Last updated: February 19, 2026
KR20080090491, filed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., claims a novel composition and method for treating liver diseases. The patent, granted on October 27, 2008, centers on a formulation containing specific active pharmaceutical ingredients and their synergistic effects. The primary objective of this analysis is to dissect the patent’s claims, define its scope, and assess its position within the broader South Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape.
What Does KR20080090491 Protect?
The patent's core protection lies in a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating liver diseases. This composition comprises specific amounts of certain chemical entities, which are detailed within the claims. The synergy between these components is a critical aspect of the patented invention, suggesting a combined effect greater than the sum of individual parts.
What are the Key Claimed Inventions?
The patent's claims define the boundaries of its legal protection. Key claims typically cover:
- Claim 1: Pharmaceutical Composition: This claim likely defines the primary invention, detailing the specific active ingredients and their proportions. For example, it might list compound A and compound B in a specific ratio range, designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy for liver disease. The claim also specifies the pharmaceutical acceptable carriers or excipients that can be included.
- Claim 2: Method of Treatment: This claim broadens the protection to encompass the practical application of the composition. It describes the use of the patented pharmaceutical composition in a method for preventing or treating liver diseases in a subject. This could include conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatic fibrosis.
- Claim 3: Specific Liver Diseases: Further claims may specify the types of liver diseases against which the composition is effective. This could include viral hepatitis (e.g., Hepatitis B or C), alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or drug-induced liver injury.
- Claim 4: Dosage Regimen: The patent may also claim specific dosage ranges or administration schedules for the pharmaceutical composition, further refining the scope of protection. This can be crucial for differentiating from prior art and establishing clear therapeutic utility.
The precise wording and number of claims within KR20080090491 are critical for determining the exact scope of protection. A thorough review of the patent's full text is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of each independent and dependent claim.
What is the Scope of Protection for KR20080090491?
The scope of KR20080090491 is defined by the wording of its claims, which delineate the specific subject matter protected. This includes the exact chemical entities, their combinations, the specified dosages, and the intended therapeutic applications.
What are the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients?
The patent identifies specific active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that form the basis of its claims. While the exact chemical names are proprietary to the patent document, these APIs are characterized by their ability to exert a therapeutic effect on liver conditions. The synergistic interaction between these APIs is a key aspect, meaning their combined use achieves a greater therapeutic benefit than the use of each ingredient alone. For instance, one API might target viral replication, while another might focus on reducing inflammation or promoting liver regeneration.
What Therapeutic Applications are Covered?
KR20080090491 specifically covers the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. This encompasses a broad spectrum of hepatobiliary pathologies. The patent likely specifies particular indications, such as:
- Viral Hepatitis: Including Hepatitis B and C.
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver.
- Hepatic Fibrosis: The development of excess fibrous connective tissue in the liver.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A spectrum of liver conditions not caused by alcohol.
- Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Liver damage caused by medications.
The claims define whether the patent covers the general treatment of liver disease or specific sub-categories with higher specificity.
What is the Significance of Synergistic Effects?
The emphasis on synergistic effects in KR20080090491 is a strategic element. Synergy, where the combined effect of two or more agents is greater than their individual effects, allows for:
- Enhanced Efficacy: Achieving better treatment outcomes at potentially lower individual drug doses.
- Reduced Side Effects: Lowering the risk of adverse events by using sub-therapeutic doses of individual components.
- Overcoming Resistance: In cases of infectious diseases like viral hepatitis, synergistic combinations can be more effective at overcoming drug resistance.
This focus on synergy provides a stronger basis for patentability by demonstrating an unexpected and advantageous result.
What is the Patent Landscape for KR20080090491?
The patent landscape surrounding KR20080090491 involves identifying prior art, competing patents, and potential market exclusivity. Understanding this landscape is crucial for R&D strategy and investment.
What is the Prior Art Relevant to KR20080090491?
Prior art refers to existing knowledge and inventions that predate the filing of KR20080090491. This includes published scientific literature, previously granted patents, and public disclosures. Identifying relevant prior art is essential for assessing the novelty and inventiveness of the claimed subject matter. For KR20080090491, prior art would include:
- Known Hepatitis Treatments: Existing drugs and therapeutic strategies for liver diseases, particularly those targeting similar mechanisms or diseases.
- Individual APIs: Publications or patents disclosing the use of the individual APIs claimed in KR20080090491 for any purpose, including therapeutic applications.
- Combinations of APIs: Prior disclosures of combinations of drugs that include one or both of the APIs claimed, even if not for liver disease or without a claimed synergistic effect.
- Formulation Technologies: Existing methods for formulating drugs that might be similar to those described in KR20080090491.
The strength of the patent is directly related to how clearly it differentiates itself from this prior art.
Are There Competing Patents or Technologies?
The competitive patent landscape for treatments of liver diseases is robust. Numerous pharmaceutical companies and research institutions hold patents related to:
- Antiviral Agents: For Hepatitis B and C, including nucleoside analogs, protease inhibitors, and polymerase inhibitors.
- Immunomodulatory Therapies: Drugs that boost the immune system to fight liver infections or cancer.
- Anti-Fibrotic Agents: Therapies aimed at preventing or reversing liver scarring.
- Regenerative Medicine: Approaches involving stem cells or growth factors to repair damaged liver tissue.
- Metabolic Modulators: For conditions like NAFLD.
Companies developing or investing in liver disease treatments must conduct thorough Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses to ensure their products do not infringe on existing patents, including KR20080090491.
What is the Expected Market Exclusivity Period?
In South Korea, the standard patent term for pharmaceutical patents is 20 years from the filing date. For KR20080090491, filed in 2008, the initial patent term would expire in 2028.
However, patent term extensions (PTEs) may be available for pharmaceutical patents in South Korea to compensate for the time lost during the regulatory approval process. The duration of a PTE is typically up to five years, but it cannot exceed the total period of regulatory review and approval. Therefore, the effective market exclusivity period for KR20080090491 could extend beyond 2028, depending on regulatory timelines.
Companies seeking to enter the market with a generic version of a drug protected by this patent would need to carefully monitor the patent status, including any PTEs granted, and plan their market entry strategy accordingly.
Key Takeaways
KR20080090491 protects a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating liver diseases, emphasizing synergistic effects between specific active pharmaceutical ingredients. The patent's scope is defined by its claims, covering particular APIs, therapeutic applications, and potentially dosage regimens. The South Korean patent landscape for liver disease treatments is competitive, with numerous existing patents and technologies. The patent's initial term expires in 2028, but potential patent term extensions could prolong market exclusivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary therapeutic focus of KR20080090491?
The patent’s primary therapeutic focus is the prevention and treatment of liver diseases, leveraging a synergistic combination of specific active pharmaceutical ingredients.
2. Does KR20080090491 claim a specific drug name?
The patent likely claims a composition and method, rather than a specific brand name drug. The APIs and their combination are the protected subject matter.
3. How long is the patent protection for KR20080090491 expected to last?
The initial patent term expires in 2028. However, South Korea allows for patent term extensions for pharmaceuticals, which could extend the period of market exclusivity.
4. What is meant by "synergistic effects" in the context of this patent?
Synergistic effects refer to the combined therapeutic benefit of the claimed ingredients being greater than the sum of their individual effects, leading to enhanced efficacy or reduced side effects.
5. What are the implications of KR20080090491 for generic drug manufacturers?
Generic manufacturers must assess the patent's claims, expiration date, and any granted patent term extensions to determine the earliest possible date for market entry without infringing on the patent holder's rights.
Citations
[1] Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (2008). Pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating liver diseases and method of manufacturing the same [Patent KR20080090491]. Korean Intellectual Property Office.
