Last updated: August 25, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN106943403, titled "Method for synthesizing 2-aminopyridine derivatives," represents an innovative step in medicinal chemistry, primarily focusing on the efficient synthesis of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. Analyzing its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape reveals critical insights into its strategic positioning within the relevant chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Patent Overview and General Background
Patent CN106943403 was filed by Zhuhai Livzon Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., with the publication date August 14, 2017. The patent pertains to a synthetic route for 2-aminopyridine derivatives, a class of compounds extensively studied for their diverse biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
The patent claims cover a novel, efficient chemical synthesis method that improves yield, reduces reaction steps, and enhances operational safety relative to existing techniques. This innovation addresses longstanding challenges in the synthesis of pyridine derivatives, which are crucial intermediates across several therapeutic areas.
Scope of the Patent: Claims Analysis
The patent contains 20 claims, which can be categorized into independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims primarily emphasizing the synthetic method rather than specific compounds.
Independent Claims
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Claim 1: Describes a method for synthesizing 2-aminopyridine derivatives involving a multistep process, including specific reaction conditions, catalysts, and intermediates. The claim emphasizes parameters such as temperature, solvent choice, and reaction time, providing a broad framework that encompasses various substrate variations.
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Claim 10: Focuses on the intermediates involved in the synthetic route, specifying particular chemical structures and their transformations within the process.
Dependent Claims
- Additional claims specify particular reaction conditions, like specific catalysts (e.g., metal-based catalysts), solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetic acid), and purification techniques.
- Claims also cover derivatives and analogues produced by the method, allowing for a broad scope covering multiple compound variants.
Scope Summary
The patent's claims are intended to cover a broad synthetic pathway applicable to various 2-aminopyridine derivatives, extending protection to:
- Different substitution patterns on the pyridine ring
- Variations in reaction conditions within the defined parameters
- Intermediates and final compounds, including specific structural motifs common in pharmacologically active molecules
This breadth aims to prevent competitors from avoiding infringement by minor modifications to the synthetic process or compounds.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
Key Patent Classifications and Patent Clusters
CN106943403 situates itself within the patent classes related to heterocyclic compound synthesis, specifically under C07D, C07K, and C07F subclasses, which cover heteroaryl derivatives and medicinal compounds.
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Prior Art Comparison:
- Existing patents such as CN102987456 and CN104527790 focus on alternative synthesis pathways for 2-aminopyridine derivatives, often involving multistep condensation or metal-catalyzed reactions.
- The present patent distinguishes itself by providing a simplified, more efficient method with fewer steps and milder conditions, potentially offering a cost-effective manufacturing route.
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Patent Family and Related Applications:
- The applicants hold several related patents in China and internationally, covering different aspects of pyridine derivative synthesis and applications in pharmaceuticals.
- The patent's claims align with Zhuhai Livzon's broader strategic portfolio targeting antitumor and antimicrobial agents, leveraging 2-aminopyridine derivatives' pharmacological potential.
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Geographical Patent Strategy:
- Pending applications are filed in the US, EPO, and other jurisdictions, indicating a global patent protection strategy aiming to secure freedom to operate and prevent generic entry.
Patent Strengths and Limitations
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Strengths:
- Broad manuscript covering multiple derivatives.
- Clear emphasis on process improvements, which could be harder for competitors to circumvent.
- Integration with existing drug development pipelines enhances commercial value.
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Limitations:
- The claims are primarily process-oriented, which could be challenged if prior art demonstrates similar synthesis methods.
- The scope's reliance on specific reaction conditions might be circumvented by alternative approaches outside the claimed parameters.
Implications for Industry and Innovation
This patent enhances China’s patent landscape for heterocyclic chemistry and pharmaceutical manufacturing, providing a strategic advantage for Zhuhai Livzon in developing and patenting drugs synthesized via this route. It consolidates intellectual property in a high-value segment with broad drug discovery relevance, especially in oncology and infectious disease therapeutics.
The patent also signals a trend towards process innovations in Chinese pharmaceutical patent practices, emphasizing efficiency and safety—key factors in competitive generics and novel drug development pathways.
Conclusion
Patent CN106943403 establishes a broad, strategic protection for a novel, efficient synthetic pathway to 2-aminopyridine derivatives. Its claims encompass a wide array of reaction conditions and derivatives, strengthening Zhuhai Livzon’s IP portfolio in heterocyclic chemistry. The patent landscape reflects intense competition in this domain, with ongoing international filings indicating a desire for global exclusivity.
For industry players, understanding the scope and claims of this patent informs risk assessment, potential licensing opportunities, and the delineation of freedom-to-operate around similar synthetic methods.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a broad synthetic process for key heterocyclic intermediates with potential pharmaceutical applications.
- Its scope emphasizes process efficiency and operational safety, providing competitive advantages.
- The patent landscape is crowded, but the broad claims grant strong protection against minor modifications.
- The patent aligns with China’s focus on innovation-driven pharmaceutical IP, supporting strategic drug development.
- Continuous monitoring of related applications and oppositions is essential for maintaining freedom to operate.
FAQs
1. How does patent CN106943403 differ from previous patents in pyridine synthesis?
It emphasizes a simplified, high-efficiency process with milder conditions, distinguishing it from prior methods that often involved multiple steps, harsher reagents, or complex catalysts.
2. What is the scope of the patent regarding chemical derivatives?
The scope extends to various substituted 2-aminopyridines, covering structural analogues and intermediates within the specified reaction parameters.
3. Can the patent be infringed if a competitor develops an alternative synthesis route?
Potentially, if the alternative method falls within the scope of the claims—meaning it employs similar reaction conditions or produces the same intermediates—then infringement could occur.
4. How does this patent impact future drug research and development?
It facilitates the efficient synthesis of biologically active compounds, potentially accelerating drug discovery in therapeutic areas such as oncology, infectious diseases, and inflammation.
5. What should companies consider when designing around this patent?
They should examine the specific reaction conditions and intermediate structures claimed, ensuring alternative methods avoid these parameters to mitigate infringement risks.
References
[1] Zhuhai Livzon Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Patent CN106943403, "Method for synthesizing 2-aminopyridine derivatives," August 14, 2017.
