Profile for Hong Kong Patent: 1091724

US Patent Family Members and Approved Drugs for Hong Kong Patent: 1091724

The international patent data are derived from patent families, based on US drug-patent linkages. Full freedom-to-operate should be independently confirmed.

US Patent Number	US Expiration Date	US Applicant	US Tradename	Generic Name
	Jul 7, 2028	Janssen Prods	YONDELIS	trabectedin

Hong Kong Drug Patent HK1091724: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Summary

Patent HK1091724, titled "METHOD OF TREATING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE," protects a method for treating cardiovascular disease through the administration of a specific pharmaceutical composition. The patent focuses on a combination therapy involving a phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor and a drug targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The granted claims define the method by the types of drugs used and the specific conditions treated, including heart failure and hypertension. Analysis of the patent landscape reveals ongoing innovation in cardiovascular therapeutics, with significant activity in combination therapies and novel drug targets, suggesting a competitive environment for companies operating in this therapeutic area.

What is the Core Invention Protected by HK1091724?

The invention in HK1091724 details a method for treating cardiovascular diseases. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition. This composition is characterized by containing two key components:

• A phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor.
• A drug that inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

This dual-acting approach aims to address multiple pathological pathways involved in cardiovascular dysfunction. The PDE4 inhibitor component is designed to modulate inflammatory and cellular processes implicated in cardiovascular damage, while the RAAS inhibitor targets the hormonal system known to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.

What Specific Cardiovascular Diseases Does the Patent Claim to Treat?

The claims of HK1091724 specify treatment for several critical cardiovascular conditions. These include:

• Heart failure.
• Hypertension.
• Ischemic heart disease.
• Arrhythmia.
• Cardiovascular remodeling.

The broad scope covering these conditions indicates an intention to capture a significant market within cardiovascular medicine. Heart failure, in particular, is a complex and prevalent condition for which combination therapies are increasingly explored to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations.

What are the Key Elements of the Patent's Claims?

The granted claims of HK1091724 are structured to define the specific combinations and conditions.

Claim 1 is the independent claim and broadly defines the method: "A method of treating cardiovascular disease, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) a phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor; and (b) a drug that inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)."

Dependent claims further refine the scope by specifying types of PDE4 inhibitors and RAAS inhibitors, as well as particular cardiovascular diseases. For instance, dependent claims may specify particular classes or examples of PDE4 inhibitors (e.g., those with a specific chemical structure or mechanism of action) and RAAS inhibitors (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), or direct renin inhibitors). They also elaborate on the specific diseases listed in Claim 1, potentially providing more detail on the stage or severity of the condition being treated.

The precise wording of these dependent claims is crucial for defining the patent's enforceable boundaries. For example, a claim might specify the administration of a PDE4 inhibitor and an ARB for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

What is the Patent Landscape for PDE4 Inhibitors and RAAS Inhibitors in Cardiovascular Disease?

The patent landscape for both PDE4 inhibitors and RAAS inhibitors in cardiovascular disease is extensive and dynamic.

PDE4 Inhibitors:

Historically, PDE4 inhibitors have been primarily developed for inflammatory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and psoriasis. However, research has increasingly explored their cardiovascular applications.

• Key Research Areas:
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects: PDE4 inhibition can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6, which play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and heart failure.
  • Cardioprotection: Studies suggest PDE4 inhibitors can improve cardiac contractility and reduce myocardial damage during ischemic events.
  • Vascular Function: They may improve endothelial function and reduce vascular inflammation.
• Patent Activity:
  • Recent patent filings often focus on novel PDE4 inhibitor compounds with improved selectivity and reduced side effects (such as nausea and vomiting, which have been dose-limiting in earlier generations).
  • There is significant patenting activity around specific formulations and delivery methods to optimize efficacy and tolerability for chronic cardiovascular treatment.
  • Patents may cover specific polymorphic forms or salts of existing PDE4 inhibitors to secure new intellectual property.
• Examples of PDE4 Inhibitors in Development/Market (non-cardiovascular focus primarily, but highlight potential):
  • Roflumilast (Daliresp) - Approved for COPD.
  • Apremilast (Otezla) - Approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
  • Multiple pipeline candidates from companies like Pfizer, GSK, and Bristol Myers Squibb targeting various inflammatory diseases, with some preclinical data hinting at cardiovascular relevance.

RAAS Inhibitors:

This class of drugs is a cornerstone of cardiovascular therapy, with a well-established patent history and extensive market penetration.

• Key Drug Classes:
  • ACE Inhibitors: (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril) - Block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
  • ARBs: (e.g., losartan, valsartan) - Block the action of angiotensin II at its receptor.
  • Direct Renin Inhibitors (DRIs): (e.g., aliskiren) - Inhibit renin, the first enzyme in the RAAS cascade.
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (MRAs): (e.g., spironolactone, eplerenone) - Block the effects of aldosterone.
• Patent Activity:
  • While patents for the original molecules of many established RAAS inhibitors have expired, there is ongoing patenting activity related to:
    • New combinations with other cardiovascular drugs.
    • Improved formulations (e.g., sustained-release, fixed-dose combinations).
    • Novel therapeutic uses and patient populations.
    • Manufacturing processes and stereoisomers.
• Market Dominance: RAAS inhibitors are widely prescribed, and their efficacy in hypertension, heart failure, and post-myocardial infarction management is well-documented.

Combination Therapies:

The combination of PDE4 inhibitors and RAAS inhibitors represents a strategic move to leverage the complementary mechanisms of action of these two drug classes.

• Rationale: Cardiovascular diseases often involve complex interplay between inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurohormonal activation. Combining a PDE4 inhibitor's anti-inflammatory and cellular protective effects with a RAAS inhibitor's blood pressure-lowering and cardioprotective properties offers a potential for synergistic therapeutic benefits.
• Patent Trends: Patents in this area are likely to focus on:
  • Specific pairings of PDE4 inhibitors and RAAS inhibitors.
  • Dosage regimens that optimize efficacy and minimize toxicity.
  • Methods of treatment for specific subtypes of cardiovascular disease where this combination shows particular promise (e.g., resistant hypertension, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, or inflammatory cardiomyopathies).
  • Fixed-dose combination products, which improve patient compliance.

The patent landscape for HK1091724 is situated within a broader context of intense research and development in cardiovascular medicine. Companies seeking to enter this space must navigate a complex web of existing patents and actively pursue novel intellectual property to protect their innovations.

What are the Potential Commercial Implications of HK1091724?

The commercial implications of HK1091724 depend on several factors, including the specific PDE4 inhibitor and RAAS inhibitor chosen for the combination, the demonstrated efficacy and safety profile of the combined therapy, and the competitive landscape at the time of market entry.

• Market Opportunity: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, representing a substantial market for effective treatments. Conditions like heart failure and hypertension are chronic and require long-term management, creating a sustained demand for pharmaceuticals.
• Intellectual Property Protection: If HK1091724 is valid and enforceable, it could provide a period of market exclusivity for the patented method of treatment. This exclusivity is critical for recouping research and development costs and generating profits.
• Competitive Advantage: A patented combination therapy could offer a competitive advantage over existing single-agent therapies by providing superior efficacy, improved safety, or a more convenient dosing regimen. This could lead to market share gains and premium pricing.
• Licensing and Partnership Opportunities: The patent could also serve as a valuable asset for licensing or partnership agreements. A company holding this patent might license it to larger pharmaceutical firms with established sales and marketing infrastructure for cardiovascular drugs.
• Challenges:
  • Clinical Development Risk: Demonstrating significant clinical benefit for a combination therapy requires robust clinical trials. High failure rates in cardiovascular drug development remain a significant risk.
  • Regulatory Approval: Obtaining regulatory approval from bodies like the Hong Kong Department of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a lengthy and costly process.
  • Generic Competition: Once the patent protection expires, generic versions of the combination therapy could enter the market, significantly reducing prices and market share.
  • Off-Label Use and Prior Art: The existence of prior art or off-label use of individual components of the combination could present challenges to the patent's validity and enforceability.
  • Reimbursement: Securing favorable reimbursement from healthcare payers is crucial for commercial success.

What is the Status of the Patent (Granted, Pending, Expired)?

As of the information available for this analysis, HK1091724 is a granted patent. The term of a patent in Hong Kong is generally 20 years from the filing date, subject to the payment of renewal fees.

To determine the exact expiry date, one would need to consult the official records of the Intellectual Property Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This information is critical for understanding the remaining period of market exclusivity.

How to Assess Potential Infringement of HK1091724?

Assessing potential infringement of HK1091724 requires a detailed comparison of a competitor's product or method against the specific language of the granted claims.

Steps for Infringement Assessment:

1. Obtain the Full Patent Document: Access the complete granted patent document for HK1091724 to review all claims, including independent and dependent claims.
2. Analyze the Claims:
   • Break down each claim into its constituent elements (also known as limitations).
   • Understand the precise meaning of each element based on the claim language, the patent specification, and relevant legal interpretations.
3. Evaluate the Competitor's Product/Method:
   • Determine if the competitor's product or method includes every element recited in at least one of the claims of HK1091724.
   • Literal Infringement: This occurs when a competitor's product or method includes each and every element of a claim, exactly as written.
   • Doctrine of Equivalents: Even if literal infringement is not found, infringement can occur under the doctrine of equivalents if the competitor's product or method performs substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve substantially the same result as the claimed invention.
4. Consider Patent Validity: A patent that is found to be invalid cannot be infringed. Competitors may challenge the validity of HK1091724 based on prior art, lack of novelty, obviousness, or insufficient disclosure.
5. Examine the Specification and Prosecution History: The patent specification provides context and definitions for the claims. The prosecution history (records of communications between the patent applicant and the patent office during examination) can also be important, particularly statements made by the applicant that may limit the interpretation of the claims.
6. Seek Expert Legal Counsel: Patent infringement analysis is a complex legal undertaking. Engaging experienced patent attorneys or specialized patent litigators is essential for accurate and defensible assessments.

Key Considerations for HK1091724:

• "A phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor": Does the competitor use a compound classified as a PDE4 inhibitor? This may require scientific analysis of the compound's mechanism of action and enzyme inhibition profile.
• "A drug that inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)": Does the competitor use an ACE inhibitor, ARB, DRI, or MRA, or another compound that demonstrably inhibits the RAAS?
• "Therapeutically effective amount": While difficult to prove in a competitor's product without clinical data, the claim implies efficacy.
• "Subject in need thereof": This refers to patients with the specified cardiovascular diseases.

A thorough infringement analysis would involve detailed scientific and legal scrutiny of the competitor's claimed drug composition and its intended use against the specific claims of HK1091724.

Conclusion

Patent HK1091724 protects a combination therapy for cardiovascular diseases involving PDE4 inhibitors and RAAS inhibitors. The claims are broad, covering multiple prevalent cardiovascular conditions. The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment with ongoing innovation in both drug classes and combination strategies. The commercial success of this patent hinges on the clinical utility of the specific combination, regulatory approval, and navigating intellectual property challenges. A rigorous infringement analysis is required to determine if any existing or future products violate its scope.

Key Takeaways

• HK1091724 claims a method for treating cardiovascular diseases using a combination of a PDE4 inhibitor and a RAAS inhibitor.
• Targeted conditions include heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, and cardiovascular remodeling.
• The patent landscape for both drug classes is active, with increasing focus on combination therapies.
• Commercial implications are significant given the large market for cardiovascular treatments, but are subject to clinical development, regulatory, and competitive risks.
• Infringement assessment requires a detailed, element-by-element comparison of competitor products against the patent's claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the specific types of PDE4 inhibitors and RAAS inhibitors envisioned by HK1091724?

The granted claims likely define broad categories, but dependent claims and the patent specification would detail specific examples or structural classes of PDE4 inhibitors and RAAS inhibitors (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, DRIs) that fall within the scope of the patent.

2. How does HK1091724 differ from existing single-drug therapies for cardiovascular diseases?

The patent's novelty and potential advantage lie in the specific combination of a PDE4 inhibitor and a RAAS inhibitor, suggesting a synergistic effect or a broader therapeutic mechanism than either drug class provides alone.

3. What is the typical duration of patent protection for a granted patent like HK1091724 in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, the standard term for a granted patent is 20 years from the filing date, provided that the required renewal fees are paid annually.

4. Can HK1091724 be infringed by a pharmaceutical company developing a new drug that is not explicitly named in the patent?

Yes, infringement can occur even if the drug is not explicitly named, provided it falls within the scope of the claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. This includes new compounds designed to act as PDE4 inhibitors or RAAS inhibitors within the claimed therapeutic method.

5. What are the primary challenges in validating or challenging the patentability of a combination therapy such as the one described in HK1091724?

Key challenges include demonstrating novelty (that the specific combination was not previously known or obvious) and utility (that the combination provides a therapeutic benefit that is more than the sum of its parts or addresses an unmet need). Prior art, including scientific publications and existing patents for individual components, is critical in these assessments.

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Citations

[1] Intellectual Property Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (n.d.). Patent Ordinance. Retrieved from [Official Hong Kong IP Department website for Patent Ordinance information]. (Note: Specific URL for the Patent Ordinance can be found on the official website; direct link omitted for generality as URLs can change). [2] World Health Organization. (2021). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Retrieved from [WHO website for Cardiovascular Diseases statistics]. (Note: Specific URL for WHO CVDs factsheet can be found on the WHO website). [3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Information for Industry: Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (Orange Book). Retrieved from [FDA Orange Book website]. (Note: While this is a US resource, it serves as an example of how drug information is categorized and can be referenced in patent analysis contexts regarding established drugs and their classes). [4] European Medicines Agency. (n.d.). Medicines. Retrieved from [EMA website for medicines information]. (Note: Similar to FDA, this is a non-Hong Kong resource but illustrates the regulatory landscape for pharmaceutical products).