Last updated: August 7, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN110891575, titled "Method for preparing a compound for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases," emerges as a notable patent within the realm of neurological drug development. As China's biotech and pharmaceutical sectors flourish, comprehensive understanding of key patents such as CN110891575 becomes instrumental for industry stakeholders seeking competitive advantages, licensing opportunities, or for navigating patent landscapes for R&D expansion.
This detailed analysis examines the patent's scope and claims, contextualizes it within the broader patent environment, and evaluates its strategic implications. We aim to aid pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and legal professionals to make informed decisions based on authoritative and specific insights.
Scope of Patent CN110891575
The patent focuses on a methodology related to synthesizing compounds with potential efficacy for neurodegenerative disorder treatments. Its scope encompasses:
- Chemical entities: The patent claims a class or subclass of compounds, primarily characterized by specific structural features designed to modulate neurodegenerative pathways.
- Preparation methods: It delineates specific synthetic processes, including intermediate compounds, reaction sequences, and purification techniques.
- Therapeutic application: The claims emphasize the use of these compounds or their derivatives in treating or preventing neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other related disorders.
- Formulations and administration: While primarily centered on the compounds and synthesis methods, some claims extend to pharmaceutical formulations and delivery methods that enhance bioavailability or targeted delivery.
The scope's breadth indicates an intent to cover not only the chemical compounds but also their synthesis, their practical use in therapy, and potential formulations, providing comprehensive IP protection.
Analysis of the Patent Claims
Patent CN110891575's claims can be partitioned into independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims establishing broad protection and the dependent claims specifying preferred embodiments or particular modifications.
Main Features of the Claims
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Chemical structure claims: The core patents outline specific chemical scaffolds, assigning variables for substituents at defined positions, thereby covering a family of related compounds with similar efficacy profiles.
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Synthetic process claims: These specify stepwise procedures, including reagents, reaction conditions, and purification steps, to produce the claimed compounds efficiently and reproducibly.
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Pharmacological claims: Some claims explicitly specify the compounds' neuroprotective effects, including inhibiting amyloid-beta aggregation, reducing oxidative stress, or modulating neuroinflammation.
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Therapeutic claims: These claims extend to the use of the compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Claim Specificity and Breadth
The independent claims are crafted with a balance between broad coverage of chemical scaffolds and specific structural features, which could withstand patent hurdles related to obviousness and novelty. The claims include both method and composition patent aspects, providing layered protection.
However, the scope is limited by the specific chemical structures disclosed, which means minor modifications outside the disclosed variants might be outside the patent’s protection unless explicitly claimed in dependent claims.
Claim Validity Considerations
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Novelty: The patent claims are specific but must be contrasted with prior art in neuroprotective compounds and synthetic routes. Given the rapid innovation in neuropharmacology, novelty hinges on whether these chemical entities or synthetic pathways are unprecedented in existing patent or scientific literature.
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Inventive Step: The patent’s inventive step likely resides in the particular chemical modifications, synthesis techniques, or improved pharmacological activity over existing drugs.
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Industrial applicability: The patent claims demonstrate clear applicability, with potential for development into therapeutic agents.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Environment
China's patent landscape for neurodegenerative drugs involves key players including domestic pharmaceutical firms and multinational corporations. The landscape reflects a focus on:
- Small molecule inhibitors: Many patents cover structures targeting amyloid plaques or tau proteins.
- Natural products and derivatives: Supporting efforts in discovering neuroprotective agents from traditional Chinese medicine.
- Delivery systems: Nanoparticles, liposomes, and targeted delivery methods for CNS drugs.
China-specific Considerations
- Filing trends: Increasing filings by domestic entities, driven by government incentives and the expanding neuropharmacology market.
- Patent examination: China’s patent offices emphasize novelty and inventive step, requiring detailed disclosures and claims.
Related Patents and Prior Art
Patent CN110891575 aligns within a matrix of innovative compounds presented in recent Chinese patent families (e.g., CN107xxxxx, CN112xxxxx), many targeting similar mechanisms but with distinct chemical structures or synthesis approaches. The combination of method and composition claims provides a multilayered IP strategy, crucial for carving out market space.
Potential Overlaps and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
Stakeholders need to consider overlapping claims in similar compound classes or synthesis methods, especially given the dense patenting activity in neurodegenerative research. FTO analyses should include review of:
- Prior art patents covering similar scaffolds.
- Patent expirations and licensing data.
- Geographical coverage, considering other jurisdictions for global competitiveness.
Strategic Implications
For Patent Holders
- Robust claims covering both compound structures and synthesis methods protect comprehensive development efforts.
- Claims specific enough to withstand invalidity challenges but broad enough for future compound analogs.
For Competitors
- Need to evaluate the scope carefully, especially in related structural classes.
- Potential for designing around specific chemical features or alternative synthetic routes to circumvent claims.
For R&D and Licensing
- The patent’s focus on neurodegenerative disease treatment indicates commercial opportunities in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s therapeutics.
- Licensing negotiations could hinge on the patent’s claims covering key compounds or synthesis methods.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: CN110891575 is a strategically crafted patent that claims a class of neuroprotective compounds, specific synthesis routes, and therapeutic uses, with balanced breadth and depth.
- Patent Landscape: It exists within a dynamic, competitive environment focused on small-molecule neurodegenerative therapeutics in China, where innovation in chemical structures and delivery methods dominates.
- Strategic Insights: Patent holders benefit from layered claims protecting multiple aspects, while competitors must navigate complex claim landscapes to avoid infringement.
- Business Implications: Securing and respecting patent rights around such compounds affects licensing, R&D direction, and market entry strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding scope is vital for both patent owners and potential licensees; CN110891575's claims offer broad protection over neuroprotective compounds and synthesis methods.
- Patent landscapes demand continuous monitoring to assess overlapping rights, especially as China’s neuropharmacology patent filings accelerate.
- Tailored patent strategies—including designing around specific claims or developing novel synthesis techniques—are essential for competitive advantage.
- The patent’s therapeutic focus aligns with China's rising investment in neurodegenerative disease treatments, promising market expansion.
- Legal due diligence is necessary prior to R&D or commercialization initiatives to avoid infringement and leverage patent opportunities effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in CN110891575?
The patent claims specific chemical scaffolds designed as neuroprotective agents, along with synthetic methods and therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases.
2. How broad are the claims concerning compound structures?
Claims are configured to cover a family of structurally related compounds with defined variable groups, providing a substantial but not unlimited scope.
3. Can competitors design around this patent?
Yes, by altering chemical substituents outside the claimed structures or developing alternative synthetic routes not covered by the claims.
4. What is the patent's strategic importance in China’s neuropharmaceutical sector?
It offers a strong IP position in a competitive, rapidly evolving landscape focused on small-molecule ND therapeutics, supporting downstream licensing and commercialization.
5. How does this patent compare to similar patents internationally?
While many patents target similar mechanisms, CN110891575’s unique chemical structures and synthesis methods carve a niche in China’s market, but corresponding patents may exist internationally requiring cross-jurisdictional analysis.
References
[1] Chinese Patent CN110891575. Method for preparing a compound for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
[2] China Patent Data System. Analysis reports on neurodegenerative disease patents.
[3] Global Patent Landscape Reports on Neuropharmacology.
