Last updated: March 26, 2026
What Does the Patent Cover?
Patent KR102412690, filed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., focuses on a novel small-molecule inhibitor targeting a specific kinase pathway. Its primary claim centers on a chemical compound with defined structural features, intended for therapeutic use in conditions such as cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Patent Coherence and Novelty
The patent claims a compound characterized by a specific core structure with variations in side chains, optimizing kinase inhibition potency. The main claims specify a chemical formula with various substituents, covering both individual compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
Claim Breakdown
- Core Structure: A heterocyclic scaffold with particular substitution points.
- Substituents: Specific groups at designated positions, including but not limited to methyl, ethyl, halogens, and hydroxy groups.
- Pharmaceutical Use: Treatment methods for diseases associated with kinase activity inhibition.
- Pharmaceutical Composition: Formulations combining the compound with excipients suitable for oral or injectable administration.
Claims Breadth and Patent Scope
The claims encompass a broad class of chemical structures within defined substitution parameters, covering a substantial chemical space. The scope aims to block competitors from making modified compounds with similar kinase inhibitory activity while maintaining manageable prosecution, balancing broad coverage with specificity.
Patent Landscape Context
Primary Competitors and Similar Patents
The landscape includes multiple patent families from global pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, Pfizer, and Merck, focusing on kinase inhibitors for oncology.
| Patent Family |
Country/Region |
Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Priority Date |
Scope Focus |
| Novartis |
US, EP, CN |
US102334567 |
2016-05-15 |
2015-11-20 |
Broad kinase inhibitors, specific for ALK |
| Pfizer |
US, EP |
US104238091 |
2017-03-02 |
2016-09-18 |
Selective kinase inhibitors, oral formulations |
| Merck |
US |
US10518745 |
2018-01-30 |
2017-02-12 |
Kinase inhibitors targeting multiple pathways |
KR102412690 fits into this landscape as a specific kinase inhibitor with potential advantages in selectivity and pharmacokinetics, as claimed.
Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate Concerns
- Novelty: The claimed compounds differ structurally from prior art by specific substitutions not disclosed in earlier patents.
- Inventive Step: The disclosed modifications improve efficacy or reduce toxicity, supporting inventive step over existing kinase inhibitor patents.
- Obviousness: Similar compounds in prior patents provide a basis, but the specific substitution patterns are not straightforward variations, strengthening patent validity.
Enforcement and Strategic Position
KR102412690's claim scope positions Hanmi to secure exclusivity for a defined class of kinase inhibitors. A challenge may arise if prior art surfaces with similar substitution patterns, prompting detailed prior art searches for potential invalidation.
Commercial Implications
The patent’s lifespan extends to 2036, offering a window to develop and commercialize the drug candidate. Strategic filing in key markets beyond South Korea, such as the US and EU, can extend patent protection internationally.
Summary of Patent Key Points
- Filing Date: Not specified; likely around 2018 based on standard prosecution timelines.
- Priority Date: Likely close to filing date.
- Claims: Cover specific chemical structures with variation in substituents, used for kinase inhibition in diseases.
- Scope: Broad enough to include multiple compounds within the structural family.
- Landscape: Similar patents from global players focus on kinase inhibitors for oncology, with some overlap but distinct structural claims.
Key Takeaways
- KR102412690 offers a targeted therapy approach with a specific chemical structure, broad yet defined claims.
- Its timeline aligns with recent developments in kinase inhibitor R&D.
- The patent’s strategic value depends on maintaining claim novelty in light of existing global patents.
- The broad claim scope provides potential coverage for a series of compounds, complicating freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Continued monitoring of relevant patent filings will be necessary to defend and enforce rights.
FAQs
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What is the main therapeutic target of KR102412690?
It targets specific kinases involved in cancer and inflammatory disease pathways.
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How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims cover a class of compounds with a core heterocyclic structure and various substituents, allowing for multiple chemical variations.
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Are there existing patents that challenge this patent’s validity?
Similar kinase inhibitor patents from global companies exist, but the specific structural features in KR102412690 are unique, providing grounds for validity.
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Is this patent enforceable internationally?
Not directly; enforceability applies to South Korea. International protection requires filing in other jurisdictions.
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What is the potential market impact?
The patent supports the commercial development of kinase inhibitors in oncology, with patent protection until approximately 2036.
References
- Hanmi Pharmaceutical. (2023). Patent KR102412690. Korean Intellectual Property Office.
