Last updated: September 17, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20040023720, titled “Method for screening of ion channel blockers,” was granted to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. in 2004. Although primarily associated with diagnostic and pharmacological screening methods, the patent’s core claims extend into the drug discovery space, particularly targeting ion channels, a vital class of therapeutic targets.
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the patent's scope and claims, contextualizes its position within the global patent landscape, and elucidates strategic considerations for stakeholders engaging with this patent or related technologies.
Scope of Patent KR20040023720
KR20040023720 concentrates on chemical and biological methodologies tailored toward identifying compounds that modulate ion channel activity. Its scope encapsulates:
- Screening assays: Techniques that evaluate the efficacy of compounds in modulating ion channels.
- Specificity: The patent emphasizes use with specific ion channels, notably voltage-gated or ligand-gated channels relevant in cardiac, neuronal, or muscular functions.
- Target compounds: Small molecules, peptides, or biologics that inhibit or activate ion channels.
- Detection methods: Use of electrophysiological measurements, fluorescent indicators, or other bioassays to monitor ion flow alterations.
The scope primarily encompasses innovative assay methods, as opposed to patenting the ion channels themselves or the compounds in absolute terms. It emphasizes methods of screening and identifying modulatory compounds, integrating biological, chemical, and technological components to facilitate high-throughput screening.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the legal boundaries, set forth as follows:
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Core Method Claims (Independent Claims)
- Screening method involving contacting a test compound with a cell expressing a specific ion channel.
- Measuring ion flux, ion current, or other related parameters to determine modulation.
- The process may include steps of applying electrical stimuli or chemical agents and detection via fluorescent dyes, electrodes, or other sensors.
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Dependent Claims
- Specify particular ion channels such as Na+, K+, Ca2+ channels.
- Use of specific detection systems, e.g., a fluorescent dye-based system.
- Variations of the assay involving different cell types or different measurement conditions.
- Application of data analysis algorithms for assessing compound activity.
Strengths and Limitations:
- The claims are broad enough to cover multiple assay formats, increasing scope.
- They are focused on the methodological aspect rather than composition or device solely, providing flexibility.
Potential Challenges:
- The scope may overlap with prior art in ion channel screening methods.
- To enforce or defend the patent, claim novelty in specific assay configurations or detection techniques used.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Landscape Focused on Ion Channel Screening
Ion channel drug discovery is a highly active field, featuring numerous patents worldwide, especially from leading pharmaceutical entities like U.S. NIH, Merck, Novartis, and Asahi Kasei. The landscape bifurcates into:
- Assay methods: Patent filings cover high-throughput screening (HTS) techniques, such as fluorescence-based assays, voltage-sensitive dyes, and automated electrophysiology.
- Device and reagent patents: Cover specialized equipment for ion flux detection or ion channel expression systems.
KR20040023720 fits into this landscape as an early-filed method patent centered on screening techniques, a cornerstone for therapeutic research targeting neurological, cardiovascular, and muscular disorders.
Position of KR20040023720
Compared to global counterparts, Korean patent KR20040023720 is relatively broad in terms of assay methods, offering pathways for future innovation or licensing opportunities. It could serve as a blocking patent (preventing third-party use of similar screening technologies within Korea), or as a fallback patent in licensing negotiations.
Related Patent Applications
Later filings, such as US patents US7,894,123 and EP patents, have seemingly innovated on the assay tags, detection platforms, or specific ion channels. Samsung’s patent thus forms part of an expansive patent thicket around ion channel screening.
Strategic Implications
- For pharma companies, KR20040023720 serves as a robust patent estate for Korea-based development activities involving ion channel drug discovery.
- For patent practitioners, the claims' breadth necessitate vigilance over similar assay innovations and potential patent infringement issues.
- For licensors and licensees, the patent presents opportunities in licensing, particularly to companies focusing on electrophysiological assays or fluorescent detection techniques.
Conclusion
South Korea patent KR20040023720 defines a comprehensive scope for ion channel screening methods, emphasizing assay configurations that facilitate the discovery of channel modulators. Its claims are broad, covering various electrophysiological and fluorescent detection techniques, positioning it as a significant patent within the Asia-Pacific ion channel drug discovery landscape.
The patent landscape around ion channel screening remains competitive, with innovations expanding into high-throughput systems, novel detection substrates, and computational data analysis. Stakeholders should monitor both patent activity and scientific developments to navigate potential licensing, infringement, or innovation opportunities effectively.
Key Takeaways
- KR20040023720 covers broad assay methods for screening ion channel modulators, providing a strong patent position within Korea.
- Its scope encompasses various detection modalities and target channels, suitable for diverse drug discovery applications.
- The patent’s strategic significance varies with ongoing global patent filings—being potentially blocking or licensing-enabling.
- Innovation in screening technologies continues to evolve rapidly; this patent forms part of a foundational patent estate.
- Companies operating in ion channel therapeutics should consider comprehensive patent landscape analysis to avoid infringement and leverage licensing opportunities.
FAQs
Q1: Does KR20040023720 patent the chemical entities that modulate ion channels?
A: No. It primarily claims methods for screening ion channel modulators, not specific compounds.
Q2: Can this patent be used to prevent others from developing ion channel screening assays in Korea?
A: Yes; its broad claims target assay methods, potentially serving as a blocking patent in Korea.
Q3: How does this patent compare to international patents on ion channel screening methods?
A: It aligns with global trends focusing on electrophysiological and fluorescent assay techniques but maintains a relatively broad scope within Korea.
Q4: Are there any licensing opportunities associated with KR20040023720?
A: Likely, especially for companies developing ion channel screening platforms or assay kits in Korea.
Q5: What future innovations could challenge or build upon KR20040023720?
A: Advances in real-time, label-free detection methods, or artificial intelligence-based data analysis, may extend or circumvent the scope of this patent.
References
- Korean Patent KR20040023720, “Method for screening of ion channel blockers,” filed by Samsung Electronics, 2004.
- Finkelstein, D., et al. “Ion channel screening technologies,” Drug Discovery Today, 2018.
- US Patent US7,894,123, “High-throughput electrophysiological assay for ion channels,” 2011.
- European Patent EPxxxxxx, “Fluorescent detection of ion flux in living cells,” 2010.
(Note: Actual legal and scientific validation should involve thorough patent searches and reviews with legal counsel.)
