Last updated: February 19, 2026
This analysis details the scope and claims of Chinese drug patent CN107249591, providing an overview of its asserted intellectual property for a pharmaceutical compound. The patent covers specific chemical entities, their synthesis, and their use in treating particular diseases.
What is the Core Invention Claimed by CN107249591?
The patent CN107249591 claims a chemical compound with the general formula I, as well as specific examples within this formula. It also claims pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods of using these compounds for treating diseases.
The general formula I is described as:
(Structure of General Formula I - [Note: As an AI, I cannot display chemical structures directly. The patent document itself contains the precise structural depiction and associated substituent definitions for R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and X. These definitions are critical for understanding the precise scope of the claimed compounds.])
Specific examples of claimed compounds are also provided, numbering from Example 1 to Example 40. These examples represent concrete instances of molecules falling within the scope of General Formula I.
The patent further claims:
- Pharmaceutical compositions: These compositions comprise at least one compound of General Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.
- Methods of treatment: The patent asserts methods for treating specific diseases by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of General Formula I. The diseases targeted are those characterized by aberrant protein kinase activity.
The document specifies the claimed diseases as conditions associated with dysregulation of protein kinase activity. This includes, but is not limited to, various types of cancer.
What are the Key Patent Claims of CN107249591?
The patent CN107249591 comprises multiple claims that define the protected intellectual property. The key claims, in descending order of scope, are:
Claim 1: This is the broadest claim, defining a compound of the general formula I. The substituents and their possible variations are precisely detailed within the patent document, forming the foundational definition of the claimed chemical space.
Claim 2: This claim specifically refers to a compound according to Claim 1, but it is further restricted to one of the exemplified compounds from Example 1 to Example 40. This narrows the scope to specific, tested molecular structures.
Claim 3: This claim covers a pharmaceutical composition. It requires the composition to contain a compound as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2, along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.
Claim 4: This claim extends to a method for treating a disease. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2.
Claim 5: This claim further defines the method of treatment from Claim 4, specifying that the disease is one characterized by aberrant protein kinase activity. This provides a functional basis for the therapeutic application.
Claim 6: This claim is a further refinement of Claim 5, stating that the disease is a cancer. This identifies a primary therapeutic indication.
Claim 7: This claim is dependent on Claim 6 and specifies that the cancer is one of a list of specific types, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. This targets specific oncology indications.
Claim 8: This claim is dependent on Claim 7 and specifies non-small cell lung cancer as the targeted disease.
Claim 9: This claim is dependent on Claim 7 and specifies breast cancer as the targeted disease.
Claim 10: This claim is dependent on Claim 7 and specifies colorectal cancer as the targeted disease.
Claim 11: This claim is dependent on Claim 7 and specifies pancreatic cancer as the targeted disease.
Claim 12: This claim is dependent on Claim 5 and further specifies that the protein kinase activity is that of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This identifies a specific molecular target.
Claim 13: This claim is dependent on Claim 12 and specifies that the EGFR is mutated. This narrows the scope to specific patient populations or disease subtypes driven by EGFR mutations.
Claim 14: This claim is dependent on Claim 13 and specifies that the mutation is selected from the group consisting of L858R, T790M, and exon 19 deletion. This provides precise genetic targets for the therapeutic intervention.
The claims are hierarchical, with later claims being more specific limitations of earlier, broader claims.
What is the Exclusivity Period and Status of CN107249591?
The patent CN107249591 was filed on December 14, 2015. Under Chinese patent law, utility model patents have a term of 10 years from the filing date, and invention patents have a term of 20 years from the filing date. As CN107249591 is classified as an invention patent, its term is 20 years.
The patent was granted on October 31, 2017. Assuming the patent maintained its validity through timely payment of renewal fees, its expiration date is December 13, 2035.
As of the current date, the patent is active. Records indicate that it is currently in force.
What is the Patent Landscape for CN107249591?
The patent landscape for CN107249591 situates it within the broader field of small molecule kinase inhibitors, particularly those targeting EGFR mutations relevant to various cancers.
Key Competitor Patents:
- EGFR Inhibitor Patents: Numerous patents exist for other EGFR inhibitors, including first-generation (e.g., gefitinib, erlotinib), second-generation (e.g., afatinib, dacomitinib), and third-generation (e.g., osimertinib) inhibitors. CN107249591's novelty and patentability depend on its unique chemical structure and claimed efficacy against specific targets or patient populations, differentiating it from these established compounds.
- New Chemical Entity (NCE) Patents: The patent landscape includes patents for other novel chemical entities designed to target various kinases involved in cancer cell proliferation and survival. Analysis requires comparing the chemical space and therapeutic claims of CN107249591 against these NCE patents to identify potential overlaps or distinct therapeutic advantages.
- Combination Therapy Patents: Patents for combining existing therapies with new compounds are also prevalent. The patentability of CN107249591 would be assessed against claims covering combinations that include its asserted compounds.
- Formulation and Manufacturing Patents: Beyond the active pharmaceutical ingredient, patents cover specific formulations, drug delivery systems, and manufacturing processes. These patents can create additional layers of intellectual property protection or present potential barriers to generic entry.
Freedom to Operate (FTO) Considerations:
A thorough FTO analysis would be required to determine if the development, manufacture, and commercialization of products based on CN107249591 infringe on existing, in-force patents held by other entities. This involves scrutinizing patents that claim:
- Similar chemical structures: Even if not identical, structurally similar compounds could fall under broad Markush claims or be considered obvious variants.
- The same therapeutic targets: Patents claiming the use of any compound for treating diseases mediated by the specific kinases targeted by CN107249591 would be relevant.
- Similar therapeutic uses: Patents claiming the treatment of the same or closely related diseases, particularly cancers associated with specific mutations.
- Manufacturing processes: If a specific, patented manufacturing process is essential for producing the compound claimed in CN107249591, this could pose an FTO challenge.
The patent landscape is dynamic. The validity and enforceability of CN107249591 can be challenged through post-grant review or invalidation proceedings. Likewise, competitors may file their own patents that could impact the market exclusivity of the invention covered by CN107249591.
What are the Potential Therapeutic Targets and Indications of CN107249591?
The patent CN107249591 explicitly identifies therapeutic targets and indications based on the underlying mechanism of action.
Primary Mechanism: The patent focuses on compounds that modulate aberrant protein kinase activity. Protein kinases are enzymes that play critical roles in cell signaling pathways, including cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Dysregulation of these pathways is a hallmark of many diseases, particularly cancer.
Specific Targets Identified:
- Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR): The claims specifically mention EGFR as a target (Claim 12). EGFR is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is frequently mutated or overexpressed in various cancers, driving tumor growth and progression.
- Mutated EGFR: The claims are further refined to target mutated forms of EGFR (Claim 13), particularly those with specific mutations such as L858R, T790M, and exon 19 deletions (Claim 14). These specific mutations are well-established drivers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and can confer resistance to earlier-generation EGFR inhibitors.
Indications:
Based on the identified targets and mechanism, the primary indications for compounds covered by CN107249591 include:
- Cancer: This is the overarching indication, as aberrant protein kinase activity is a critical driver of tumorigenesis.
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Claims 7 and 8 specifically highlight NSCLC, aligning with the known prevalence of EGFR mutations in this cancer type.
- Breast Cancer: Claim 9 lists breast cancer as an indication.
- Colorectal Cancer: Claim 10 lists colorectal cancer as an indication.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Claim 11 lists pancreatic cancer as an indication.
The patent also broadly covers diseases characterized by aberrant protein kinase activity, leaving open the possibility of targeting other cancers or non-oncological diseases where specific kinases are implicated, provided that the compounds demonstrate efficacy.
The specificity of targeting particular EGFR mutations (L858R, T790M, exon 19 deletion) suggests a focus on precision medicine, aiming to treat patients whose tumors harbor these specific genetic alterations. This is particularly relevant for NSCLC, where targeted therapies based on EGFR mutation status have revolutionized treatment. The T790M mutation, for instance, is a common mechanism of acquired resistance to first- and second-generation EGFR inhibitors, making inhibitors that target this mutation a critical therapeutic option.
Key Takeaways
- Patent CN107249591 protects a class of chemical compounds defined by General Formula I, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treating diseases characterized by aberrant protein kinase activity.
- The patent specifically claims compounds targeting mutated EGFR, including L858R, T790M, and exon 19 deletions, indicating a focus on precision oncology.
- Key indications include non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
- The patent was granted on October 31, 2017, and is set to expire on December 13, 2035, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with numerous existing patents for other EGFR inhibitors and kinase modulators, requiring thorough FTO analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary chemical class of compounds claimed by CN107249591?
The patent claims compounds belonging to a specific chemical structure defined by General Formula I, which are designed to modulate protein kinase activity.
Which specific EGFR mutations are explicitly mentioned in the patent's claims?
The patent specifically mentions EGFR mutations L858R, T790M, and exon 19 deletion as targets.
What is the expiration date of patent CN107249591?
The patent is set to expire on December 13, 2035.
Can this patent be used to treat diseases other than cancer?
While the primary indications listed are cancers, the patent broadly claims methods for treating diseases characterized by aberrant protein kinase activity, potentially extending to non-oncological conditions where specific kinases are implicated.
Does CN107249591 claim a method of manufacturing the compounds?
The claims of CN107249591 focus on the compounds themselves, their compositions, and their therapeutic uses, not on specific manufacturing processes, although such processes might be disclosed in the patent's specification.
Citations
[1] CN107249591. (2017). Invention patent specification. State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China.
