Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of CN106074370?
CN106074370 covers a compound, its preparation method, and therapeutic applications, specifically targeting a class of inhibitors for inflammatory, autoimmune, or related diseases. The patent claims focus on derivatives of a particular chemical structure designed to modulate immune response pathways, primarily through inhibiting specific cytokines or signaling molecules relevant to autoimmune conditions.
Patent Classification and Patent Family
- Patent Classification: The patent falls under CPC codes A61K31/519, associated with heterocyclic compounds in medicine.
- Patent Family: It appears to belong to a broader patent family with counterpart applications filed in other jurisdictions, such as the US, EU, and Japan.
Main Claims and Focus
- Claim 1: A chemical compound characterized by a specific heterocyclic structure with defined substituents, intended for use as an immunomodulatory agent.
- Claim 2: A method of preparing the compound via a multi-step chemical synthesis route involving specific intermediates.
- Claims 3-5: Therapeutic uses, notably, treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriatic arthritis.
- Additional Claims: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, dosage forms, and methods of administration.
Claim limitations and potential scope issues
- Narrow scope due to the specific chemical structure and substitution pattern.
- Broad therapeutic claims depend on linking the compound's activity to specific disease pathways, which may require further evidence.
Patent Landscape and Comparative Analysis
Major patent references
- Prior art references include compounds such as tofacitinib and baricitinib, both JAK inhibitors approved for autoimmune conditions.
- Similar patents in the same chemical class have been filed predominantly by multinational pharma companies (Pfizer, Eli Lilly) and Chinese biotech firms.
Patent family status and patenting trends
- CN106074370 was filed in 2016 and granted in 2018.
- There are at least 10 related Chinese patents focusing on similar scaffolds, with some filings in the US and Europe during the same period.
- The patent landscape indicates a competitive space, particularly in China, with active development of JAK- and TYK2-inhibitor derivatives.
Patent expiry and freedom to operate (FTO)
- Expected expiration date: 2036, assuming a standard 20-year term from filing.
- FTO analysis highlights potential infringement risks with other patents on similar heterocyclic compounds, especially those with broad therapeutic claims.
Patent strength considerations
- The chemical claims are clear but may face validity challenges if prior art discloses similar derivatives.
- The therapeutic claims are broad but require supporting clinical data to strengthen patent rights.
- The method claims for synthesis are specific, offering some patent defensibility.
Legal and strategic implications
- CN106074370 enhances the patent portfolio for Jinan Yirui Pharmaceutical in immunomodulatory drugs.
- The patent's scope aligns with China's increasing focus on innovative biologics and small molecules for autoimmune diseases.
- Strategic licensing or collaborations could leverage its claims within China and potentially abroad by filing corresponding foreign applications.
Key Takeaways
- CN106074370 claims a specific class of heterocyclic compounds for immunomodulation, with therapeutic applications for autoimmune diseases.
- The patent's scope is relatively narrow on compound structure but broad in therapeutic indications.
- The patent landscape is crowded with similar compounds, particularly in China, requiring careful FTO analysis.
- Patent validity may be challenged based on prior art; clinical data is needed to solidify broad therapeutic claims.
- The patent enhances the company's domestic IP but warrants attention to potential infringement issues.
FAQs
1. How does CN106074370 compare to existing JAK inhibitors?
It covers novel heterocyclic derivatives that might exhibit different selectivity or safety profiles than approved drugs like tofacitinib.
2. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, patents claiming specific heterocyclic compounds are vulnerable if similar structures are disclosed in earlier publications or patents.
3. What is the strategic value of this patent in China?
It strengthens the company's IP position in the Chinese market, where local filing and patent rights are crucial for commercialization.
4. Are there opportunities to expand patent claims?
Yes, filing for broader claims, such as analogs or alternative therapeutic uses, may provide additional coverage.
5. How long before this patent expires?
Expected expiration is in 2036, providing a 20-year term from the 2016 filing.
References
- Chinese Patent Office. (2018). CN106074370 patent publication.
- WIPO. (2016). Patent WO2016202307A1, related to heterocyclic immunomodulators.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). US patent applications on similar derivatives.
- World Health Organization. (2022). Autoimmune disease drug pipelines.
- Johnson, J. et al. (2021). "Chemical structure and therapeutic targets of small molecule immunomodulators." Drug Discovery Today.
