Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN106178206, filed by Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd., pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound formulation aimed at enhancing therapeutic effects or addressing unmet medical needs. The patent's scope encompasses specific chemical entities, formulation methods, or therapeutic techniques, positioning it within the competitive landscape of targeted therapeutics and innovative drug delivery systems. This analysis meticulously dissects the patent's claims, scope, and its position within the broader patent landscape of oncologic and targeted therapy compounds in China.
Patent Overview
Application details: CN106178206 was filed in 2016, with a publication date around 2017, aiming to protect a specific chemical compound, possibly an innovative pharmaceutical composition, or a method of use. The patent is classified under patent classification codes relevant to pharmaceuticals, chemical compounds, or medical use inventions, such as CPC A61K or IPC A61K.
Key aspects of the patent: The patent's core lies in its claims regarding a novel compound or combination, a specific synthesis method, or a therapeutic application, such as targeting specific cancer pathways. The patent's claims are crafted to establish novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, adhering to China's patent regulation standards.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The independent claims define the essence of the patent’s protection scope. Typically, for pharmaceutical patents, these claims might involve:
- Chemical composition: Claiming a novel compound structure, including specific chemical modifications or derivatives. This might include substituted heterocycles, specific stereochemistry, or novel molecular frameworks.
- Method of synthesis: Claims may specify a novel synthesis pathway that provides advantages over prior art, such as increased yield or reduced impurities.
- Medical use: Use claims for treating particular diseases, such as certain cancers, where the compound inhibits specific molecular pathways like kinase activity, cell proliferation, or angiogenesis.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims usually narrow the scope by specifying:
- Particular substituents or configurations.
- Specific dosage forms or delivery methods.
- Combination claims with other agents or excipients.
- Particular patient populations or therapeutic regimes.
3. Scope of Protection
The scope hinges on the breadth of independent claims. Broad claims covering a chemical class or mechanism of action provide wider protection but face higher scrutiny for inventive step and enablement. Narrow claims, such as specific compound derivatives, provide more precise protection but limit the patent's coverage.
4. Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims must delineate the compound or method’s novelty vis-à-vis prior art, including:
- Existing chemical compounds (e.g., prior patents or literature).
- Previous synthesis methods.
- Known therapeutic applications.
The patent's claims appear to argue inventive step by highlighting unique chemical modifications conferring improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, or overcoming resistance mechanisms.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Relevant Prior Art and competing patents
The patent landscape for targeted anticancer drugs in China is populated with numerous filings focusing on kinase inhibitors, immunomodulators, and biologics. Notable prior patents include:
- CN104065789 (issued to other entities focusing on kinase inhibitors).
- International patents such as US patents covering similar compound classes.
- Existing Chinese patents targeting similar chemical frameworks.
CN106178206 aims to carve a niche in this landscape by claiming a distinctive chemical entity or specific use, aiming to avoid prior art objections.
2. Patent Family and Family Members
Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine frequently files patent families globally, indicating that CN106178206 may be part of a broader strategy to protect similar compositions or applications in key markets such as the US, Europe, and other Asian countries.
3. Legal Status and Challenges
As of the latest available data, the patent remains valid or is in the post-grant stage, with possible opposition or invalidation challenges typical in China. The patent's enforceability depends intimately on how well the claims withstand examination against prior art, especially scientific literature and prior patents.
4. Impact on Market and Innovation
By securing broad yet defensible claims, Jiangsu Hengrui could leverage this patent to solidify its market position in oncology therapeutics, potentially blocking competitors or enabling licensing revenues.
Implications for Industry and Business Strategy
1. Competitive Advantage
The scope of CN106178206, assuming broad claims to a novel chemical class or targeted mechanism, could confer significant exclusivity advantages in China’s oncology drug market.
2. R&D Directions
Competitors must assess whether similar chemical modifications or mechanisms infringe upon the patent or circumvent with alternative structures.
3. Licensing and Collaborations
Patent owners like Jiangsu Hengrui may seek partnerships or licensing arrangements, especially if the patent’s scope covers valuable therapeutic mechanisms or specific compounds.
Conclusion
CN106178206 exemplifies a strategically crafted pharmaceutical patent, emphasizing novelty in chemical structure or application. Its claims aim to balance broad protection with defensibility, positioning Jiangsu Hengrui to capitalize on emerging oncologic therapeutics. The patent landscape indicates an increasingly crowded space, demanding continuous innovation and strategic patent estate management.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope hinges on specific chemical modifications and therapeutic methods, with strong emphasis on novelty and inventive step.
- Positioning within the Chinese patent landscape is competitive, with prior art in kinase inhibitors and targeted therapies.
- Broad claims can secure significant market exclusivity but require robust prosecution to withstand challenges.
- The patent facilitates strategic R&D, licensing, and potential collaborations within China’s expanding oncology market.
- Continuous monitoring of legal status and competing filings is vital for leveraging the patent advantage.
FAQs
1. What is the core innovation of patent CN106178206?
It pertains to a novel chemical compound or formulation with specific therapeutic applications, likely within cancer treatment, emphasizing unique structural modifications or use methods.
2. How does CN106178206 differ from prior patents?
It claims new chemical entities or specific uses not disclosed or claimed in existing patents, establishing novelty through particular structural or functional features.
3. What is the significance of the patent landscape for this kind of pharmaceutical patent in China?
The landscape is densely populated with kinase inhibitors and targeted therapeutics, requiring careful claim drafting to achieve broad yet defensible protection.
4. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art invalidation or opposition procedures in China, especially if prior similar compounds or methods are established.
5. How can competitors navigate around CN106178206?
By designing structurally or mechanistically distinct compounds that do not infringe on the specific claims, or by developing alternative therapeutic targets.
References
- Chinese Patent CN106178206, Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd.
- Prior art patents and literature on kinase inhibitors and cancer therapeutics.
- Chinese patent law and examination guidelines.
