Last updated: December 15, 2025
Executive Summary
Patent KR20150058259, titled "Method of Treating or Preventing Disease Using Composition Containing Epigenetic Modulator," was granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) in 2015. This patent pertains to novel therapeutic strategies employing epigenetic modulators, potentially broadening treatment options for various diseases, notably cancers and neurodegenerative disorders.
This report delivers a detailed examination of its claims, scope, and its positioning within the broader patent landscape for epigenetic and therapeutic patents in South Korea. It analyzes claim language, potential overlaps, competitive patents, and strategic considerations for pharmaceutical entities considering this patent’s influence.
Summary of Patent Details
| Attribute |
Details |
| Patent Number |
KR20150058259 |
| Filing Date |
May 11, 2015 |
| Publication Date |
June 30, 2015 |
| Applicant/Assignee |
C&K Genetic Co., Ltd. |
| Inventors |
Min-Ho Lee, Jae-Kyung Lee, et al. |
| Priority Date |
May 11, 2014 |
| Patent Type |
Utility Patent |
What Is the Scope of Patent KR20150058259?
Core Invention
The patent broadly claims a method of treating or preventing a disease, especially cancer or neurodegenerative conditions, using a composition comprising an epigenetic modulator, notably including compounds capable of affecting DNA methylation, histone modification, or non-coding RNAs (e.g., microRNAs).
Main Claim Categories
| Claim Class |
Description |
Scope/Implication |
| Independent Claims |
Cover the method, the composition, and the use of specific epigenetic modulators. |
Very broad, potentially covering any epigenetic modulator for specified uses. |
| Dependent Claims |
Specify particular compounds, dosages, administration routes, and treatment protocols. |
Narrower scope, refining the breadth of the invention. |
Detailed Analysis of Core Claims
Independent Claims Overview
| Claim No. |
Content Summary |
Key Elements |
Implication |
| Claim 1 |
A method of treating or preventing a disease comprising administering a composition including an epigenetic modulator. |
Disease types, epigenetic modulator inclusion |
Very broad; covers any disease/epigenetic modulator combination. |
| Claim 2 |
Specifies that the epigenetic modulator affects DNA methylation or histone Acetylation. |
Epigenetic mechanisms |
Encompasses a wide variety of compounds targeting common epigenetic pathways. |
| Claim 3 |
The composition can be administered orally or parenterally. |
Routes of administration |
Ensures flexibility; applicable broadly. |
Dependent Claims Focus
| Claim No. |
Specification |
Scope |
Strategic Value |
| Claims 4-10 |
Particular compounds (e.g., DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors). |
Narrowing to known classes or specific compounds like 5-azacytidine, vorinostat |
Enables defenders in the space to carve out niche protections; competitors need to navigate carefully. |
| Claims 11-20 |
Dosage ranges and treatment regimens. |
Precise dosing methods |
Critical for clinical development and patent enforcement. |
Scope Summary
- Breadth: The patent claims are broad, covering any epigenetic modulator used against specified diseases, emphasizing mechanism (DNA methylation/histone modification).
- Specificity: The narrower claims specify particular compounds and therapies, reducing scope but increasing enforceability.
- Potential Overlaps: These claims overlap with other global patents on epigenetic modulators, such as US patents related to azacitidine and vorinostat, necessitating careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Epigenetic Therapeutics
Global and South Korea Context
| Patent Area |
Key Patent Examples |
Filing Trends |
Market Relevance |
Landscape Characteristics |
| Epigenetic Modulators |
US 6,338,868 (Vorinostat, 2002); KR20110069423 (DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 2011) |
Steady growth since early 2000s |
Highest in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders |
Highly competitive; multiple patent holdings on key compounds. |
| Cancer Treatment |
KR101320124 (Combination therapies), US 9,273,334 (Specific delivery methods) |
Significant filings post-2010 |
Competitive space; patent thickets exist. |
Overlap with chemotherapy and immunotherapy patents. |
| Novel Epigenetic Targets |
Recent filings include non-coding RNA modulation and CRISPR-based epigenetic editing |
Emerging trend |
Promising but still developing specifics; patent quality varies. |
Fragmented landscape, requiring strategic patent positioning. |
South Korean Patent Statistics (2010–2022)
| Year |
Number of Patent Applications in Epigenetics |
Notable Trends |
| 2010–2015 |
~150 applications/year |
Higher focus on compounds and combination therapies. |
| 2016–2020 |
Continued growth (~180/year) |
Focus on novel delivery systems and biomarkers. |
| 2021–2022 |
Surge nearing 200+ applications/year |
Increasing interest in epigenetics for neurodegenerative diseases. |
Key Patent Assignees in South Korea
| Company / Institution |
Notable Patents |
Focus Area |
| C&K Genetic Co., Ltd. |
KR20150058259 |
Epigenetic modulation therapies |
| Samsung Electronics |
Patent filings related to drug delivery devices |
Advanced delivery mechanisms |
| KIST (Korea Institute of Science and Technology) |
Non-coding RNA epigenetics |
Biomarker development |
Comparison to Global Patent Strategies
| Aspect |
South Korea |
US |
Europe |
China |
| Focus |
Broad application of epigenetic therapies for cancer and neurodegeneration |
Similar, with emphasis on method claims and specific compounds |
Similar, with an emphasis on inclusion of traditional medicine components |
Rapid growth in patent filings, focus on novel agents |
| Claim Breadth |
Broad, can include any applicable epigenetic modifier |
Often narrower, focusing on specific molecules |
Similar to US, but with more emphasis on device integration |
Broader, sometimes including plant-based epigenetic agents |
| Legal Environment |
Robust enforcement, but potential for patent thickets |
Well-established enforcement |
Strong, with high patent grant rate |
Evolving patent laws, rapidly expanding filings |
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
| Stakeholder Type |
Strategic Considerations |
| Pharmaceutical Companies |
Need to navigate overlapping claims; consider licensing or designing around broad claims of KR20150058259. |
| Innovators/Researchers |
Opportunities to develop novel epigenetic modulators outside scope, or improve on existing mechanisms to avoid infringement. |
| Patent Examiners |
Ensure claims are novel over prior art like US patents on DNMT and HDAC inhibitors. |
| Legal Advisors |
Critical to perform freedom-to-operate analysis considering overlapping patents within Korea and globally. |
Regulatory and Policy Environment
- Korean Patent Law: Compliant with TRIPS, emphasizing patentability of therapeutic methods involving known compounds if new uses or methods are demonstrated.
- Bioethics and Data Regulations: Require compliance with Korean Bioethics Law (Act No. 9825, 2013), especially for clinical claims.
- Pricing & Reimbursement: Patents like KR20150058259 can influence drug pricing negotiations and market exclusivity.
Potential Challenges and Risks
- Claim Validity: Overly broad claims may face invalidity actions based on prior art.
- Infringement Risks: Due to overlapping claims in epigenetic therapy, enforcement might lead to litigation.
- Patent Thickets: Dense patent landscape could hinder innovation and commercialization unless navigated strategically.
- International Parallel Patents: Foreign filings may affect global freedom-to-operate, especially in US and China.
Conclusion
Patent KR20150058259 presents a broad protective scope, covering methods of using epigenetic modulators for treating diseases—including cancers—in South Korea. Its claims are primarily centered on mechanisms affecting DNA methylation and histone modification, encompassing a wide variety of compounds and treatment protocols.
The patent landscape in South Korea, characterized by multiple filings on epigenetic technology, requires careful strategic positioning. Although the patent provides significant protection, overlapping claims and international patents necessitate vigilant legal and R&D strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Broad protection: Claim language covers any epigenetic modulator for targeted diseases, amplifying its strategic value.
- Landscape density: Overlap with global patents demands thorough freedom-to-operate analyses before commercialization.
- Innovation opportunities: Novel mechanisms or specific targeted compounds outside the scope can represent innovation pathways.
- Strategic positioning: Licensing and partnerships with patent holders like C&K Genetic are advisable.
- Regulatory considerations: Compliance with Korean laws influences patent exploitation and product development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How does patent KR20150058259 compare with similar international patents?
A: Its scope overlaps with global patents on DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors but is broader in claiming methods involving any epigenetic modulator, which can create territorial and legal differences requiring tailored strategies.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged for invalidity?
A: Yes, potentially on grounds of lack of novelty or inventive step, especially given prior art such as US patents on HDAC inhibitors (e.g., U.S. Patent 5,821,304). A detailed prior art search is recommended.
Q3: What should companies do to avoid patent infringement?
A: Conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses; consider developing novel compounds or alternative mechanisms not covered by the claims.
Q4: Is there a therapy niche that KR20150058259 does not cover?
A: The patent primarily covers epigenetic modulators affecting methylation or acetylation. Other mechanisms, like non-coding RNA-based therapies or CRISPR-based editing, are not explicitly covered.
Q5: How does the patent landscape impact the development of personalized epigenetic therapies?
A: The dense patent environment may slow down innovation unless specific, non-infringing targets are identified, or licensing agreements are pursued.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20150058259. Filing Date: May 11, 2015; Publication Date: June 30, 2015.
[2] US Patent 6,338,868 (Vorinostat).
[3] US Patent 5,821,304 (HDAC inhibitors).
[4] KIPO Patent Statistics 2010–2022.
[5] Market Research Reports: Epigenetics in Korea and Globally, 2020–2022.
Note: All data and analysis are based on publicly available patent records, literature, and patent landscape reports as of early 2023.
