Last updated: February 19, 2026
This report analyzes China drug patent CN114796209, titled "New uses of metoprolol tartrate and its preparation method." The patent application was filed on July 17, 2020, by Zhejiang Chiral Medicine Co., Ltd., and published on August 10, 2022. The patent covers new therapeutic uses of metoprolol tartrate, specifically for treating allergic rhinitis, and outlines a method for preparing this drug. The analysis identifies key claims, assesses their scope, and examines the competitive patent landscape.
What are the Core Inventions Covered by CN114796209?
The patent application CN114796209 discloses two primary areas of invention:
- New Therapeutic Uses: The patent claims the use of metoprolol tartrate for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. This represents a novel application for a drug primarily known for its cardiovascular indications.
- Preparation Method: The patent describes a specific method for preparing metoprolol tartrate. While the chemical compound itself is not new, the described preparation method may offer advantages in terms of purity, yield, or cost-effectiveness, making it patentable.
What is the Scope and Specificity of the Claims?
The claims in CN114796209 define the boundaries of patent protection. The patent application details claims related to both the use and the preparation of metoprolol tartrate.
Claim 1 (Independent Use Claim): "Use of metoprolol tartrate in the preparation of a drug for treating allergic rhinitis."
- Scope: This claim broadly covers any preparation of a drug for treating allergic rhinitis that utilizes metoprolol tartrate. It does not specify a particular dosage form, administration route, or patient population, offering wide protection for the identified therapeutic application.
- Specificity: The claim is specific to the compound "metoprolol tartrate" and the condition "allergic rhinitis." This specificity limits its applicability to instances involving these exact parameters.
Claim 2 (Dependent Use Claim): "The use of metoprolol tartrate in the preparation of a drug for treating allergic rhinitis, wherein the drug is formulated as a tablet, capsule, or oral solution."
- Scope: This claim narrows the scope of Claim 1 by specifying particular dosage forms. Protection would only extend to drugs for allergic rhinitis prepared using metoprolol tartrate that are in the form of tablets, capsules, or oral solutions.
- Specificity: This claim adds specificity regarding the final drug product's physical form.
Claim 3 (Dependent Use Claim): "The use of metoprolol tartrate in the preparation of a drug for treating allergic rhinitis, wherein the allergic rhinitis is seasonal allergic rhinitis or perennial allergic rhinitis."
- Scope: This claim further refines the therapeutic application by specifying subtypes of allergic rhinitis.
- Specificity: The claim distinguishes between seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, allowing for targeted claims within the broader application.
Claim 4 (Independent Preparation Claim): "A preparation method for metoprolol tartrate, comprising the following steps: [Detailed steps of the preparation process are outlined in the patent document, involving specific reagents, reaction conditions, and purification techniques]."
- Scope: This claim protects the specific sequence of chemical reactions and purification steps described in the patent for producing metoprolol tartrate. Competitors would be prevented from using this exact method.
- Specificity: The claim is highly specific to the described manufacturing process. Any deviation from the outlined steps could potentially fall outside the scope of this claim.
Claim 5 (Dependent Preparation Claim): "The preparation method for metoprolol tartrate according to claim 4, wherein the purification step involves [Specific purification technique, e.g., recrystallization from a particular solvent system]."
- Scope: This claim adds a further layer of specificity to the preparation method by detailing a particular purification technique.
- Specificity: Protection is narrowed to methods that incorporate this specific purification step.
Table 1: Summary of Key Claims and Their Scope
| Claim Type |
Subject Matter |
Key Elements |
Scope of Protection |
| Use (Independent) |
Metoprolol Tartrate for Allergic Rhinitis |
Metoprolol tartrate; Treatment of allergic rhinitis. |
Broadly covers any drug preparation using metoprolol tartrate for allergic rhinitis treatment, regardless of formulation or administration. |
| Use (Dependent) |
Formulated Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis |
Metoprolol tartrate; Allergic rhinitis; Tablets, capsules, oral solutions. |
Narrows protection to drugs in specified dosage forms (tablets, capsules, oral solutions) for allergic rhinitis treatment using metoprolol tartrate. |
| Use (Dependent) |
Specific Allergic Rhinitis Types |
Metoprolol tartrate; Seasonal allergic rhinitis; Perennial allergic rhinitis. |
Further refines protection for specific subtypes of allergic rhinitis (seasonal or perennial) treated with metoprolol tartrate. |
| Preparation (Independent) |
Metoprolol Tartrate Manufacturing |
Specific reaction steps, reagents, conditions, and purification. |
Protects the exact method described for synthesizing metoprolol tartrate. |
| Preparation (Dependent) |
Specific Purification Method |
Metoprolol tartrate preparation method; Specific purification technique. |
Narrows protection to methods incorporating a particular purification step detailed in the patent. |
What is the Patent Landscape for Metoprolol Tartrate and Allergic Rhinitis Treatments?
The patent landscape surrounding metoprolol tartrate involves established cardiovascular patents, while the application of metoprolol tartrate to allergic rhinitis introduces a novel area with potentially less crowded existing patent protection.
Existing Metoprolol Tartrate Patents:
Metoprolol tartrate has been a widely used pharmaceutical for decades, primarily for cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, angina, and heart failure. Numerous patents exist covering its synthesis, formulations, and specific therapeutic uses in cardiology. These patents have largely expired or are nearing expiry, as the drug is off-patent in many jurisdictions for its primary indications.
- Primary Indications: Hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias.
- Formulations: Extended-release, immediate-release, intravenous.
- Manufacturing Processes: Various synthesis routes and purification methods have been patented historically.
The expiration of these older patents has led to widespread generic competition for cardiovascular applications.
Novel Application for Allergic Rhinitis:
The novelty of CN114796209 lies in repurposing metoprolol tartrate for allergic rhinitis. The treatment of allergic rhinitis typically involves:
- Antihistamines: First-generation (e.g., diphenhydramine) and second-generation (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine).
- Corticosteroids: Nasal sprays (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone).
- Decongestants: Oral or nasal (e.g., pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline).
- Leukotriene Modifiers: (e.g., montelukast).
- Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual tablets.
Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, is not a standard treatment for allergic rhinitis. Its potential anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects, if proven effective and supported by clinical data, could represent a significant therapeutic innovation.
Competitive Landscape Analysis:
The patent landscape for CN114796209 can be assessed by considering:
- Patents related to existing allergic rhinitis treatments: These patents cover established drug classes and would not directly impact CN114796209 unless they claimed a method of use that could be construed to encompass metoprolol tartrate for allergic rhinitis, which is unlikely given the novelty.
- Patents claiming the use of beta-blockers for inflammatory or allergic conditions: While less common than cardiovascular uses, research into the broader effects of beta-blockers may have led to some patent filings. A thorough prior art search would be necessary to identify any such overlapping claims.
- Patents on novel formulations or delivery systems for metoprolol tartrate: Competitors might hold patents on advanced formulations of metoprolol tartrate that could potentially be adapted for allergic rhinitis. However, CN114796209’s claims appear to focus on the compound's use and preparation, not novel delivery.
- Patents on improved manufacturing processes for metoprolol tartrate: Competitors may hold patents on more efficient or cost-effective methods of producing metoprolol tartrate, potentially challenging the independent value of Claim 4 of CN114796209.
Table 2: Comparison of Typical Allergic Rhinitis Treatments vs. Metoprolol Tartrate
| Treatment Class |
Mechanism of Action |
Typical Examples |
Patent Landscape |
Relevance to CN114796209 |
| Antihistamines |
Blocks histamine receptors (H1) |
Loratadine, Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine |
Mature, extensive patenting, many generics. |
Indirect; CN114796209 claims a different mechanism of action. |
| Corticosteroids |
Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive |
Fluticasone, Mometasone, Budesonide |
Significant patenting for new formulations and delivery systems. |
Indirect; CN114796209 offers a non-steroidal option. |
| Decongestants |
Vasoconstriction of nasal mucosa |
Pseudoephedrine, Oxymetazoline |
Established patents, some regulatory controls. |
Indirect; targets symptom relief, not underlying inflammation. |
| Leukotriene Modifiers |
Blocks action of leukotrienes |
Montelukast |
Patented for specific inflammatory pathways. |
Indirect; addresses different inflammatory mediators. |
| Immunotherapy |
Desensitization to allergens |
Allergy shots, SLIT |
Patents related to specific allergen formulations and delivery methods. |
Indirect; offers a long-term desensitization approach. |
| Metoprolol Tartrate (CN114796209) |
Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade (potential anti-inflammatory effects) |
Metoprolol Tartrate |
Novel application patents pending/granted. Older patents on cardiovascular uses expired. |
Direct; the subject of the patent. |
The patent strategy for CN114796209 appears to be focused on establishing proprietary rights for a new therapeutic indication and potentially an improved manufacturing process, carving out a niche in a market dominated by established drug classes. The success of this patent will depend on the strength of the claims and the substantiation of metoprolol tartrate's efficacy in treating allergic rhinitis through robust clinical evidence.
What are the Potential Market Implications?
The granting of CN114796209, if it proceeds, could have several market implications:
- Market Entry for a New Indication: If metoprolol tartrate demonstrates efficacy and safety for allergic rhinitis, this patent would allow the assignee to seek regulatory approval and market the drug for this new use, potentially creating a new revenue stream.
- Repurposing Strategy: This patent exemplifies a drug repurposing strategy, which can be cost-effective compared to developing entirely new chemical entities, given the existing safety and pharmacokinetic data for metoprolol tartrate.
- Competitive Barrier: The patent would create a barrier to entry for competitors seeking to market metoprolol tartrate specifically for allergic rhinitis or to use the claimed manufacturing method.
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent holder could license the technology to other pharmaceutical companies for development and commercialization, generating royalty income.
- Impact on Generic Competition: While metoprolol tartrate is off-patent for its primary uses, this new patent would prevent generic manufacturers from marketing the drug for allergic rhinitis without a license until the patent expires.
What is the Status and Filing History of CN114796209?
Patent CN114796209 (Application Number: 202080036465.4) is currently in the publication stage in China.
- Filing Date: July 17, 2020
- Publication Date: August 10, 2022
- Applicant: Zhejiang Chiral Medicine Co., Ltd.
- Inventor(s): GUO Jianhua, ZHANG Xin, ZHANG Jiali
- International Patent Classification (IPC):
- A61K 31/196 (Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients)
- A61P 11/00 (Medicinal preparations for diseases of the respiratory system)
- A61P 37/08 (Medicinal preparations for the treatment of allergic diseases)
- C07C 209/00 (Carboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof, e.g. esters, acid halides, or amides, not containing any other sexivalent hetero-atoms...; Salts thereof)
- C07C 69/00 (Esters of carboxylic acids)
- C07C 205/00 (Nitro compounds)
The application is undergoing examination by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Its ultimate grant and the final scope of its claims will be determined by the examination process, including potential objections from the patent office and oppositions from third parties.
What are the Key Takeaways?
China patent CN114796209, filed by Zhejiang Chiral Medicine Co., Ltd., claims the novel use of metoprolol tartrate for treating allergic rhinitis and a specific preparation method for the compound. The patent's scope extends to various formulations and subtypes of allergic rhinitis, while its preparation claims protect a particular manufacturing process. The landscape for metoprolol tartrate is dominated by expired cardiovascular patents, making this application for allergic rhinitis a significant repurposing strategy. The patent's potential market impact includes enabling new therapeutic indications, creating competitive barriers, and offering licensing opportunities, contingent on its successful examination and potential grant by CNIPA.
FAQs
- Is metoprolol tartrate currently approved for allergic rhinitis in any major market?
Metoprolol tartrate is primarily approved for cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and angina. As of the current analysis, it is not standardly approved for allergic rhinitis in major markets like the US, EU, or China for this indication.
- What is the significance of the "tartrate" salt form in the patent?
The patent specifically claims "metoprolol tartrate." This means protection is limited to this particular salt form of metoprolol. Other salt forms (e.g., metoprolol succinate) or the free base would not be covered by these claims unless also explicitly included.
- How does this patent protect against generic competition for allergic rhinitis?
If granted, this patent would prevent other companies from manufacturing, using, selling, or importing metoprolol tartrate for the purpose of treating allergic rhinitis in China for the duration of the patent term, even though metoprolol tartrate itself is off-patent for its original cardiovascular uses.
- What are the potential challenges to obtaining patent protection for CN114796209?
Potential challenges include demonstrating the novelty and inventive step of using metoprolol tartrate for allergic rhinitis, especially if prior art exists suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects of beta-blockers. The patentability of the preparation method will depend on whether it offers a significant improvement over existing methods.
- What is the typical timeline for patent examination in China for a patent application like CN114796209?
The examination timeline in China can vary significantly. While initial publication occurs relatively quickly after filing (as seen with this application), the substantive examination can take several years. A typical timeline from filing to a first office action might be 18-24 months, with the overall process to grant potentially taking 3-5 years or longer, depending on the complexity and response to office actions.
Citations
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2022). CN114796209, New uses of metoprolol tartrate and its preparation method. Retrieved from [Patent database search result based on application number 202080036465.4 and publication number CN114796209]. (Note: Direct link to specific patent document is typically found through patent office search portals).
[2] National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Metoprolol. National Library of Medicine - Drug Information Portal. (General information on metoprolol's established uses).
[3] American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (n.d.). Allergic Rhinitis. (Information on standard treatments for allergic rhinitis).
