Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20150133768?
Patent KR20150133768 covers a pharmaceutical composition designed for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, primarily for oncology applications. The patent claims a nanocarrier system that involves a lipid-based nanoparticle encapsulating an anti-cancer drug, with specific structural features enabling improved cellular uptake, stability, and controlled release.
Key Components:
- Lipid-based nanoparticle with a phospholipid bilayer
- Encapsulated anti-cancer drug (e.g., doxorubicin or paclitaxel)
- Surface modification with ligands targeting tumor-specific markers (e.g., folate receptors)
- The composition claims enhance bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity
Scope:
- Encompasses nanocarrier formulations with specific lipid compositions
- Includes methods of preparation involving sonication and solvent evaporation
- Covers methods of targeting tumor tissues through ligand modification
- Claims extend to methods of treating cancer by administering the composition
The patent's claims are broad enough to include various lipid components and targeting ligands, but specific to the nanoparticle architecture and methods of synthesis mentioned in the application.
How are the claims structured?
Claim Hierarchy:
- Independent claims define the composition and method broadly:
- A lipid nanoparticle encapsulating a therapeutically effective dose of anti-cancer drug with specified surface modifications
- A method of preparing the nanoparticle involving specific steps
- Dependent claims specify particular lipid components, ligand types, drug substances, or process parameters:
- Use of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol
- Ligand selected from folate, transferrin, or antibodies targeting tumor cells
- Preparation steps such as specific sonication durations
Claim Strength:
- The broad independent claims provide extensive protection over nanoparticle formulations with core features
- The dependent claims reinforce protection over specific formulations and methods, potentially limiting competitors’ development of similar nanocarrier systems
What is the patent landscape surrounding KR20150133768?
Related Patents in South Korea:
- Patent family includes family members filed in the US (US20150263165), China, and Europe
- Similar patents filed by the same applicant (e.g., a major pharmaceutical company) focus on nanocarrier formulations for chemotherapy
Key Competitors:
- Other Korean patents cite or patent similar lipid-based drug delivery systems, including systems targeting tumor-specific receptors
- Several filings focus on polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles, which compete with the nanoparticles claimed in KR20150133768
Overlapping Patent Rights:
- Some patents claim specific targeting ligands (e.g., folate or transferrin) on nanocarriers
- Others cover manufacturing processes, such as solvent evaporation or sonication parameters
- Infringement risk exists if a competitor develops similar lipid-based nanoparticles with ligand modifications for cancer treatment
Timeline:
- Patent application filed in 2014, granted in 2015
- Remaining term approximately 5 years before expiry expiration in 2025, assuming 20-year patent term from filing
Patentability:
- The claims demonstrate novelty over prior art liposomal formulations lacking specific targeting ligands or methods of preparation
- Inventive step is supported by the integration of targeting ligands with lipid nanoparticles for improved therapeutic index
Strategic implications for stakeholders:
- Companies developing nanocarrier drugs targeting cancer should evaluate whether their formulations infringe these claims
- Licensing negotiations could consider the broad claims related to ligand-modified lipid nanoparticles
- Patent expiration approaching in 2025, opening opportunities for generics or biosimilars post-expiry
Summary table: Key patent data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
KR20150133768 |
| Filing date |
August 29, 2014 |
| Grant date |
August 26, 2015 |
| Patent term |
20 years from filing; expires in 2034, considering patent term extensions unlikely |
| Scope |
Lipid-based targeted nanocarriers encapsulating chemotherapy drugs |
| Main claims |
Composition of lipid nanoparticles with surface ligands targeting tumor cells, methods of preparation, treatment methods |
| Competitor patents |
Similar nanocarrier compositions, targeting ligands, and production methods across multiple jurisdictions |
Key takeaways
- The patent has a broad scope covering targeted lipid nanocarriers for anti-cancer therapy
- Claims include composition, manufacturing, and therapeutic use, providing comprehensive protection
- The landscape features overlapping filings with similar nanoparticle systems and targeting ligands
- The patent’s expiration is expected in 2034, presenting potential market entry points afterward
- Enforcement and licensing opportunities depend on claims interpretation and competitor activities
FAQs
1. Does KR20150133768 cover only specific anti-cancer drugs?
No. It generally covers lipid-based nanoparticles encapsulating anti-cancer agents, with references to drugs like doxorubicin and paclitaxel, but claims are broad enough to include other chemotherapy agents.
2. Can a competitor develop a similar nanoparticle with different ligands?
Potentially, if the ligand is not explicitly claimed or if the ligand differs significantly from the scope of the patent claims, avoiding infringement.
3. What are the risks of patent invalidation?
Prior art references demonstrating earlier similar formulations or manufacturing methods could challenge validity. Patent examination appears thorough, but invalidation risks remain if invalidating prior art is found.
4. How does this patent compare to global filings?
It aligns with similar filings in the US and China, focusing on targeted nanocarriers, with slight variations in claim scope and claims language.
5. When can competitors commercially launch similar products?
After patent expiry in 2034, unless licensing agreements are negotiated beforehand.
References:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (n.d.). Patent KR20150133768. Retrieved from [KIPO database]
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2015). Application US20150263165.
- European Patent Office. (2015). Patent application EP2976597.
- Wang, L., & Chen, H. (2016). Liposomal drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation, 11(4), 289-308.
- Lee, S., Kim, J., & Park, M. (2018). Targeted nanocarriers for drug delivery. Nanomedicine, 13(2), 547-561.
