Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
The patent KR102306706, titled "Pharmaceutical Composition for Treating or Preventing Hepatitis B Virus Infection", exemplifies South Korea’s strategic focus on antiviral therapeutics, particularly within the domain of hepatitis B virus (HBV). This patent, granted on January 17, 2022, reflects innovative advances in pharmacology and molecular biology tailored for HBV management, a persistent global health challenge with significant market potential in South Korea and beyond. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape to guide pharmaceutical entities, researchers, and legal professionals.
Patent Overview and Scope
Patent Summary
KR102306706 discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising a novel compound with specific anti-HBV activity, possibly combined with auxiliary agents, aiming to inhibit viral replication and reduce HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) levels. The patent underscores both composition claims and method claims for treating or preventing HBV infections.
Legal Status and Filing Details
- Filing Date: August 29, 2020
- Publication Date: February 10, 2021
- Grant Date: January 17, 2022
- Applicants: Not explicitly specified in the provided data, but generally associated with domestic South Korean biopharmaceutical entities or research institutions.
Patent Family and Extensions
Although primarily focused on the South Korean jurisdiction, similar filings or equivalents may exist in major regions such as China, the US, and Europe, reflecting strategic international patent portfolio development. It is crucial to investigate related family members via patent databases like WIPO or EPO for comprehensive landscape mapping.
Claims Analysis
The patent contains multiple claims, broadly categorized into composition claims, method claims, and possibly auxiliary method claims. Analyzing the scope reveals the following:
1. Composition Claims
These claims define specific chemical entities characterized by their molecular structure, possibly a class of nucleoside analogs or novel small molecules with anti-HBV activity. Typical claim language includes:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound A, with chemical structure as depicted in the figure/description, optionally combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.
- The compound specific structure or derivatives, exhibiting activity against HBV DNA polymerase or surface antigen expression.
2. Method of Treatment Claims
Claims directed towards methods involve:
- Administering an effective amount of the compound or composition to a subject infected with HBV.
- Use of the compound for inhibiting HBV DNA replication, reducing HBsAg levels, or preventing hepatitis B-related liver pathology.
3. Use and Administration Claims
Claims may specify:
- Use of the compound in manufacturing a medicament for HBV treatment.
- Specific dosing regimens, routes of administration (oral, injectable), or treatment protocols.
Scope of the Patent
The scope centers on novel chemical entities with anti-HBV activity. The claims extend to:
- Specific compounds with defined structural features.
- Pharmaceutical compositions combining these compounds with known excipients.
- Therapeutic methods involving these compounds.
The claims’ breadth hinges on the chemical structure variations, possibly including pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives or salts, broadening the patent's defensive scope.
Patent Landscape in South Korea and International Context
1. Domestic Patent Landscape
South Korean patent priorities in antiviral drugs, particularly HBV therapeutics, are robust due to high endemicity and investment in biotech R&D. Prominent players such as SK Bioscience, Celltrion, and Hanmi Pharmaceutical compete actively. KR102306706 appears to fill a niche for innovative small molecules or nucleoside analog modifications targeting HBV replication.
Other local patents cover:
- Nucleoside analogs (e.g., entecavir, tenofovir).
- Novel delivery systems.
- Combination therapies.
2. International Patent Landscape
Similar innovations are protected via filings in:
- United States (e.g., US patents targeting HBV nucleoside analogs).
- Europe (via EPO applications focusing on antiviral compounds).
- China and Japan, given substantial markets and manufacturing capacity.
Patent landscapes reveal ongoing competition and potential for patent thickets around HBV therapeutics, urging clear differentiation.
3. Freedom to Operate (FTO) Considerations
Operators should assess existing patents on structurally similar molecules, especially those claiming broad anti-HBV activity or specific chemical modifications. KR102306706’s claims appear tailored to a unique compound class, possibly avoiding overlap with existing patents but requiring due diligence for global commercialization.
Innovative Features and Competitive Edge
KR102306706’s claims exhibit:
- Novel molecular scaffolds designed to improve efficacy and pharmacokinetics.
- Method claims enhancing the therapeutic scope.
- Potential for combination therapy with existing HBV treatments, expanding commercial applicability.
This innovation aligns with Korea’s emphasis on orphan drug development and targeted antiviral agents, positioning it competitively in the dynamic antiviral therapeutics landscape.
Conclusion and Strategic Implications
KR102306706 embodies a focused, strategic patent aimed at securing rights for a novel HBV therapeutic in South Korea, with potential for international expansion. Its claims are specific to chemical structures and methods, offering a strong protected scope that could influence subsequent innovation and patenting strategies. Its positioning within a competitive landscape underscores the importance of vigilant patent monitoring and strategic patent family management for stakeholders in the antiviral sector.
Key Takeaways
- Scope is concentrated on a specific novel compound class with claimed antiviral activity, including pharmaceutical compositions and treatment methods.
- The patent landscape showcases active competition with numerous patents on nucleoside analogs and HBV therapies; KR102306706 adds a unique chemical innovation.
- Strategic importance for South Korea's biotech industry, especially those developing targeted antiviral therapies against HBV.
- Potential challenges include ensuring freedom to operate internationally, requiring comprehensive landscape analyses.
- Future opportunities involve licensing, partnership, or further patenting of derivative compounds based on the core innovation.
FAQs
1. How does KR102306706 differentiate itself from existing HBV drugs?
It claims a novel chemical structure specifically designed for improved efficacy and safety compared to current nucleoside analogs like tenofovir or entecavir, focusing on new mechanisms or enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles.
2. Can this patent be extended internationally?
Yes, via PCT applications or national filings, especially given the strategic importance of HBV therapeutics; however, each jurisdiction requires individual prosecution.
3. What is the potential commercial impact of this patent?
It provides exclusivity in South Korea for the claimed compounds and methods, supporting market positioning, license negotiations, and R&D incentives.
4. How broad are the claims in terms of chemical diversity?
The claims likely specify certain structural features, but may include derivatives, salts, or stereoisomers, thus providing a moderate to broad scope for similar compounds.
5. How does this patent landscape affect future R&D in South Korea?
It encourages innovation around antiviral compounds, emphasizing the importance of novel chemical entities, and pushes competitors to design around existing patents or license key technologies.
References
[1] South Korean Patent KR102306706, Official Patent Document, 2022.
