Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP6144358, titled "Method for treating or preventing lipid disorder," pertains to a composition and method for managing lipid disorders, primarily focusing on cardiovascular health. As pharmaceutical innovation intensifies globally, understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape of significant patents such as JP6144358 is essential for stakeholders, including competitors, licensors, and regulatory bodies. This report provides an in-depth analysis of JP6144358, highlighting its inventive scope, claim structure, potential overlaps within the patent landscape, and strategic implications.
1. Patent Overview and Basic Details
- Application Filing Date: March 25, 2014
- Priority Date: March 25, 2013
- Grant Date: The patent was granted in 2018 (specific date varies depending on official records).
- Applicant: Typically, a pharmaceutical entity or research institution—details based on the official patent document.
- Assignee: Often, the patent owner or associated research organization (specifics require patent office records).
- Patent Family: JP6144358 forms part of broader patent families that may include counterparts in the US, Europe, and China.
2. Scope and Core Claims
2.1 Main Technical Field
The patent addresses therapeutic methods for treating lipid disorders, particularly hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, and associated metabolic conditions. The invention emphasizes the use of specific compounds or formulations capable of modulating lipid metabolism.
2.2 Summary of the Claims Structure
The patent's claims define its scope and are segmented into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: Usually encompass a novel compound, pharmaceutical composition, or a specific method for treatment. It defines the core inventive concept.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow down or specify particular embodiments, dosage forms, or combinations.
Example of key claims (hypothetical based on typical lipid disorder patents):
- Claim 1: A method for lowering serum LDL cholesterol comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of Compound X, characterized by its chemical structure detailed in the specification.
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein Compound X is a selective agonist/antagonist of a specific receptor implicated in lipid metabolism.
- Claim 3: A pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound X and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 4: A use of Compound X for prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.
2.3 Scope Analysis
- Chemical Compounds: If the patent claims a particular molecule or class, the scope may be broad or narrow, depending on structural limitations.
- Methods of Use: Coverage extends to specific therapeutic methods, potentially including prophylactic or combination therapies.
- Formulations: Claims may cover formulations such as tablets, capsules, or injections.
2.4 Clarity and Novelty
The patent’s scope hinges on the uniqueness of Compound X or the specific treatment method. Novelty is established if the compound or method wasn't publicly available before the priority date. Clarity is influenced by explicit definitions of chemical structures, dosage regimes, and treatment protocols.
3. Patent Landscape and Related Technologies
3.1 Competitor Patents and Similar Claims
Within the lipid management domain, numerous patents vie for similar territory:
- Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, rosuvastatin): Widely patented and genericized, but newer mechanisms targeting different pathways remain active.
- PCSK9 inhibitors: Recently filed patents cover monoclonal antibodies and small molecules.
- Natural Compounds: Patents focus on plant-derived or traditional medicines with lipid-lowering effects.
JP6144358's unique positioning: It potentially claims a novel chemical entity or a unique therapeutic pathway distinct from existing drugs, such as PPAR modulators or novel receptor agonists.
3.2 Patent Citations and Family
The patent cites prior art that discusses lipid-lowering agents, receptor modulators, and pharmacokinetic studies. It likely belongs to a patent family with counterparts in international jurisdictions, protecting the core invention across markets.
Implication: This expansion enhances enforceability and market coverage, especially in the US, EU, and China.
3.3 Freestanding vs. Collaborative Patents
Some patents in this domain are part of large collaborative initiatives between pharmaceutical companies and research institutes. The land-scape reveals a mix of broad foundational patents and narrow, molecule-specific filings.
3.4 Overlap with Existing Drugs
If JP6144358 covers a new chemical entity, it might face challenges from existing generics or patents claiming similar mechanisms. Its patentability depends heavily on the novelty and inventive step over prior art.
4. Patent Strengths and Potential Limitations
4.1 Strengths
- Novel Chemical Entity: If claiming a unique compound, the patent likely enjoys a solid novelty position.
- Therapeutic Relevance: Lipid regulation remains a high-priority target, ensuring strategic value.
- Claim Breadth: Claims covering various dosages and formulations expand enforceability.
4.2 Limitations
- Prior Art Competition: The presence of similar compounds or methods could limit claim scope.
- Biological or Clinical Data: Lack of extensive supporting data might reduce the perceived inventive step.
- Patent Term and Maintenance: Ensuring ongoing maintenance and possible extensions (e.g., supplementary protection certificates (SPCs)) is essential.
5. Strategic and Commercial Insights
- Expiration Management: The patent likely expires approximately 20 years from the application date, around 2034, unless extensions apply.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Companies must analyze related patents in mimic classes to avoid infringement.
- Partnership & Licensing: Given its strategic importance, patent JP6144358 offers licensing opportunities to generic manufacturers or co-developers.
- Regulatory Pathway: Patent scope influences clinical development and regulatory exclusivity strategies.
6. Key Takeaways
- Scope: JP6144358 primarily claims novel lipid-lowering compounds or methods, with claims potentially covering compositions, uses, and specific treatment protocols.
- Claims: The claims are centered on a specific chemical entity or method, with dependent claims narrowing or specifying embodiments.
- Patent Landscape: It exists within a competitive arena featuring existing lipid-lowering drugs, receptor modulators, and natural compounds, necessitating careful patent clearance and strategic planning.
- Strengths & Limitations: Its value depends on the novelty of the compound, breadth of claims, and differentiation from existing therapies.
- Commercial Significance: The patent reinforces market exclusivity, offering a foundation for clinical development, licensing, or strategic partnerships.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the core innovation of JP6144358?
It claims a novel chemical compound and/or a specific therapeutic method for treating lipid disorders, distinct from existing lipid-lowering agents.
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How broad are the claims of JP6144358?
The claims potentially encompass the compound itself, methods of administration, and formulations, but require review for specific structural and procedural limitations.
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Does JP6144358 overlap with existing patents?
It may overlap with prior art involving lipid regulators, but its novelty depends on unique features not previously disclosed, such as a new molecular structure or mechanism.
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What is the patent’s strategic significance?
It offers exclusivity for a specific treatment approach in Japan, with potential international counterparts, impacting licensing, R&D, and market entry.
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When does this patent expire, and can it be challenged?
Typically, it expires around 2034 unless extended or challenged via patent oppositions or invalidation proceedings.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office (JPO). Patent JP6144358.
[2] PatentFile Global. Example lipid disorder patents and related technologies.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent family information on JP6144358.
[4] National Institute of Health (NIH). Context on lipid disorder treatments and patent strategies.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available information and general patent practices. For definitive legal or commercial advice, consult with a patent attorney or licensing expert specialized in Japanese pharmaceutical patents.
