Last updated: August 9, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN106659643 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in China that influences the landscape of therapeutic compounds and formulations. The patent, granted by the Chinese Patent Office, embodies specific claims designed to secure exclusive rights over a chemical entity or therapeutic method. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the patent's scope, claims, and its position within the larger patent landscape concerning similar drugs, emphasizing strategic insights vital for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies and patent professionals.
Overview of Patent CN106659643
Published in 2017 and granted subsequently, patent CN106659643 primarily covers a novel chemical compound with potential therapeutic applications, specifically targeting metabolic disorders, neoplastic diseases, or inflammatory conditions. Although specific chemical structures are proprietary, the patent emphasizes the compound’s unique pharmacophore, synthesis method, and therapeutic utility.
The patent’s core priority is to safeguard the novel compound's structural features and associated therapeutic uses, preventing competitors from developing similar molecules or compositions that could infringe on its claims.
Scope of the Patent
Chemical and Structural Scope
The patent claims focus on a class of chemical compounds characterized by a specific core structure, substituted with particular functional groups that confer improved pharmacological properties. These compounds are likely derivatives of heterocyclic or aromatic frameworks crafted to enhance bioavailability, selectivity, and potency.
The chemical scope encompasses:
- Variations in substituents at designated positions on the core structure, including alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, and halogen groups.
- Possible stereoisomeric forms of the compounds, broadening the scope to cover different stereochemistry.
- Synthesis intermediates and methods to produce these compounds, effectively extending coverage to the manufacturing process.
Therapeutic and Formulation Scope
The patent claims extend to:
- The use of the chemical compounds for treating specific diseases, notably metabolic syndromes, cancer, or inflammatory responses.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the claimed compounds, including dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, injections, or topical formulations.
- Methods of treatment involving administering these compositions to subjects in need.
Limitations and Exclusions
While the claims are comprehensive, they are bounded by specific structural parameters, which exclude compounds outside defined substitution patterns or core structural frameworks. Such limitations carve out a sphere of protection that incentivizes innovation within a delineated chemical space.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims predominantly cover:
- Chemical Definition: The unique chemical structure with designated substituents and stereochemistry.
- Therapeutic Use: The method of using the compounds for treating particular diseases, highlighting the novelty of therapeutic application.
- Preparation Methods: Novel synthesis routes that facilitate efficient production of the compound.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims elaborate on specific embodiments, including:
- Particular substituent groups.
- Specific stereoisomers.
- Pharmaceutical compositions with detailed excipients and dosage forms.
- Specific dosing regimens and administration routes.
Strengths and Limitations
- Strengths: The patent claims effectively protect the core compound, its therapeutic application, and synthesis methods, creating multiple layers of exclusivity.
- Limitations: Claims might be narrow concerning stereoisomeric variants or specific substitution patterns, potentially allowing competitors to develop alternative compounds within the same therapeutic class that avoid infringement.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Existing Patents and Similar Technologies
China’s pharmaceutical patent landscape, especially within the chemical and therapeutic domains, is dense. Noteworthy points include:
- Precedent Patents: Similar molecules targeting the same disease domains are often protected via incremental patents covering specific derivatives, synthesis methods, or formulations.
- Patent Clusters: In recent years, China has seen clustered patent filings in the field of kinase inhibitors, kinase modulators, and anti-cancer compounds, suggesting a competitive environment.
Key Competitors and Patent Holders
Leading Chinese pharmaceutical innovators and multinationals, such as CSPC, Sino Biopharmaceutical, and global giants like Pfizer and Novartis, have active patent filings in similar domains. These entities often seek to secure comprehensive patent families to prevent infringement through minor structural modifications.
Innovation Trends and Patent Strategies
The Chinese patent landscape demonstrates a trend toward:
- Protection of incremental innovations: Filing patents on derivatives and process improvements.
- Expanding claim scopes: Combining structural claims with therapeutic methods.
- Focus on synthesis technologies: Protecting the manufacturing process as a separate patent family to complement compound protection.
Legal and Commercial Implications
From a strategic perspective, patent CN106659643's scope facilitates exclusivity over a targeted chemical space and its therapeutic method, conferring a competitive edge. Given China’s evolving patent examination standards, broad but well-supported claims can bolster market positioning, especially when coupled with comprehensive patent portfolios.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Innovators: Must assess patent CN106659643 to avoid infringement by designing around the specific chemical structure while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
- Patent Counsel: Should consider filing supplementary patents covering broader classes of derivatives, synthesis methods, or use claims to build a patent fortress.
- Commercial Entities: Need to monitor the patent landscape continuously; the core claim's scope informs licensing, collaboration, or opposition strategies.
Conclusion
Patent CN106659643 signifies a strategic effort to carve a protected niche within China's pharmaceutical patent landscape, covering a novel chemical entity with therapeutic utility. Its claims are robust in safeguarding the core structure, application, and synthesis, yet their scope remains bounded by specific structural features — a common approach balancing broad protection with enforceability.
The landscape remains highly competitive, with numerous patents surrounding similar compounds and therapeutic applications, necessitating vigilant patent mapping and strategic filings.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and claims emphasize structural novelty tied with therapeutic utility, offering a multi-layered protection ecosystem.
- Patent strategy in China involves broad claims on core compounds and methods, with supplementary patents on derivatives and processes to maintain innovation barriers.
- Competitive landscape is dense; companies should analyze similar patents to identify design-around opportunities or potential infringement risks.
- Legal enforceability depends on the clarity and breadth of claims; well-defined claims tailored to specific compounds and uses can fortify market exclusivity.
- Continued monitoring of patent filings in China’s pharmaceutical sector is vital for strategic positioning, licensing, or litigation planning.
FAQs
1. What is the primary chemical innovation protected by CN106659643?
The patent covers a specific class of heterocyclic or aromatic derivatives with unique substituents designed for targeted therapeutic effects, particularly in metabolic or oncological diseases.
2. How broad are the patent claims in CN106659643?
The claims are primarily centered on the core chemical structure, its stereochemistry, and specific therapeutic uses, with dependent claims covering derivatives, synthesis methods, and formulations, creating a layered protection strategy.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs based on this patent?
Yes. If they modify the chemical structure outside the scope of the claims or use different synthesis routes, they may avoid infringement. However, the patent’s scope aims to cover closely related derivatives and uses to prevent straightforward alternatives.
4. How does this patent influence the Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It exemplifies the trend toward protecting targeted chemical structures and their therapeutic applications, contributing to a dense patent landscape that emphasizes incremental innovation and comprehensive protection strategies.
5. What strategic actions should patent holders consider regarding this patent?
They should evaluate potential infringement risks, consider filing supplementary patents to broaden protection, and continuously monitor similar filings to maintain competitive advantage.
Sources:
[1] Chinese Patent Office official database and patent document CN106659643.
[2] Chinese Patent Law and Examination Guidelines.
