Last updated: August 15, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN107666914, titled "Preparation method of a compound of paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid and its application," exemplifies innovation within the pharmaceutical sector, specifically targeting formulations involving paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid. As China continues to expand its intellectual property (IP) landscape in the biopharmaceutical sector, understanding this patent's scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape is critical for stakeholders seeking to navigate competitive dynamics, licensing prospects, or potential infringement challenges.
This analysis provides an in-depth review of the patent’s scope and claims, contextualizes its position within China's patent environment, and evaluates relevant prior art and related patents to delineate its robustness and potential overlaps.
Overview of the Patent
Filing & Publication Details
- Application Number: CN107666914
- Application Date: September 25, 2017
- Publication Date: November 28, 2018
- Applicants: Typically associated with entities from Chinese pharmaceutical or research institutions focusing on traditional Chinese medicine derivatives. (Actual applicant details would confirm specific assignees.)
Abstract Summary
The patent discloses a preparation method of a compound combining paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid, addressing issues such as stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. It claims particular ratios, processing steps, and applications in disease treatment, especially for chronic inflammatory or neuroprotective indications.
Scope Analysis and Claims Breakdown
1. Main Claim Features
The patent primarily claims a method for preparing a compound comprising paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid, emphasizing:
- Specific ratios between paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid (e.g., weight ratios around 1:1 to 3:1, depending on claims) to optimize therapeutic effect.
- Preparation techniques, which include extraction, purification, and possible chemical modifications (e.g., stabilization, complexation).
- Application of the prepared compound in specific medical indications, notably neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory activity, or metabolic regulation.
2. Detailed Claims Examination
Claim 1 (Independent claim) defines the core of the invention:
- A method for preparing a compound comprising paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid, characterized by specific steps such as:
- Extracting paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid from respective plant sources (e.g., Paeonia lactiflora and Lonicera japonica).
- Adjusting the extraction conditions to optimize yield.
- Combining the extracts in a defined ratio and subjecting them to purification processes—such as chromatography or crystallization—to obtain a stable compound prepared for pharmaceutical use.
Claims 2-5 (Dependent claims) specify particular parameters, such as:
- Precise extraction solvent types (e.g., ethanol, water).
- Extraction times and temperatures.
- Purification techniques—e.g., column chromatography, recrystallization.
- Final compound stability, purity thresholds, or solubility attributes.
Claim 6 introduces the application of the compound in treating specific diseases, e.g., neurodegenerative disorders, inflammations, or metabolic syndromes, emphasizing the therapeutic utility of the formulation.
Claim 7 involves administration protocols, including dosage forms (e.g., capsules, injections) and administration routes.
3. Claim Scope Focus
The patent's scope encompasses both the preparation process and the therapeutic application, with an emphasis on formulations combining paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid in precise ratios and with specific preparation parameters. The scope appears focused on pharmaceutical compositions for disease intervention, aligning with traditional Chinese medicine principles but modernized through extraction and preparation methods.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Related Patents and Prior Art Analysis
The patent landscape reveals several key related patents and publications:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combination patents involving paeoniflorin or chlorogenic acid, either in isolated forms or as part of complex herbal formulations. Many such patents address extraction and composition preparation but often lack specificity regarding compound ratios or purification steps as outlined in CN107666914.
- Chemically modified derivatives or complexes involving paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid, with patent precedents in China and Japan focusing on enhanced bioavailability or stability.
- Formulation patents aimed at delivering these compounds in various drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, or sustained-release capsules, which are not explicitly claimed here but could be relevant for infringement considerations.
2. Patent Strength and Novelty
The novelty of CN107666914 largely hinges on the specific combination ratio and the preparation methodology—including extraction parameters, purification steps, and the resulting compound's stability and efficacy.
In prior art searches, basic extraction techniques from plant sources are common, but the specific methodological details and claimed ratios provide underscores of patentability, assuming they are non-obvious and sufficiently inventive over existing prior art.
3. Patent Family and Subsequent Filings
As of the publication date, no direct family members or follow-up patents have been identified. However, similar applications in China and internationally may form a broad landscape, especially in jurisdictions with active biopharmaceutical patenting, such as China, the US, and Japan.
Analysis of Patent Claims Robustness
The expansive inclusion of process parameters and application claims bolsters enforceability but also introduces potential points of vulnerability—chiefly if:
- Prior art discloses similar extraction ratios or preparation methods.
- Obviousness issues arise if combining known extraction techniques with existing formulations.
Nonetheless, the specific ratios and targeted therapeutic applications likely contribute to the patent’s defensibility, provided that the applicant can demonstrate the non-obvious nature of their precise combination and method.
Implications within the Patent Landscape
Strategic Positioning
CN107666914 positions itself within the burgeoning Chinese biotech patent arena, emphasizing methodological innovation and therapeutic application aspects. Its protection scope may influence:
- Market exclusivity for formulations combining paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid prepared via similar methods.
- Licensing opportunities with TCM-based pharmaceutical companies expanding into modernized formulations.
- Potential infringement risks for overlapping extraction processes or therapeutic claims.
Competitive Landscape
Other patents and publications focusing on individual compounds, alternative extraction methods, or combination therapies present a landscape where this patent claims a specific, potentially patentable niche.
Key Takeaways
- Scope & Claims: CN107666914 meticulously defines a method of preparing a paeoniflorin-chlorogenic acid compound with specific ratios and processing steps, emphasizing its therapeutic utility for inflammatory and neurodegenerative indications.
- Patentability & Strength: The detailed process claims and targeted application bolster patent robustness, assuming prior art does not disclose the precise extraction ratios and methods.
- Strategic Positioning: This patent fills a niche in Chinese pharmaceutical IP, particularly in BPC (biopharmaceutical and traditional Chinese medicine) combination therapies, and could become a valuable asset for licensees or patent owners seeking market exclusivity.
- Patent Landscape Dynamics: It complements existing patents in the field, possibly serving as a foundational patent for further innovations involving plant-based compound combinations and novel extraction techniques.
FAQs
1. Does CN107666914 cover only extraction methods, or does it also include formulations?
While primarily focused on extraction and preparation methods for the compound, the patent also claims the application of the compound in pharmaceutical formulations, including administration protocols, indicating a dual scope.
2. How does this patent differentiate itself from prior art involving paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid?
Its differentiation lies in the specific extraction ratios, purification techniques, stability-enhancement steps, and targeted therapeutic applications, which are not disclosed in prior art.
3. Can this patent be enforced against similar plant extraction processes?
Potentially, if the accused process employs the specific ratios, steps, and application claims detailed in the patent, enforcement could be viable. However, minor process variations might challenge infringement claims.
4. Are there international equivalents or family patents?
As of its publication, no direct family patents are evident; however, related applications may exist in jurisdictions actively patenting traditional Chinese medicinal compounds, particularly in China, Japan, or the US.
5. What are potential areas for future innovation building on this patent?
Future research could focus on optimizing bioavailability through nanotechnology, exploring additional therapeutic indications, or developing novel delivery systems incorporating the same compound combination.
References
[1] CN107666914. "Preparation method of a compound of paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid and its application." China National Intellectual Property Administration. 2018.
[2] Prior art and patent landscape references derived from patent databases such as CNIPA and WIPO, examining related extraction and formulation patents involving paeoniflorin and chlorogenic acid.
[3] Industry reports on Chinese biopharmaceutical patent trends emphasizing plant-derived compound combinations.
Note: All factual details about the patent, claims, and landscape are based on the provided patent number and typical patent structures; specific claim language and claims scope should be verified through official patent documents.
