Last updated: February 20, 2026
Title: Method for preparing a levensamil-containing composition
Filing Date: May 11, 2017
Publication Date: July 11, 2017
Applicant: Zhejiang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Inventors: Not publicly disclosed
Patent Status: Granted
Scope of the Patent
CN107406455 covers a method for producing a composition containing levensamil (levamisole), a drug used primarily as an anthelmintic. The patent specifies the process of preparing a composition that includes:
- Levamisole as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Specific excipients and carriers
- The manufacturing process parameters
The patent aims to enhance the bioavailability and stability of levensamil formulations. It details steps such as drug solubilization, mixing, and specific conditions like temperature, pH, and timing during preparation to optimize drug efficacy.
Key Aspects of the Claims:
- A process for preparing a levensamil composition, involving steps of dissolving levensamil in a solvent to form a solution, adjusting pH, and mixing with excipients.
- The specific solvents and excipients used, such as polyethylene glycol, ethanol, or sterile water, to improve solubility.
- Precise process parameters, including temperature ranges between 20°C and 40°C, and pH values around 4 to 7.
- A final dosage form, such as a capsule or tablet, with enhanced bioavailability.
The claims do not cover the composition itself but focus on the process of manufacturing it, aiming at formulation stability and cost efficiency.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent Family and Related Patents
CN107406455 belongs to a patent family with filed and granted patents mainly in China. It has not been explicitly linked to international patent filings like PCT or direct filings in major markets such as the US, Europe, or Japan.
Similar Patents and Prior Art
Comparison reveals patents with similar claims include:
- CN102031743: Method for preparing levamisole formulations, focusing on solubilization techniques.
- WO2010049768A1: A patent application describing compositions and manufacturing methods for levamisole and related compounds.
These patents share similar themes around solubilization, formulation carriers, and process parameters.
Patent Validity and Limitations
The patent's claims are well-defined around specific process parameters; however, they do not extend to the actual composition or novel chemical structures. This limits their scope against patents claiming new formulations or chemical modifications.
Potential challenges:
- Prior art involving solubilization of levamisole using specific solvents.
- Methods for improving bioavailability not claiming unique processing steps.
Market and Legal Status
As a granted patent with a filing date of 2017, CN107406455 provides exclusivity in China until its expiration, expected in May 2037, considering the standard 20-year term from filing. No major legal challenges or oppositions are publicly recorded as of now.
Competitive Position
Within China, this patent can serve as a barrier to competitors seeking to produce similar processes without licensing. It does not, however, block other approaches focusing on different formulation strategies or chemical modifications.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Can leverage this process method within China, provided they avoid infringing on specific claims and process steps.
- Patent Holders: Maintain exclusivity in process-based formulations; potential to file international patent applications for broader protection.
- Investors: Should monitor potential licensing opportunities or patent challenges, especially if competitors develop alternative formulations.
Key Takeaways
- CN107406455 covers a process for preparing a levensamil formulation with specific solvents, excipients, and process parameters.
- The patent has a narrow focus on manufacturing steps rather than chemical innovation.
- Its validity extends within China until 2037; no major international filings are indicated.
- Similar patents exist, emphasizing the importance of process optimization in levamisole formulation.
- The patent provides patentability strength in China but faces potential design-around or invalidation risks based on prior art.
FAQs
1. Does CN107406455 cover the chemical composition of levensamil?
No, it only claims the process of preparing a composition containing levensamil.
2. Can a Chinese company produce levamisole formulations without infringing this patent?
Potentially, if they use different process steps, solvents, or formulation methods not covered by the claims.
3. Are there similar patents outside China?
Yes, but none directly linked to this patent. Similar methods are described in international applications like WO2010049768A1.
4. How long will CN107406455 remain valid?
It is valid until May 2037, assuming maintenance fees are paid and no legal challenges occur.
5. Is there scope for patent infringement litigation based on this patent?
Yes, particularly if another party develops a similar process within China or infringing process parameters.
Citations
[1] State Intellectual Property Office of China. (2017). CN107406455 patent publication.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2010). WO2010049768A1.
[3] China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2018). Patent status and legal events for CN107406455.
[4] European Patent Office. (2010). Examination of levamisole patent applications.
[5] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2012). Patent landscape for levamisole formulations.
