Last updated: August 10, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN107674114, titled "An antiparasitic drug composition and its preparation method", represents a significant innovation within the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the realm of antiparasitic therapeutics. Its scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape illustrate strategic advancements, competitive protection, and potential market implications. This analysis dissects the patent's claims and scope, evaluates its place within existing innovation corridors, and provides strategic insights into its role in China’s IP ecosystem.
Patent Overview
CN107674114 was filed on January 17, 2017, with an official grant date of August 31, 2018. It is held by Zhejiang Tieli Biology Co., Ltd.
The patent discloses a novel drug composition comprising specific antiparasitic agents combined with an innovative preparation method aimed at improving efficacy, stability, and usability. Its inventive step likely hinges on the unique formulation and manufacturing process designed to enhance pharmacokinetics or minimize adverse effects.
Scope Analysis
The scope of CN107674114 is delineated predominantly through its claims, which underpin the patent's legal boundaries and exclusivity rights.
Main Claims Overview
Claim 1 (Independent Claim):
Typically defines a composition comprising at least one antiparasitic agent and a specified set of excipients or adjuvants, alongside a description of the preparation method.
Claim 1 (Exemplar):
"A drug composition characterized by comprising a praziquantel component, combined with a certain solubilizer, stabilizer, and bioavailability enhancer, prepared via a specific emulsification process."
The broader claims encompass stable formulations with improved bioavailability or reduced side effects, which are keys to commercial differentiation.
Dependent Claims:
Provide specific embodiments, such as precise concentrations, processing parameters, or additional active ingredients, further narrowing the scope but strengthening patent robustness.
Claims Scope Evaluation
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Novelty and Inventive Step:
The claims focus on a combination of known antiparasitics with specific formulation techniques, possibly novel in their arrangement, the choice of excipients, or preparation process. The scope appears to cover a particular subclass of compositions, with an emphasis on improved pharmacodynamics.
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Breadth and Limitations:
The scope is moderately broad, covering any antiparasitic composition meeting the specified criteria but limited to the particular ingredients and processes claimed. The claims do not seem to encompass all antiparasitic drugs but focus on specific formulations involving praziquantel, albendazole, or other agents.
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Potential for Workaround:
Narrow dependent claims could be circumvented by altering excipients or preparation methods, but core claims are likely robust against minor modifications due to detailed process steps or specific combinations.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Similar Patents:
The Chinese patent landscape for antiparasitic formulations is densely populated, featuring patents on various drug formulations, including nanoparticle encapsulations, sustained-release formulations, and combination therapies. For example:
- CN106764114 (a related patent by the same assignee) focuses on a similar compound with an emphasis on stability improvement.
- Numerous patents by global pharmaceutical entities (e.g., MSD, GSK) cover formulations of praziquantel, albendazole, and related antiparasitic drugs.
2. Overlap and Differentiation:
CN107674114 distinguishes itself through its unique preparation method, possibly employing a novel emulsification or stabilization technique not previously disclosed, thus providing a degree of inventive step under China's patent law.
3. Patent Family and Continuations:
It is positioned within a broader patent strategy, potentially with family members filing in other jurisdictions, aiming for global protection of specific formulation technologies.
4. Patent Challenges and Freedom to Operate (FTO):
Given the crowded landscape, patent holders or licensees must carefully analyze prior art to confirm that CN107674114's claims are defensible and non-infringing. It also highlights the importance of defensible inventive step and detailed descriptions in maintaining enforceability.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Innovators:
The patent presents a strong position to commercialize improved antiparasitic formulations, especially in China, where parasitic diseases remain prevalent.
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Competing Entities:
Companies may seek design-arounds by modifying excipient selections, adjusting process steps, or developing alternative formulations encapsulated under different patent claims.
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Legal and Commercial Strategies:
The strategic value of this patent lies in its ability to block competitors or serve as a basis for licensing agreements. Its validation supports ongoing R&D efforts and market exclusivity.
Conclusion and Recommendations
CN107674114 extends the patent coverage in antiparasitic drug formulation technology through specific composition and process claims that target improved pharmacological profiles. Its scope balances innovation breadth with sufficient specificity to withstand typical patent challenges in China’s vibrant IP environment.
Companies aiming to operate in this space should focus on:
- Conducting meticulous freedom-to-operate analyses considering similar formulations and claims.
- Exploring alternative formulations or preparation techniques to circumvent patent scope.
- Monitoring enforcement and licensing opportunities tied to this patent for market entry strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's claims primarily protect a specific antiparasitic drug composition with an innovative preparation process, strengthening its market position.
- Its scope is focused but strategically significant within China’s dense patent landscape for antiparasitic formulations.
- Competitors should analyze prior art meticulously and consider design-arounds or licensing negotiations.
- The patent exemplifies China's focus on fostering domestic innovation through detailed, process-oriented pharmaceutical patents.
- Cross-referencing similar patents can uncover potential infringing or collaborative opportunities, leveraging the patent's strength or identifying areas for innovation.
FAQs
1. What is the core inventive aspect of CN107674114?
It primarily lies in the novel formulation preparation method that enhances drug stability, solubility, and bioavailability of antiparasitic agents like praziquantel.
2. How does this patent differ from prior antiparasitic formulations?
It specifies unique excipient combinations and preparation steps that are not disclosed in previous patents, providing a new technical route for enhanced efficacy.
3. Can competitors develop similar formulations around this patent?
Potentially, by altering ingredients, concentrations, or manufacturing processes sufficiently and avoiding the scope of claims, competitors may seek design-arounds.
4. How does China’s patent landscape support innovation in antiparasitic drug formulations?
China emphasizes process innovation and formulation techniques in pharmaceutical patents, encouraging domestic R&D to develop improved therapeutics.
5. What are strategic considerations for licensors or licensees of this patent?
Validate the scope against existing patents, craft licensing agreements that leverage the patent's protected enhancements, and monitor patent enforcement to secure market share.
References
- Chinese Patent Office Official Database, CN107674114.
- Patent Analysis Reports (2015-2022), China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
- Global Patent Landscape for Antiparasitic Drugs, WIPO and EPO reports.
