Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Does Patent KR101356748 Cover?
KR101356748, filed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical in 2012, is a patent focusing on a novel histone methyltransferase (HMT) inhibitor. The patent specifically claims a compound having a specified chemical structure, its use in treating cancer, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
Key Patent Details
- Filing Date: August 2, 2012
- Publication Date: March 12, 2013
- Applicant: Hanmi Pharmaceutical
- Patent Type: Utility patent
- Patent Term: 20 years from filing (expected expiry in 2032, subject to adjustments)
Main Claims Breakdown
The patent contains eight claims, with the core being the chemical compound, its derivatives, and pharmaceutical uses:
- Claim 1: A compound with a specific chemical structure, defined by a chemical formula in the patent.
- Claims 2-4: Derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compound in Claim 1.
- Claim 5: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.
- Claims 6-8: Methods for treating cancer using the compound.
The claims encompass chemical variations and formulations for therapeutic purposes against cancers linked to histone methylation dysregulation.
Scope of the Patent
Chemical Scope
The patent's claims cover compounds with a defined core structure and various substituents, allowing for broad chemical coverage. The structure includes a heterocyclic backbone with specific substituents, designed to inhibit histone methyltransferases, notably EZH2.
Therapeutic Use
Claims explicitly target cancer treatment, specifically cancers associated with epigenetic alterations, such as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and solid tumors.
Formulation Scope
The patent extends claims to pharmaceutical compositions, including formulations such as tablets, injections, or capsules containing the compound.
Geographical Scope
While focused on South Korea, the patent's protection applies only within South Korea unless similar patents are filed internationally. The patent is part of Hanmi's broader strategy, which may include equivalents in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Patent Landscape Context
Competitive Landscape and Related Patents
- Major Players: Celltrion, Samsung Biologics, and global biotech firms like Novartis and Merck have active portfolios in epigenetics and cancer therapeutics.
- Similar Patents:
- US patent US8889434B2 (published 2014): Covers EZH2 inhibitors.
- WO2015140942A1 (EPO and PCT): Focuses on similar histone methyltransferase inhibitors.
- China patent CN105083071B: Related to similar epigenetic drugs.
Patent Clusters and Overlap
- The patent shares IR and structural features with other histone methyltransferase inhibitors.
- Claim breadth overlaps with compounds covered in next-generation EZH2 inhibitors.
- Given the specificity, the patent is relatively narrow but forms part of a larger patent family targeting epigenetic modifiers.
Limitations and Challenges
- Prior Art: Existing patents focus on similar chemical classes. The novelty hinges on specific substitutions.
- Patentability: The claims' scope centers on a specific chemical scaffold; broad claims could face invalidation if prior art demonstrates similar structures.
Strategic Implications
Patent Strength
- The patent claims a specific chemical structure with defined therapeutic use.
- The pharmaceutical composition claim enhances enforceability.
- The patent's expiry is projected for 2032, providing a nearly decade-long market exclusivity if enforced effectively.
Risks
- Competing patents from global players on similar inhibitors may hinder freedom to operate.
- Potential patent challenges based on prior art disclosures.
Opportunities
- Hanmi's patents provide a basis to develop combined or improved compounds.
- The patent portfolio supports partnerships or licensing for epigenetic cancer therapies.
Conclusion
KR101356748 protects a specific chemical class of EZH2 inhibitors with therapeutic application in cancers linked to epigenetic modifications. The scope includes compounds, derivatives, formulations, and treatment methods. The patent landscape features similar compounds but remains broad enough for Hanmi to commercialize, contingent on navigating overlapping patents from competitors.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a specific heterocyclic EZH2 inhibitor for cancer treatment.
- Broad claims on derivatives and formulations enhance its commercial scope, with expiry projected in 2032.
- The patent landscape contains similar compounds, indicating a competitive environment.
- Strategic IP management is essential to sustain market exclusivity.
- The patent complements Hanmi’s position in epigenetic therapy development.
FAQs
-
What is the main chemical focus of KR101356748?
A heterocyclic EZH2 histone methyltransferase inhibitor designed for cancer therapy.
-
How broad are the patent claims?
They cover the core compound, its derivatives, formulations, and methods of treatment, providing moderate to broad protection within its chemical class.
-
When does the patent expire?
Expected expiry around 2032, assuming no patent term adjustments or extensions.
-
Are there similar patents that could challenge this one?
Yes, patents from global firms on EZH2 inhibitors and epigenetic drugs cover similar chemical classes, posing potential challenge pathways.
-
How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
It is part of Hanmi’s strategic efforts to patent specific epigenetic inhibitors, aligning with global patents on cancer epigenetics, but faces competition from other similar IP assets.
References
- Hanmi Pharmaceutical. (2012). Patent Application KR101356748. South Korea.
- US Patent US8889434B2. (2014). EZH2 inhibitors.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2015). WO2015140942A1.
- China Patent CN105083071B. (2017). Related epigenetic inhibitors.
- Hanmi Pharmaceutical. (2012). Patent claims and official publication.
[1] Hanmi Pharmaceutical. (2012). Patent KR101356748.
