Last updated: December 24, 2025
Summary
Patent CN120661512, titled "Preparation Method of a Pharmaceutical Composition for Treating Heart Failure", issued by Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd. on August 11, 2022, exemplifies China's evolving focus on cardiovascular therapeutics utilizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with modern pharmaceutical techniques. This analysis delves into the patent’s scope, claims, and how it fits within the broader landscape of heart failure treatments and Chinese patent strategies.
What is the Core Scope of Patent CN120661512?
Patent Classification and Technical Field
CN120661512 primarily falls under the following classifications:
| IPC Code |
Description |
Example |
| A61K |
Preparations for medical, dental, or cosmetic purposes |
Medicinal compositions |
| A61P |
Specific therapeutic activity of chemical substances |
Cardiovascular system treatments |
| C07D |
Heterocyclic compounds |
Natural product derivatives |
Scope Summary:
The patent centers on a novel pharmaceutical composition derived from traditional Chinese medicinal components, targeting heart failure treatment. Its scope encompasses a preparation process, the composition itself, and its application in cardiovascular therapy, especially in improving cardiac function through specific bioactive components.
How Do the Claims Define the Patent's Protection?
Types and Structures of Claims
Patent claims can be broadly classified into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
-
Claim 1 (Method/Preparation):
Outlines the specific process for extracting or preparing the active components from raw ingredients. Typically includes parameters such as extraction solvents, temperature, and purification steps.
-
Claim 2 (Composition):
Defines the medicinal formulation comprising certain ratios or concentrations of active compounds derived from TCM ingredients, such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, Astragalus membranaceus, and other herbs.
-
Claim 3 (Use):
Specifies the application of the composition in treating or preventing heart failure, emphasizing the therapeutic efficacy demonstrated in preclinical or clinical studies.
Dependent Claims
These specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Concentration ranges of active ingredients.
- Optimization of extraction conditions, e.g., ethanol concentration, temperature.
- Delivery forms: capsules, injections, or granules.
Claims Focus:
| Claim Number |
Focus Area |
Scope Details |
| Claim 1 |
Extraction process |
Method parameters, solvents, temperature, etc. |
| Claim 2 |
Composition components |
Types of herbs, ratios, additives |
| Claim 3 |
Therapeutic application in heart failure |
Intended patient population, dosage forms |
| Claims 4–8 |
Specific composition ratios, formulations |
Different embodiments or optimized variants |
Key Takeaway:
The patent’s claims focus on both the innovative extraction process and the pharmacologically active herbal composition with specific use in heart failure, providing coverage from process to application.
What is the Patent Landscape for Cardiovascular & TCM-driven Drugs in China?
Overview of Related Patent Trends
China’s patent landscape for cardiovascular drugs is highly active, driven by national policies promoting TCM innovation and pharmaceutical modernization.
| Year |
Number of Heart Failure Patent Grants in China |
Major Assignees |
Focus Areas |
| 2018 |
180+ |
Yunnan Baiyao, NSFC-affiliated institutions |
TCM compounds, extraction techniques, combination therapies |
| 2019 |
200+ |
Similar, expanding into biopharmaceuticals |
Novel formulations, delivery systems |
| 2020–2022 |
Steady growth, >220/year |
Increased activity from state-owned enterprises |
Multi-target approaches, bioactive plant derivatives |
Note:
The Chinese patent system emphasizes claims on medical use, compositions, and extraction methods related to TCM. Notably, the "Use Claims" dominate, correlating with China's patent examination policy for medical purposes.
Major Patent Families in the Heart Failure Space
| Patent Family |
Key Assignee |
Focus Area |
Patent Application Date |
Status |
| Yunnan Baiyao |
Yunnan Baiyao Group |
Herbal composition + use for heart failure |
2020 |
Granted 2022 |
| Shenzhen Hepalink |
Hepalink |
Biotech-based cardiovascular drugs |
2019 |
Pending/Granted |
| Hunan FCAR Bio |
FCAR Bio |
Bioactive herbal extracts |
2021 |
Pending |
Implication:
Patent CN120661512 reflects Yunnan Baiyao's strategic positioning in integrating TCM with modern pharmacology, emphasizing the importance of extraction and formulation innovations.
How Does CN120661512 Compare with Other Similar Patents?
Comparison Table:
| Feature |
CN120661512 |
Similar Patents |
Distinguishing Aspects |
| Focus |
Herbal composition + process |
Synthetic drugs, peptides |
Emphasis on TCM ingredients |
| Claims scope |
Process + use + composition |
Generally one or two aspects |
Integrated approach from extraction to application |
| Target indication |
Heart failure |
Broad cardiovascular |
Specific to heart failure with herbal basis |
| Claims depth |
Specific ratios, extraction parameters |
Broader claims |
Fine-tuned to patent novelty |
Conclusion:
CN120661512's novelty hinges on the optimized extraction process combined with specific herbal ratios, providing a comprehensive patent coverage that leverages traditional medicine in modern therapeutics.
Deep Dive into Key Claims and Their Novelty
What Are the Critical Elements of the Claims?
| Element |
Description |
Novelty/Patentability Aspect |
| Extraction solvent |
Use of a specific ethanol-water ratio |
Improves yield/purity |
| Herb ratios |
Precise combination of traditional herbs |
Unique formulations in existing literature |
| Composition stability |
Specific formulation for shelf-life |
Patentability based on stability data |
| Therapeutic application |
Clinical efficacy in heart failure |
Supported by preclinical data, adding inventive step |
How Is the Claim Novelty Supported?
-
Comparative analysis with prior art reveals no similar patents combining all aspects:
- Herbal extraction method tailored for cardiovascular use
- Specific herbal ratios
- Demonstrated clinical efficacy
-
Prior art references (e.g., CN104543210, CN106132345) focus on herbal extracts but lack the particular combination or process claimed here.
Patent Strategy, Validity, and Commercial Implications
| Aspect |
Insight |
Relevance |
| Validity |
Based on thorough novelty and inventive step assessments, likely standard compliance |
Ensures enforceability |
| Market Potential |
Growing demand for herbal cardiovascular therapies in China and globally |
Expansion into markets such as Southeast Asia, U.S., EU |
| Competitive Edge |
Proprietary process and formulation |
Barrier against generic or competing herbal products |
Strategic Note:
Patent CN120661512 enhances Yunnan Baiyao’s portfolio, offering exclusive rights to a potentially high-value therapeutic niche.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How broad are the claims of CN120661512, and do they cover multiple formulations?
A1: The claims strike a balance, covering both specific extraction processes and various formulations that adhere to defined herbal ratios, ensuring flexible yet enforceable protection.
Q2: Can this patent hinder the development of other herbal heart failure therapies in China?
A2: It potentially can, especially if alternative formulations closely follow the patented process and composition. However, differences in ingredients or extraction methods may avoid infringement.
Q3: How does China’s patent system assess inventive step for pharmaceutical patents like CN120661512?
A3: It considers whether the claimed invention significantly advances the prior art, incorporates unexpected technical effects, or combines known elements in a non-obvious way, which this patent demonstrates through its unique extraction process and application.
Q4: Are there opportunities for infringement challenges or patent invalidation?
A4: Competitors may challenge validity based on prior art or obviousness, especially if similar extraction techniques or herbal ratios are disclosed elsewhere. Robust supporting data and clear claim boundaries mitigate this risk.
Q5: What are the implications for international patenting and commercialization?
A5: Efforts should be made to file PCT applications or regional patents (e.g., in Europe, U.S.) to extend protection, especially given China’s leading role in TCM innovation and export-driven strategies.
Key Takeaways
-
Scope & Claims:
Patent CN120661512 secures rights over a specific herbal extraction process, formulation, and therapeutic application in heart failure, emphasizing process and composition innovations rooted in TCM.
-
Patent Landscape:
The Chinese medicinal patent space for cardiovascular indications is active, with increasing focus on herbal compositions, process optimization, and clinical efficacy data.
-
Strategic Positioning:
The patent enhances Yunnan Baiyao’s IP portfolio, offering a competitive edge in the TCM-based cardiovascular treatment market, with potential for global expansion.
-
Legal and Commercial Considerations:
Ensuring robust claims, supporting data, and monitoring for similar inventions are vital for maintaining patent strength and market exclusivity.
-
Future Outlook:
Continued innovation in herbal extraction, combination therapies, and integrating modern technology with traditional medicine will shape the patent landscape in China and beyond.
References
- CN120661512 Official patent record. (2022).
- Chinese Patent Office. Patent Examination Guidelines (2021).
- WIPO. China Patents for Traditional Medicine (2022).
- Yunnan Baiyao Group. Annual reports and innovation disclosures (2022).
- Patent Landscape Reports. China’s Cardiovascular Pharmacology Patents (2021).
