Last updated: February 19, 2026
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of South Korean patent KR101107425, focusing on its claims, scope, and the surrounding patent landscape. The patent, titled "METHOD FOR TREATING OR PREVENTING GASTRIC DISEASES USING BACTERIOPHAGE PREPARATIONS AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION THEREOF," details a therapeutic approach utilizing bacteriophages. This analysis is crucial for R&D, investment, and competitive strategy in the biopharmaceutical sector.
What is the Core Invention Protected by KR101107425?
The central innovation claimed by KR101107425 is a method for treating or preventing gastric diseases using bacteriophage preparations. Specifically, the patent covers the use of bacteriophages that exhibit lytic activity against Helicobacter pylori. The invention encompasses both the method of treatment and a pharmaceutical composition containing these bacteriophages.
What Specific Gastric Diseases Does the Patent Address?
The patent targets a range of gastric diseases linked to Helicobacter pylori infection. These include, but are not limited to, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. The efficacy is attributed to the bacteriophages' ability to lyse and eliminate the H. pylori bacteria within the gastric environment.
What are the Key Components of the Patented Pharmaceutical Composition?
The pharmaceutical composition described in KR101107425 comprises at least one bacteriophage active against H. pylori. Additionally, it can include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. The patent specifies that the bacteriophages can be administered in a live, infectious form. The composition is formulated for oral administration.
What are the Specific Claims within KR101107425?
The claims of KR101107425 define the legal boundaries of the patent protection. They outline the exclusive rights granted to the patent holder. The claims are structured to cover both the method of treatment and the pharmaceutical product.
Claim 1: Method of Treatment
Claim 1 details the method of treating or preventing gastric diseases. This involves administering an effective amount of a bacteriophage preparation to a subject in need thereof. The key characteristic of the bacteriophage preparation is its lytic activity against Helicobacter pylori.
Claim 2: Pharmaceutical Composition
Claim 2 describes the pharmaceutical composition. This composition is characterized by containing at least one bacteriophage exhibiting lytic activity against Helicobacter pylori. The composition may further include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Other Claims and Their Significance
While the primary claims focus on the method and composition, KR101107425 may contain dependent claims that further refine the scope. These could specify:
- The specific types or strains of bacteriophages used.
- The concentration or dosage of bacteriophages.
- The particular gastric diseases being targeted (e.g., chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease).
- The formulation of the pharmaceutical composition (e.g., capsules, tablets).
These dependent claims serve to strengthen the patent by providing specific embodiments and narrower definitions, which can be crucial in infringement disputes. For instance, a dependent claim specifying a particular bacteriophage strain could offer protection even if broader claims are challenged.
What is the Technological Scope of KR101107425?
The technological scope of KR101107425 centers on the application of phage therapy for gastrointestinal infections. This involves understanding bacteriophage biology, formulation science, and the pathophysiology of H. pylori-related diseases.
Bacteriophage Specificity and Mechanism of Action
The patent relies on the specificity of bacteriophages for their target bacteria. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. In this case, the phages are selected for their ability to infect and lyse Helicobacter pylori cells. The mechanism involves the phage attaching to the bacterial surface, injecting its genetic material, replicating within the bacterium, and ultimately causing cell lysis to release new phage particles.
Formulation and Delivery
The patent addresses the formulation of bacteriophages into a stable and orally bioavailable pharmaceutical product. This is a critical aspect of phage therapy, as phages must survive the acidic environment of the stomach and reach the H. pylori bacteria in the gastric and duodenal mucosa. Formulations might involve enteric coatings, encapsulation, or stabilization agents to protect the phages.
Target Pathogen: Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and is a major cause of peptic ulcers, gastritis, and gastric cancer. Conventional treatments involve a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, which are facing increasing rates of bacterial resistance. KR101107425 offers a potential alternative or adjunct therapy that circumvents antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
What is the Patent Landscape Surrounding KR101107425?
The patent landscape for bacteriophage therapy, particularly for gastrointestinal infections, is evolving rapidly. KR101107425 exists within a broader ecosystem of patents related to phage identification, characterization, engineering, and therapeutic applications.
Key Players in Phage Therapy Patents
Companies and research institutions actively patenting in the phage therapy space include:
- Academic Institutions: Universities and research centers often hold foundational patents on novel phage discoveries and therapeutic approaches.
- Biotechnology Companies: Specialized biotech firms are developing phage-based therapeutics for various indications, including infectious diseases.
- Established Pharmaceutical Companies: Some larger pharmaceutical companies are investing in or acquiring phage-related technologies.
Competitive Patent Filings for H. pylori Treatment
Patents related to H. pylori treatment, both conventional and novel, form the competitive landscape. Companies holding patents on antibiotic combinations, probiotics, or other novel antimicrobial agents for H. pylori represent direct or indirect competitors. The novelty of KR101107425 lies in its specific focus on bacteriophages for this indication.
Geographic Patent Strategy
The filing strategy for phage therapy patents often involves seeking protection in major pharmaceutical markets, including the United States, Europe, Japan, China, and South Korea. The existence of KR101107425 indicates that South Korea is a considered market for this technology. Other patents granted or pending in these regions will shape the global competitive environment.
Analysis of Patent Overlap and Freedom-to-Operate
A detailed freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis would involve scrutinizing all relevant patents to ensure that the development, manufacture, and sale of a phage-based therapeutic product does not infringe on existing intellectual property. Overlap can occur in areas such as:
- Specific phage strains or cocktails.
- Manufacturing processes for bacteriophages.
- Formulation technologies.
- Methods of administration.
KR101107425's claims will be assessed against the claims of other patents to identify potential blocking patents or areas of overlap that may require licensing or designing around.
What is the Current Status and Potential Impact of KR101107425?
The status of KR101107425, including its grant date and expiration, is critical for assessing its commercial relevance. The patent's potential impact is linked to the unmet need for effective H. pylori treatments and the growth of the phage therapy market.
Grant Date and Expiration
The grant date for KR101107425 is December 10, 2012. Assuming a standard patent term of 20 years from the filing date, the patent would likely expire around 2028-2030, depending on the original filing date. This timeframe is crucial for market entry and return on investment calculations.
H. pylori Resistance and Unmet Medical Need
The rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant H. pylori strains presents a significant unmet medical need. Current eradication regimens have efficacy rates that can fall below 80% in some regions, driving the search for alternative therapies. Bacteriophage therapy, with its distinct mechanism of action, offers a promising avenue to overcome resistance.
Market Potential for Phage Therapy in Gastroenterology
The global market for phage therapy is projected to grow substantially. Its application in treating antibiotic-resistant infections, including those in the gastrointestinal tract, is a key driver. KR101107425, if commercialized, could capture a share of the market for H. pylori eradication, potentially as a standalone therapy or in combination with other agents.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges in commercializing phage therapy include regulatory hurdles, large-scale manufacturing scalability, and public perception. However, opportunities lie in the clear need for novel antimicrobial solutions, the potential for targeted therapies with reduced side effects compared to broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the ability to overcome existing resistance mechanisms.
Key Takeaways
KR101107425 protects a method for treating gastric diseases and a pharmaceutical composition utilizing bacteriophages with lytic activity against Helicobacter pylori. The patent, granted in December 2012, addresses the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori infections. The claims define the use of specific bacteriophage preparations for oral administration. The surrounding patent landscape is dynamic, with ongoing innovation in phage therapy. The expiration of KR101107425 in the coming years will influence competitive strategies and market entry for phage-based H. pylori treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the expiration date of patent KR101107425?
The patent KR101107425 was granted on December 10, 2012. Its term is typically 20 years from the filing date, meaning it is expected to expire around 2028-2030.
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Can other companies develop bacteriophage treatments for H. pylori in South Korea before KR101107425 expires?
Development may proceed, but commercialization (manufacturing, selling, or using the patented invention without permission) would likely constitute infringement until the patent expires, depending on the specific claims and any licenses.
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Does KR101107425 cover all bacteriophages that kill H. pylori?
The patent's scope is defined by its claims. It specifically covers bacteriophage preparations with demonstrated lytic activity against H. pylori used in the claimed methods and compositions. The exact scope depends on the precise wording of the claims.
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What are the potential applications of the technology claimed in KR101107425 beyond H. pylori?
While KR101107425 is specific to H. pylori, the underlying technology of bacteriophage therapy has broader applications for various bacterial infections. However, patents are specific, and this patent does not claim applications for other bacteria.
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What is the significance of a "lytic activity" claim in the context of phage therapy?
A claim requiring "lytic activity" means the bacteriophages must be capable of directly killing and breaking open the target bacteria (H. pylori in this case). This distinguishes it from bacteriophages that might have other mechanisms of action, such as modulating the immune response.
Citations
[1] South Korea Intellectual Property Office. (2012). Patent KR101107425: METHOD FOR TREATING OR PREVENTING GASTRIC DISEASES USING BACTERIOPHAGE PREPARATIONS AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION THEREOF. Retrieved from [Official South Korean Patent Database] (Specific URL depends on access method).
