of active ingredients and reduce the volume for further processing or formulation.
The patent emphasizes that this specific sequence of steps and the solvent ratios are critical for obtaining an extract with superior therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional extraction methods.
What therapeutic applications are covered by CN105943554?
CN105943554 asserts therapeutic benefits in several key areas:
- Viral Infections: The patent claims the composition is effective against a range of viral pathogens. While specific viruses are not exhaustively listed in the independent claims, the patent's description suggests broad-spectrum antiviral activity. The underlying mechanism is purported to involve the enhancement of the host's immune response and direct interference with viral replication.
- Immune Deficiency Diseases: The composition is also claimed to have immunomodulatory effects, making it potentially useful for treating conditions characterized by weakened immune systems. This could include various forms of immunodeficiency or conditions where immune system support is beneficial.
- Tumor Treatment: The patent posits that the Porphyra yezoensis extract can contribute to cancer therapy. This application is likely based on proposed mechanisms involving immune system augmentation to combat tumor growth or direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
The patent provides data from preclinical studies, including in vitro assays and animal models, to substantiate these claims. These studies reportedly demonstrate significant reductions in viral load, improvements in immune markers, and anti-tumor effects.
What is the patent landscape for Porphyra yezoensis based drug compositions?
The patent landscape for drug compositions derived from marine resources, including algae like Porphyra yezoensis, is growing. Numerous patents exist covering various bioactive compounds isolated from marine organisms and their therapeutic applications.
Key trends in this landscape include:
- Focus on Polysaccharides and Proteins: Research and patenting efforts often target complex polysaccharides and proteins for their immunomodulatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties.
- Novel Extraction and Purification Techniques: Companies are actively patenting innovative methods for extracting and purifying these compounds to enhance their efficacy, stability, and bioavailability.
- Combination Therapies: Patents increasingly explore the use of marine-derived compounds in combination with conventional therapies to achieve synergistic effects and overcome drug resistance.
- Specific Disease Indications: While broad claims are sometimes filed, the trend is towards more specific disease indications supported by robust clinical data.
Companies actively patenting in this space often include those with strong research and development in natural product chemistry, marine biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development. The competitive landscape for Porphyra yezoensis-based therapeutics involves numerous research institutions and biopharmaceutical companies globally.
Who are the key players and competitors in this field?
Identifying direct competitors to Shanghai Aibi Technology Co., Ltd. for the specific claims of CN105943554 requires a detailed patent search and market analysis. However, based on the general field of marine-derived pharmaceuticals, potential competitors and stakeholders include:
- Academic Research Institutions: Universities and research centers worldwide are continuously investigating the therapeutic potential of algae. Their publications often precede patent filings and can indicate emerging research directions.
- Biotechnology Companies: Companies specializing in natural product extraction, fermentation, and the development of functional foods and pharmaceuticals derived from marine sources are direct or indirect competitors. Examples include companies with portfolios in nutraceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and traditional Chinese medicine.
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Larger pharmaceutical corporations that acquire or license novel compounds from smaller entities, or have their own internal research programs, represent potential competitors or future partners.
- Functional Food and Nutraceutical Companies: While distinct from prescription drugs, companies developing health supplements and functional foods containing Porphyra yezoensis extracts may also be considered in the broader competitive context, especially if they make health claims.
A comprehensive competitive analysis would involve tracking patent filings from entities such as academic institutions in China, Korea, Japan, and Western countries, as well as companies actively developing marine-derived APIs and finished drug products.
What is the current status and potential impact of CN105943554?
CN105943554 was granted on August 22, 2017. Its expiration date is August 20, 2035, assuming no extensions or invalidations. The patent's impact will depend on several factors:
- Enforcement: The patent holder's ability and willingness to enforce their patent rights against infringers.
- Commercial Viability: The successful development of the claimed pharmaceutical composition into a marketable drug product with demonstrable clinical efficacy and safety.
- Market Demand: The presence of a significant unmet medical need in the target therapeutic areas.
- Freedom to Operate: The existence of other patents that might block the commercialization of products falling under CN105943554.
If Shanghai Aibi Technology Co., Ltd. can successfully develop and commercialize this technology, CN105943554 could provide a significant competitive advantage in the fields of antiviral therapies, immune support, and oncology. The patent could also be a valuable asset for licensing or partnership opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Patent CN105943554 by Shanghai Aibi Technology Co., Ltd. claims a pharmaceutical composition derived from a specific extract of Porphyra yezoensis.
- The invention centers on a proprietary fermentation and extraction process designed to yield bioactive polysaccharides and proteins.
- Key asserted therapeutic applications include the treatment of viral infections, immune deficiency diseases, and tumors.
- The patent's claims provide protection for the composition itself and its specific medical uses.
- The patent landscape for marine-derived pharmaceuticals is active, with a growing focus on novel extraction methods and specific therapeutic indications.
- The commercial impact of CN105943554 hinges on the successful development, market demand, and enforcement of the patent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What specific viruses are targeted by the pharmaceutical composition described in CN105943554?
The independent claims of CN105943554 refer to "viral infections" broadly. The detailed description within the patent may provide examples or data related to specific viruses tested, but the independent claims are not limited to a predefined list. A thorough review of the patent's full text and associated prosecution history is necessary to ascertain any specific viral targets mentioned during examination.
2. Does the patent cover the use of raw Porphyra yezoensis or only the specific extract?
The patent explicitly covers a "pharmaceutical composition comprising an extract of Porphyra yezoensis (紫菜), wherein the extract is prepared by a specific process." This indicates that the protection is for the specialized extract produced via the claimed method, not for raw or unprocessed Porphyra yezoensis.
3. What is the duration of patent protection for CN105943554?
CN105943554 was filed on August 20, 2015, and granted on August 22, 2017. In China, utility patents typically have a term of 20 years from the filing date. Therefore, assuming no extensions or prior art invalidations, patent CN105943554 is set to expire on August 20, 2035.
4. Are there any known commercial products currently on the market based on this patent?
As of the current analysis, there is no publicly available information confirming commercial products directly marketed under the intellectual property of patent CN105943554. The development and commercialization of a drug from patent filing to market launch can span many years, involving extensive research, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals.
5. What are the implications of this patent for companies developing similar algae-based therapeutics?
Companies developing therapeutics from algae, particularly those utilizing similar extraction methodologies or targeting comparable therapeutic areas (viral infections, immune modulation, oncology), should conduct a thorough freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis. This patent could present a barrier if their product infringes upon the claimed scope of the extract or its therapeutic uses, necessitating licensing agreements or the development of non-infringing alternatives.
Citations
[1] Shanghai Aibi Technology Co., Ltd. (2017). Pharmaceutical composition and its application (Chinese Patent No. CN105943554). SIPO.
