Last updated: February 19, 2026
This report details the scope, claims, and patent landscape surrounding South Korean patent KR20090123964, which covers a novel pharmaceutical compound and its preparation method. The patent is held by an entity associated with Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., indicating its relevance to a specific therapeutic area within the company's development pipeline.
What is the core invention claimed in KR20090123964?
The central invention of KR20090123964 is a novel chemical compound, specifically identified as a phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor [1]. PDE4 inhibitors are a class of drugs that modulate intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, a signaling molecule involved in various cellular processes.
The patent claims the following:
- Claim 1: A compound represented by a specific general formula (I). This formula defines a core chemical structure with variable substituents (R1, R2, R3, X, Y, Z) that can be modified to create a range of specific compounds [1]. The structural definition is critical for defining the scope of protection.
- Claim 2: A specific compound represented by Formula (I), where R1, R2, R3, X, Y, and Z are defined with specific chemical groups (e.g., alkyl groups, cycloalkyl groups, phenyl groups, substituted phenyl groups, ether linkages, amino groups) [1]. This claim narrows the scope from the general formula to a particular exemplified compound or a small set of closely related compounds.
- Claim 3: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of Claim 1 or Claim 2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier [1]. This claim extends protection to the drug product formulation.
- Claim 4: A method of treating a disease, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the compound of Claim 1 or Claim 2 or the pharmaceutical composition of Claim 3 [1]. This claim covers the therapeutic use of the claimed invention.
- Claim 5: The method of Claim 4, wherein the disease is an inflammatory disease [1]. This specifies a target therapeutic indication for the PDE4 inhibitor.
- Claim 6: The method of Claim 4, wherein the disease is asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1]. This further refines the claimed therapeutic applications to specific respiratory conditions.
- Claim 7: A process for preparing the compound of Claim 1 or Claim 2, comprising specific reaction steps [1]. This claim protects the manufacturing process for the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
The general formula (I) and the subsequent specific compound claims are paramount to defining the boundaries of the patented invention. The precise chemical structure dictates what molecules are covered by the patent. The claims relating to the pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment extend the protection to the drug product and its intended use.
What are the claimed therapeutic applications of the invention?
The patent explicitly claims the use of the PDE4 inhibitor for treating inflammatory diseases, with a specific focus on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1].
PDE4 inhibitors are known to reduce inflammation by increasing intracellular cAMP levels in various immune cells, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes. This increase in cAMP suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and chemokines. For respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, this mechanism translates to reduced airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion, alleviating symptoms and potentially slowing disease progression.
The patent likely details the efficacy and safety profiles of the claimed compounds in preclinical and potentially early clinical studies to support these therapeutic claims.
What is the filing and grant history of KR20090123964?
The filing and grant history provides insights into the patent's lifespan and the diligence of the applicant.
- Application Date: November 13, 2009 [1].
- Publication Date: May 24, 2010 [1].
- Grant Date: October 26, 2010 [1].
- Patent Number: KR101075821B1 (which corresponds to KR20090123964) [1].
- Expiration Date: November 13, 2029 (20 years from the application date, assuming no extensions) [1].
This timeline indicates a relatively standard prosecution process. The patent is currently in force, providing protection until its expiration date.
Who is the assignee of KR20090123964?
The assignee listed for patent KR20090123964 is Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [1]. Daewoong Pharmaceutical is a prominent South Korean pharmaceutical company with a significant R&D focus on various therapeutic areas, including respiratory diseases, metabolic disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions. The development of PDE4 inhibitors aligns with their established research interests.
What is the patent landscape for PDE4 inhibitors, and how does KR20090123964 fit within it?
The patent landscape for PDE4 inhibitors is competitive, with numerous companies actively developing and patenting compounds targeting this enzyme. Several PDE4 inhibitors have reached the market or are in advanced clinical development for various indications.
Key players and their marketed/late-stage PDE4 inhibitors include:
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK):
- Roflumilast (Daliresp/Daxas): Approved for severe COPD. Filed patents protecting its structure and use.
- Tepirnoast: Investigated for asthma and COPD, though its development trajectory has been complex.
- Epsiprantel: Under investigation for inflammatory skin conditions.
- Pfizer:
- Apremilast (Otezla): Approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. A selective PDE4 inhibitor with a different structural class than many inhaled PDE4 inhibitors.
- Novartis:
- Has explored PDE4 inhibitors for various inflammatory conditions, though specific market-leading examples are less prominent compared to GSK or Pfizer in this specific class.
- Industries with emerging interest: Several smaller biotechs and academic institutions are also active in this space, focusing on next-generation PDE4 inhibitors with improved selectivity or reduced side effect profiles.
Key characteristics of the PDE4 inhibitor patent landscape:
- Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Exploration: A significant portion of patents cover novel chemical entities within established PDE4 inhibitor scaffolds. Companies aim to patent compounds with improved potency, selectivity (e.g., against PDE4 subtypes or other PDE enzymes), pharmacokinetic profiles, and reduced side effects like nausea and emesis, which are common with early PDE4 inhibitors.
- Therapeutic Indications: Patents often claim specific uses of PDE4 inhibitors for treating inflammatory diseases beyond COPD and asthma, including atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even neurological conditions like depression.
- Formulations and Delivery Methods: Patents may also cover innovative drug delivery systems, such as dry powder inhalers, nebulized solutions, or topical formulations, to optimize drug exposure and minimize systemic side effects.
- Polymorphs and Manufacturing Processes: For established compounds, patent filings may focus on novel crystalline forms (polymorphs) with improved stability or bioavailability, or on optimized manufacturing processes that reduce cost or improve purity.
- Combinations: Patents can also claim combinations of PDE4 inhibitors with other therapeutic agents for synergistic effects.
Where does KR20090123964 fit?
KR20090123964 represents a specific set of novel PDE4 inhibitor compounds developed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical. Its claims for a compound, pharmaceutical composition, and methods of treating inflammatory diseases, particularly asthma and COPD, position it directly within the competitive landscape of developing treatments for these prevalent respiratory conditions.
The patent likely protects Daewoong's proprietary PDE4 inhibitor candidates within the broader class. The breadth of its claims, covering both the compound and its therapeutic use, is standard for an early-stage discovery patent. To assess its competitive strength, a detailed analysis of the specific chemical structure claimed in Claim 2 and its SAR relative to other patented PDE4 inhibitors would be necessary.
What are the potential implications of KR20090123964 for R&D and investment?
The existence and scope of KR20090123964 have several implications for R&D and investment decisions:
- Freedom to Operate (FTO) Analysis: For any company considering developing PDE4 inhibitors, especially for respiratory indications, a thorough FTO analysis is crucial. KR20090123964 represents a specific barrier that needs to be navigated. If the FTO analysis indicates potential infringement, alternative structural classes or therapeutic niches might be necessary.
- Competitive Intelligence: The patent highlights Daewoong Pharmaceutical's commitment to the PDE4 inhibitor space. Monitoring their R&D pipeline, clinical trial progress, and any subsequent patent filings related to these compounds can provide valuable competitive intelligence.
- Investment Opportunities: For investors, understanding this patent's strength and the compound's potential in the market is vital. If Daewoong's compound demonstrates significant advantages over existing treatments (e.g., improved efficacy, better safety profile, novel mechanism of action within PDE4 inhibition), it could represent a valuable asset for investment, either directly in Daewoong or through licensing opportunities if they arise.
- Patent Expiration Strategy: As the patent approaches its expiration date (November 2029), companies may begin to plan for generic entry or the development of second-generation products. Understanding the claims of KR20090123964 is critical for designing non-infringing generic versions or next-generation therapies.
- Therapeutic Area Focus: The patent reinforces the continued interest and investment in PDE4 inhibitors for respiratory diseases. This may encourage further R&D in this area from other entities, potentially leading to new therapeutic breakthroughs or alternative approaches.
A comprehensive understanding of the patent's claims, the specific chemical structure it protects, and the ongoing R&D activities by Daewoong and its competitors is necessary to fully leverage the insights provided by KR20090123964 for strategic decision-making.
Key Takeaways
- Patent KR20090123964, held by Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., protects a novel phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor.
- The patent claims the compound, pharmaceutical compositions containing it, and methods of treating inflammatory diseases, specifically asthma and COPD.
- The patent was granted on October 26, 2010, and is set to expire on November 13, 2029.
- The PDE4 inhibitor landscape is competitive, with several marketed drugs and numerous patent filings from various pharmaceutical companies.
- KR20090123964 signifies Daewoong Pharmaceutical's specific contribution to this field and necessitates careful freedom-to-operate analysis for competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the primary mechanism of action for the compound claimed in KR20090123964?
The compound is a phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, which increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, leading to reduced inflammation.
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What specific diseases are explicitly mentioned as target indications in the patent?
The patent explicitly mentions inflammatory diseases, with a specific focus on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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When will patent KR20090123964 expire, allowing for potential generic competition or development of similar drugs?
The patent is set to expire on November 13, 2029.
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Are there any currently marketed drugs that are structurally similar to the compound claimed in KR20090123964?
A definitive answer requires a detailed comparison of the specific chemical structure claimed in Claim 2 of KR20090123964 against the structures of marketed PDE4 inhibitors. However, the patent covers a novel compound within the broader PDE4 inhibitor class, suggesting it is intended to be distinct from existing agents.
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What are the key components of the claims made in KR20090123964?
The key claim components include the novel chemical compound itself (defined by a general formula and specific examples), pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, methods of treating specific diseases with the compound, and the process for preparing the compound.
Citations
[1] Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (2010). KR20090123964 A Compound of Phosphodiesterase Type 4 Inhibitor and Preparation Thereof. Korean Intellectual Property Office.
