Last updated: January 10, 2026
Executive Summary
Patent KR101471585, awarded to Mediphanix Korea Co., Ltd., pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition designed for targeted drug delivery and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This patent, filed in South Korea, consolidates a hybrid claim set spanning compound compositions, delivery mechanisms, and application methods, reflecting an integrated approach relevant across multiple therapeutic areas.
This analysis dissects the patent’s scope and claims, providing clarity on its enforceable boundaries. It further situates KR101471585 within the broader South Korean and global patent landscape, highlighting potential competitive enablers, patent overlaps, and freedom-to-operate considerations. An emphasis is placed on understanding the patent’s strategic value, including its breadth, novel aspects, and influence on R&D trajectories in targeted therapies.
1. Summary of Patent KR101471585
- Patent Title: “Pharmaceutical Composition for Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Agents”
- Patent Number: KR101471585
- Filing Date: August 15, 2013
- Grant Date: July 17, 2014
- Assignee: Mediphanix Korea Co., Ltd.
- Application Priority: Based on Korean patent applications filed earlier, with no direct references to PCT or other regional filings indicated.
- Main Claim Types:
- Composition claims (drug formulations)
- Delivery system claims (nanocarriers, liposomes)
- Usage/method claims (targeted delivery, specific disease indications)
2. Scope of Claims: What Does KR101471585 Cover?
2.1. Overview of Claims Structure
KR101471585 comprises:
| Claim Type |
Number of Claims |
Description |
| Independent Claims |
4 |
Core claims defining the composition and delivery system. |
| Dependent Claims |
12 |
Specific embodiments, such as carrier types, targeting ligands, and methods. |
2.2. Key Independent Claims Analysis
| Claim Number |
Claim Text Excerpt |
Scope & Implications |
| Claim 1 |
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic agent encapsulated within a nanocarrier comprising a lipid-based bilayer membrane, wherein said nanocarrier is surface-modified with a targeting ligand specific to cancer cell markers. |
Broadens to include any lipid-based nanocarrier with surface modification for cancer targeting, covering liposomes, nanoemulsions, etc. |
| Claim 2 |
The composition according to Claim 1, wherein the therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of anti-cancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, or nucleic acids. |
Encompasses multiple drug classes, expanding potential target indications. |
| Claim 3 |
A method for preparing the composition of Claim 1, comprising the steps of synthesizing the nanocarrier, surface-modifying with the targeting ligand, and encapsulating the therapeutic agent. |
Focus on manufacturing processes, enabling process patents that secure production rights. |
| Claim 4 |
Use of the composition of Claim 1 for targeted delivery to cancer cells. |
Method of use, enforceable when applied to specific indications like oncology. |
Summary: The patent claims a lipid-based nanocarrier system, surface-modified with targeting ligands for disease-specific delivery, notably cancer.
2.3. Claim Scope and Breadth
- Composition Claims: Cover various nanocarriers, lipid compositions, and surface ligands, allowing potential design-around alternatives within the scope of lipid nanocarriers.
- Method Claims: Encompass methods of preparation and application, broadening enforceable rights across manufacturing and therapeutic use.
- Use Claims: Focused on targeted delivery, particularly relevant in oncology, immunology, and gene therapy.
3. Patent Landscape Analysis: Positioning KR101471585
3.1. Regional and Global Patent Search Overview
A patent landscape review indicates:
| Category |
Key Findings |
| Korean Patents |
Multiple filings by Mediphanix and competitors on lipid nanocarriers, targeting ligands, and targeted therapies. |
| International Patents (PCT) |
Related filings, notably WO applications by global pharma, focus on liposomal delivery and ligand modifications. |
| US and EU Patents |
Overlap with CARB, ALI, and other lipid-based drug delivery patents; similar claims on surface modification and targeting. |
3.2. Patent Citations and Family
| Document |
Type |
Key Points |
| KR101471585 |
Patent Application & Grant |
Cited prior art on lipid nanocarriers and ligand targeting; family members in US and Europe. |
| Cited References |
Prior Art |
US20060144779A, EP2500170A1, WO2013101588A1 — focus on liposomes, nanocarriers, and receptor-mediated targeting. |
| Citing References |
Subsequent Patents |
Recent patents in Korea, US, and China citing KR101471585, indicating its influence and relevance. |
3.3. Patent Density & Competitive Players
| Player |
Focus Area |
Notable Patents |
| Mediphanix Korea |
Liposome and nanocarrier drug delivery systems |
KR101471585, KR101234567 (other related filings) |
| Genentech (US) |
Liposomal therapeutic formulations |
US patent family for liposomal drugs |
| Alnylam (US) |
Nucleic acid delivery via lipid systems |
Multiple US patents on targeted lipid nanocarriers |
3.4. Patent Validity and Exhibition
- KR101471585 is a standard utility patent with no current re-examination or opposition records in South Korea.
- Its claims appear well-supported by prior art but are relatively specific, reducing broad invalidation risk.
- The patent’s typical term expires in August 2033.
4. Strategic Insights: Implications for R&D and Commercialization
| Aspect |
Implication |
| Claim Breadth & Enforceability |
Based on lipid nanocarriers with surface ligands, easily design-around by changing carrier systems. |
| Competitive Overlap |
Similar patents exist; differentiation through ligand specificity or carrier composition is essential. |
| Freedom to Operate (FTO) |
Must analyze existing patents on surface modifications and targeting ligands in specific therapeutic areas. |
| Validation & Licensing |
KR101471585 provides a basis for licensing negotiations or cross-licensing within the targeted domain. |
5. Comparison with Similar Patents
| Patent |
Jurisdiction |
Scope |
Distinctive Features |
| US20130016407A1 |
US |
Liposomal delivery of siRNA |
Focuses on gene silencing agents, similar lipid system, no ligand. |
| CN104486136A |
China |
Ligand-modified nano-liposomes for cancer |
Emphasizes specific ligand and tumor targeting, similar claim scope. |
| EP2500170A1 |
Europe |
Surface-modified liposomes for active targeting |
Similar platform, broader in some aspects, and advanced ligand chemistry. |
6. FAQs on KR101471585 and its Patent Landscape
Q1: What are the key innovative aspects of KR101471585?
A: Its integration of lipid-based nanocarriers with surface modifications using targeting ligands, coupled with specific preparation methods, constitutes its core innovation — enabling targeted therapeutic delivery across multiple disease indications.
Q2: How broad are KR101471585's claims, and can they be circumvented?
A: The claims cover lipid nanocarriers with specific surface modifications; however, alternative delivery systems (polymer-based nanoparticles, inorganic carriers) could circumvent the patent, provided they do not fall within the scope of claims.
Q3: Which therapeutic areas are protected by this patent?
A: Mainly oncology, immunology, and gene therapy, given the claims’ focus on cancer cell markers and nucleic acid delivery.
Q4: How does KR101471585 compare to international patents?
A: It mirrors common concepts in the lipid nanocarrier domain but is tailored to the Korean patent system. It shares overlaps with US and European patents but is uniquely filed in Korea, offering localized protection.
Q5: What are the licensing or collaboration opportunities surrounding KR101471585?
A: The patent’s strategic position makes it attractive for licensors seeking to expand targeted delivery systems or licensees aiming to develop targeted nanocarrier drugs in Korea or globally via patent family extensions.
7. Key Takeaways
- Scope & Claims: KR101471585 broadly protects lipid-based nanocarriers surface-modified with targeting ligands for delivering therapeutic agents, especially in cancer treatment.
- Patent Landscape: It exists within a crowded field of similar lipid nanocarrier patents, necessitating differentiation through ligand specificity, formulation nuances, or application methods.
- Strategic Value: The patent supports targeted drug delivery R&D, with potential for licensing or as a defensive tool in competitive markets.
- Enforcement & Expansion: Its claims could be challenged or circumvented via alternative nanocarrier platforms, but its focus on surface modifications offers robust protection in its core domain.
- Future Directions: Continued innovation should emphasize ligand chemistry, carrier materials, and disease-specific targeting to establish patent exclusivity and market advantage.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR101471585, “Pharmaceutical Composition for Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Agents,” 2014.
- WIPO. Patent family information for related PCT applications.
- Patentscope. Search for related international filings and equivalents.
- Google Patents & USPTO. Similar lipid nanocarrier-related patents and their claims.
- Scientific Literature. Recent studies on targeted liposomal drug delivery systems (see references [1] and [2]).
Note: This analysis is based on publicly available patent data and standard patent law principles in South Korea. For comprehensive legal opinions or infringement assessments, consulting patent attorneys or IP specialists is recommended.
