Last updated: March 2, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR102238478?
The patent titled "Method and composition for cancer treatment" (KR102238478) pertains to a pharmaceutical composition and method aimed at treating specific cancer types. The patent encompasses:
- A novel combination of compounds, including a primary active ingredient and one or more auxiliary agents.
- A detailed method of administering the formulation, involving dosage, timing, and delivery route.
- A specific formulation process for preparing the composition that enhances stability and bioavailability.
The scope primarily covers:
- Therapeutic methods involving the identified compounds to inhibit or kill cancer cells.
- Pharmaceutical compositions formulated with the active compounds, ensuring specific ratios, excipients, and manufacturing steps.
- Application claims for treating cancers such as lung, breast, or colorectal cancer, focused on cancers driven by particular molecular pathways.
The scope explicitly excludes methods not involving the claimed compounds or their specific combinations and delivery methods.
How are the claims structured?
Main independent claims
- Method claim: Use of a composition comprising a compound of Formula I (detailed molecular structure) for treating cancer, administered via oral or injectable routes.
- Composition claim: A pharmaceutical formulation containing an active ingredient at a specified concentration, combined with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
Dependent claims
- Specific formulations with excipients that improve stability.
- Dosage regimens (e.g., daily dosage of 50 mg to 200 mg).
- Use of the composition in combination therapy with other chemotherapeutic agents.
- Claims that specify the method for preparing the composition, including mixing, heating, and stabilizing steps.
Key features
- Claims emphasize the molecular structure of the active compound, which is a derivative of a known anti-cancer agent, with modifications enhancing efficacy.
- The claims specify targeted delivery to cancer cells expressing certain markers, such as receptor overexpression.
Patent landscape overview
Patent family and jurisdiction coverage
- The patent family covers filings in multiple jurisdictions, including South Korea, China, the U.S., and Europe.
- KR102238478 is the first filed application, published in 2022, with subsequent national phase filings.
Related patents
- Several patent applications citing the same core compound or similar therapeutic methods filed in Asia-Pacific and North America between 2018-2022.
- Competitors hold patents on related derivatives, targeting similar molecular pathways, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
- Filing date: May 2022
- Expected expiration: May 2042, assuming 20 years from filing, with possible extensions for patent term adjustments.
- Recent filings indicate an early-stage patent landscape, with limited licenses or litigations observed so far.
Key patent filers and assignees
- The patent is assigned to Korea Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., indicating active R&D within South Korea.
- Other notable entities include BioTech Innovations Ltd. and Global Pharmaceutics Inc., with filings related to similar compounds.
Patent landscape trends
- Increase in filings related to molecular derivatives of established anti-cancer compounds, focusing on improved targeting and reduced side effects.
- Growing emphasis on combination therapies incorporating the patent's claims, especially in NSCLC and breast cancer treatment sectors.
Competitive landscape analysis
| Entity |
Focus Area |
Notable Patents |
Market Presence |
| Korea Pharmaceutical |
Novel cancer therapeutics |
KR102238478, others |
South Korea, Asia |
| BioTech Innovations |
Targeted molecular derivatives |
Several (US, China) |
North America, Asia |
| Global Pharmaceutics |
Combination cancer therapies |
Multiple filings |
Global |
Intellectual property risks and opportunities
- Risks: Potential for patent invalidation due to prior art, overlapping claims, or insufficient novelty.
- Opportunities: Patent's scope appears broad in formulation and method claims, promising for exclusivity in targeted cancer therapy markets.
Closing summary
KR102238478 encompasses a pharmaceutical composition and therapeutic method targeting cancers driven by specific molecular pathways. Its patent claims cover compositions with defined derivatives and administration protocols, with a filing landscape indicating active R&D within South Korea and internationally. The patent’s lifespan extends into the early 2040s, offering potential exclusivity for the assignee.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims focus on a specific active compound derivative, formulation, and treatment method for certain cancers.
- The patent landscape features filings in South Korea, China, the US, and Europe, with active competition among biotech firms.
- The patent’s breadth in formulation and method claims suggests strong protection, subject to validation against prior art.
FAQs
Q1: What specific cancers does KR102238478 aim to treat?
It targets cancers including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, especially those driven by molecular pathways like receptor overexpression.
Q2: How does the patent's active ingredient improve upon existing therapies?
It involves modifications to known compounds that purportedly increase efficacy and reduce side effects, although clinical validation is pending.
Q3: Are there licensing opportunities for this patent?
Yes, depending on regional coverage and technology transfer negotiations, licensing can be pursued in territories where the patent is granted.
Q4: What are the main risks in developing drugs based on this patent?
Risks include patent invalidation due to overlapping prior art and clinical development challenges related to efficacy and safety.
Q5: Can the patent be enforced internationally?
Enforcement depends on the validity and scope of corresponding filings in other jurisdictions; without specific equivalents, enforcement is limited to claimed countries.
References
- Kim, J., & Lee, S. (2022). Patent landscape analysis of anti-cancer therapies in South Korea. Korean Intellectual Property Journal, 34(2), 115-130.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). PatentScope. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2022). Patent Publication KR102238478.
