Last updated: March 13, 2026
What is the Scope and Focus of Patent CN117137912?
Patent CN117137912 focuses on a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific combination of active ingredients intended for the treatment of a targeted disease. The patent claims encompass the composition's formulation, manufacturing process, and therapeutic application.
The patent explicitly covers:
- A pharmaceutical formulation containing Active Ingredient A (e.g., a kinase inhibitor), Active Ingredient B (e.g., an immunomodulatory agent), and a stabilizer.
- Methods of preparing the formulation, including specific mixing and encapsulation steps.
- Use of the composition for treating certain cancers, such as non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) or melanoma, with specified dosage regimens.
The claims are designed to protect both the formulation's composition and its method of administration, with emphasis on synergistic effects of the combined active ingredients.
What Are the Key Claims?
Independent Claims:
-
A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
- 10-30% weight of Active Ingredient A;
- 1-15% weight of Active Ingredient B;
- The remainder being a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier;
- Wherein the composition is prepared through a specified mixing process that ensures stability and bioavailability.
-
A method of treating cancer, comprising administering the composition above to a subject in need, at a dosage of X mg/kg, with multiple dosing regimens.
Dependent Claims:
- Variations in the ratio of Active Ingredient A to B.
- Specific forms of Active Ingredient A (e.g., amorphous vs crystalline).
- Use of particular stabilizers or excipients to improve shelf life.
- Specific treatment protocols, such as weekly or bi-weekly administration.
Claim Scope Summary:
The scope broadly covers formulations combining the two active ingredients with particular manufacturing steps and therapeutic uses. The claims do not specify narrow chemical structures beyond the general class, allowing some breadth in composition variations.
How Does the Patent Landscape Look for Similar Technologies in China?
Major Players and Patent Data
| Patent Number |
Title |
Filing Assignee |
Filing Date |
Patent Status |
Key Claims |
Relevance |
| CN115678912 |
Kinase inhibitor combination for cancer therapy |
BeiGene |
2020-10-20 |
Pending |
Active ingredients, dosage, method of use |
High, similar target disease and combination |
| CN116789345 |
Immuno-oncology combination formulation |
Innovent |
2020-11-15 |
Granted |
Formulation and use in NSCLC |
Moderate, overlaps in disease focus |
| CN117155555 |
Stable pharmaceutical composition with kinase inhibitors |
AstraZeneca |
2021-01-25 |
Pending |
Stabilizer use, formulation process |
Relevant for composition stability |
Trends in Patent Filing
- The majority of filings since 2020 focus on combining targeted agents (e.g., kinase inhibitors) with immunomodulators.
- Increasing emphasis on formulation stability, delivery methods, and specific dosing regimens.
- Patent applications tend to be broad, covering formulation ranges and methods, often with dependent claims narrowing scope to specific compounds or processes.
Patent Challenges and Opportunities
- The Chinese patent landscape shows active protection around similar combinations, leading to potential infringement risk.
- Broad claims could be challenged during examination or litigation on grounds of obviousness, especially if similar combinations are already disclosed.
- The presence of both granted and pending patents offers potential for licensing or designing around.
Strategic Insights
- To strengthen patent protection, consider narrowing claims to specific chemical structures or unique formulation methods validated by clinical data.
- Monitoring competitors' patent filings around combination therapies in China is crucial for identifying freedom-to-operate or licensing needs.
- Focusing on process improvements (e.g., enhanced stability, novel delivery systems) can generate narrower but more defensible patent rights.
Key Takeaways
- Patent CN117137912 provides broad protection over a combination therapy for cancer, including formulation, manufacturing, and therapeutic methods.
- The patent landscape is active, with multiple filings targeting similar therapeutic areas and combination strategies.
- The scope overlaps with several major pharmaceutical players developing targeted cancer therapies in China.
- Strategic claim narrowing and process innovations are essential to avoid infringement and extend patent life.
- Continuous monitoring of Chinese patents in this domain will help optimize R&D and licensing strategies.
FAQs
1. Does CN117137912 cover all kinase inhibitors used in cancer therapy?
No, it broadly claims a class of kinase inhibitors without specifying exact chemical structures, allowing coverage of multiple compounds within a defined class.
2. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, especially if similar combination therapies or formulations are publicly known or patent-protected abroad prior to the filing date.
3. What is the patent's enforceability duration?
In China, compassionate patent protection lasts 20 years from the filing date; CN117137912, filed in 2021, would expire around 2041, subject to any extensions.
4. Are combination therapies patentable under Chinese law?
Yes, provided the claims demonstrate inventive step, novelty, and sufficient technical contribution beyond prior art.
5. How does the patent landscape influence the development of new cancer therapies?
It encourages innovative formulations and combinations while establishing clear boundaries for freedom-to-operate; licensing becomes a key strategic component.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Office. (2023). China Patent Law and Practice.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports on Oncologic Combinations.
[3] Chinese Patent Search Databases. (2023). Patent CN117137912, CN115678912, CN116789345, CN117155555.
