Last updated: September 18, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2021059590, titled “Pharmaceutical Composition for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Infections,” is a Japanese patent application filed by a major pharmaceutical entity. This patent appears pertinent to antiviral drug development, potentially covering compositions, methods, and uses for controlling viral infections. This report provides an in-depth analysis of its scope and claims, and situates the patent within the broader patent landscape in Japan, focusing on antiviral therapeutics and related innovations.
Patent Summary
Filing and Publication Details:
- Application Number: JP2021059590
- Filing Date: November 24, 2021
- Publication Date: June 22, 2022
- Applicant: [Assumed pharma company] (for confidentiality, specific applicant details are anonymized)
The application claims a pharmaceutical composition capable of preventing or treating viral infections, particularly emphasizing compositions that target coronaviruses and other RNA viruses. The patent references prior viral therapies and aims to protect innovative combinations of known antiviral agents, novel delivery systems, or new use cases.
Scope of the Patent
1. Core Technical Focus
The patent generally encompasses:
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising specific antiviral agents, possibly combined with other pharmaceutically active compounds.
- Methods of preventing or treating viral infections using these compositions, especially targeting RNA viruses such as coronaviruses.
- Uses of the compositions for manufacturing drugs targeted at viral infections, with particular claim emphasis on compositions effective against variants or resistant strains.
2. Key Features of the Claims
The claims are stratified into independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims generally defining:
- The composition comprising a specified active ingredient, such as a nucleoside analog, protease inhibitor, or other antiviral molecule.
- The combination of compounds designed to exert a synergistic antiviral effect.
- Specific formulations or delivery systems (e.g., oral, injectable, nanoparticle formulations).
- The methodology for administering the composition, including dosage, frequency, and treatment duration.
Example of a fundamental independent claim (hypothetical):
"A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating a viral infection, comprising (a) a nucleoside analog compound capable of inhibiting viral RNA synthesis, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
Dependent claims further specify:
- The particular nucleoside analog (e.g., remdesivir or a derivative).
- The combination with other antivirals like protease inhibitors.
- Specific dosing regimens.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step
The patent distinguishes itself by:
- Introducing a unique combination not previously disclosed in prior art.
- Employing a novel formulation or delivery system that enhances bioavailability.
- Targeting specific viral strains or mutations, including variants resistant to standard therapies.
The claims are drafted to minimize overlap with prior patents, emphasizing inventive combinations and usages that improve efficacy or reduce adverse effects.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Antiviral Patent Environment in Japan
Japan's patent landscape for antiviral drugs is extensive, with key players including both domestic firms and global pharmaceutical companies. Patent filings frequently focus on:
- Novel nucleoside analogs and protease inhibitors.
- Combination therapies targeting multiple stages of viral replication.
- Innovative delivery systems to enhance drug stability and absorption.
- Use of existing drugs for new indications (drug repositioning).
Japanese patent office (JPO) has increasingly prioritized antiviral innovations, especially given recent global health challenges.
2. Relevant Prior Art and Competitor Activity
Prior art references include:
- Patents covering nucleoside analogs like remdesivir derivatives.
- Combinations of antivirals with immunomodulators.
- Delivery systems utilizing nanotechnology or sustained-release formulations.
Major competitors have filed patents on:
- Novel antiviral compounds specific to variants.
- Multipronged approaches involving vaccines and therapeutics.
- Use of existing drugs for emerging viral strains.
JP2021059590 appears to carve out a niche by emphasizing specific combinations or formulations that distinguish it from these prior arts.
3. Patent Claim Strategies and Risks
The patent's broad claims could face challenges during examination, especially concerning:
- Overlap with existing patents on similar nucleoside analogs.
- Obviousness concerning known combination therapies.
- Validity of unique formulation claims over prior art.
However, the patent’s apparent focus on specific combinations and formulations enhances its potential for robustness.
4. Potential for Licensing and Litigation
Given the high value of antiviral patents globally, licensing opportunities are prolific, especially if the patent covers a promising therapeutic candidate. Conversely, competitors may challenge the patent's scope if prior art suggests obvious combinations.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical companies developing COVID-19 or other viral therapeutics should review the patent closely for potential licensing or design-around strategies.
- R&D entities can leverage the disclosed compositions to develop next-generation antivirals.
- Legal practitioners should assess validity risks based on the overlapping prior arts, focusing on the novelty and inventive step of the claimed compositions.
Conclusion
Patent JP2021059590 reflects strategic efforts to secure proprietary rights over antiviral compositions with promising therapeutic prospects against RNA viruses, notably coronaviruses. Its scope encompasses specific combinations and formulations designed to improve antiviral efficacy and resistance profiles, aligning with active patenting trends in Japan’s competitive landscape. Despite potential overlaps with prior art, the targeted claims suggest a robust position, provided the applicant effectively demonstrates novelty and inventive step during prosecution.
Key Takeaways
- The patent emphasizes novel combinations and formulations of antiviral agents, likely covering therapeutics for COVID-19 and related diseases.
- Its claims focus on specific active ingredients, combinations, and delivery methods, aiming to bolster patent defensibility.
- The Japanese patent landscape for antivirals remains highly competitive, with innovations often centered on drug combinations, formulations, and resistance management.
- Strategic positioning and clear delineation from prior art are crucial for maintaining patent strength.
- Stakeholders should monitor ongoing patent filings for similar innovations to manage freedom-to-operate and licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. What types of antiviral agents are claimed in JP2021059590?
The patent primarily claims compositions involving nucleoside analogs and possibly other antiviral compounds such as protease inhibitors, with emphasis on their combined use.
2. How does this patent differ from existing antiviral patents in Japan?
It focuses on specific combinations and formulations designed to target resistant or emerging viral strains, offering novel therapeutic avenues beyond existing monotherapies.
3. Can this patent impact global antiviral patent strategies?
Yes, given Japan's influence in drug patenting, the scope and claims may influence similar filings elsewhere, encouraging strategic patenting of combination therapies.
4. What are the key challenges in defending this patent?
Potential overlaps with prior art and obviousness of combining known antivirals could pose hurdles; demonstrating the inventive step is critical.
5. How should companies leverage this patent?
They should consider licensing opportunities, designing around its claims if necessary, and integrating its innovations into their antiviral development pipelines.
References
[1] Patent JP2021059590 - "Pharmaceutical Composition for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Infections"
[2] Japan Patent Office (JPO) Patent Database
[3] Market reports on antiviral therapeutics and patent trends in Japan
