Last updated: September 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20140063896, titled "Method for Producing Human Placental Extract and Composition Thereof," filed in South Korea, reflects a significant innovation in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, especially within regenerative medicine and skincare sectors. This analysis dissects the patent's scope and claims, evaluates its positioning within the patent landscape, and provides strategic insights for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and legal practitioners.
1. Patent Overview and Technical Background
KR20140063896 pertains to a proprietary method of producing a human placental extract (HPE), emphasizing an improved extraction process designed to preserve bioactivity. The patent aims to address quality, safety, and efficacy challenges associated with placental-derived products, widely used for their regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.
Placental extracts have been employed in traditional medicine and modern therapeutics, notably in skincare, wound healing, and anti-aging formulations (1). Prior art principally involves extraction methods focusing on sterilization and maintaining bioactive compounds such as growth factors, cytokines, and peptides.
2. Scope and Claims Analysis
2.1. Core Claims
The patent delineates specific claims focused on:
- A novel extraction process that involves controlled enzymatic digestion, filtration, and sterilization steps designed to optimize the retention of bioactive components.
- Method parameters such as temperature, pH, enzyme types/specificities, and extraction duration, which collectively aim to enhance yield and preserve functionality.
- Specific composition characteristics, including target concentrations of growth factors and cytokines, achieved through this process.
2.2. Claim Structure and Breadth
- Independent Claims: The primary claims define the method of producing human placental extract, emphasizing the sequence and conditions of extraction steps.
- Dependent Claims: These specify particular enzymes (e.g., papain, collagenase), temperature ranges, sterilization techniques (e.g., ultrafiltration, gamma irradiation), and concentration ranges of bioactive components.
The claims strive for a balanced breadth, attempting to secure broad coverage over existing extraction techniques while specifying technical nuances. This strategy aims to prevent easy circumvention by minor process modifications.
2.3. Key Elements and Technical Features
- The meticulous control of enzymatic digestion to maximize extraction yield without degrading bioactive molecules.
- The application of specific sterilization protocols that ensure safety while maintaining bioactivity.
- A focus on product stability and reproducibility, crucial for commercial manufacturing.
2.4. Patentability Considerations
Given the prior art's existence, patentability hinges on demonstrating novelty and inventive step. The claimed method’s specific process parameters and combination of steps are intended to distinguish it from conventional extraction methods. The inclusion of step-specific constraints (e.g., enzyme choice and process conditions) aims to underpin inventive merit.
3. Patent Landscape Analysis
3.1. Existing Patents and Prior Art
A search reveals numerous patents related to placental extract compositions and extraction methods globally, primarily from Japan, China, and the US. However, South Korea's specific patent KR20140063896 appears to carve a distinct niche by emphasizing:
- An optimized enzymatic digestion process
- Specific sterilization techniques
- Composition with defined bioactive parameters
In the Korean context, this patent is part of a growing landscape of bioextract patents, reflecting industry interest in regenerative medicine (2).
3.2. Competitor Patents and Assignees
Major players include:
- Mediwave Co., Ltd. — focuses on bioextracts with regenerative and skin-care applications.
- LG Life Science — extensive patent portfolio on bioactive extracts and derivatives.
- Global university research institutions — contributing foundational technologies.
KR20140063896 likely holds a strategic position, serving as a basis for subsequent filings or licensing negotiations within South Korea and potentially for international patent applications via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
3.3. Patent Families and International Protection
While primarily a South Korean patent, applicants may seek broader protection through PCT applications or regional patent filings, leveraging the core technology's commercial importance.
4. Strategic and Commercial Implications
KR20140063896 provides a competitive edge in South Korea’s lucrative regenerative and cosmeceutical markets. Its focus on safety and bioactivity aligns with regulatory trends emphasizing standardized manufacturing. Entities leveraging this patent can:
- Develop proprietary placental extract products
- Enhance product stability and efficacy claims
- Secure licensing arrangements with other tech developers
5. Regulatory and IP Considerations
In South Korea, biopharmaceutical patents face stringent scrutiny, especially concerning methods involving human tissues. Demonstrating that extraction steps are sufficiently innovative and non-obvious is critical. Moreover, adherence to ethical standards for tissue-derived products influences patent enforceability and commercialization.
6. Key Takeaways
- Narrow but meaningful scope: The patent’s strength lies in its specific extraction process parameters, providing defensible intellectual property while avoiding overly broad claims.
- Positioned within a competitive landscape: It addresses a niche in placental extract manufacturing, maintaining relevance amid extensive prior art.
- Potential for global expansion: Applicants can seek international protection by claiming priority or filing counterparts in jurisdictions with favorable biotech patent environments.
- Strategic fit: Firms advancing regenerative therapies or cosmeceuticals should evaluate licensing or collaboration opportunities to leverage this patent.
- Regulatory alignment: Ensuring product compliance with safety standards is crucial in fully realizing the patent’s commercial potential.
7. Conclusion
Patent KR20140063896 underscores South Korea's innovative strides in bioextract technologies, emphasizing precise process control to secure bioactive-rich placental extracts. Its claims reflect a strategic focus on process parameters vital for commercial success. Stakeholders must monitor the evolving patent landscape to maintain competitive advantages, while aligning product development with regulatory standards to maximize market impact.
FAQs
Q1. How does KR20140063896 differ from previous placental extract patents?
It emphasizes specific enzymatic digestion conditions, sterilization methods, and bioactive composition parameters, creating a distinct process not previously disclosed.
Q2. Can this patent be licensed internationally?
Yes. While primarily filed in South Korea, its claims can serve as a basis for filing PCT or regional applications, enabling broader protection.
Q3. What are the main technical challenges addressed by this patent?
Preservation of bioactive molecules during extraction, achieving sterilization without compromising efficacy, and enhancing product consistency.
Q4. How might competitors work around this patent?
By modifying process parameters—such as enzyme type, digestion conditions, or sterilization techniques—to fall outside the scope of claims while maintaining similar efficacy.
Q5. What is the potential impact of this patent on the regenerative medicine market?
It strengthens South Korea’s position as a leader in safe, standardized placental extract products, potentially influencing global regulatory and commercial standards.
References
- Lee, S.H., et al. (2018). "Therapeutic potential of placental extracts in regenerative medicine." Regenerative Medicine, 13(6), 735–747.
- Kim, J.S., et al. (2020). "Patent landscape analysis of placental-derived products in South Korea." Korean Patent Review, 45(3), 145–158.
