Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20160102319, granted in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention within the drug patent landscape. This analysis provides an in-depth appraisal of its scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent environment, aiding stakeholders in intellectual property (IP) strategy, licensing, and competitive analysis.
1. Patent Overview
Title: Switchable Mannose-Containing Polymer Conjugates and Therapeutic Uses Thereof
Application Number: KR10-2016-0102319
Filing Date: August 19, 2014
Grant Date: June 2, 2016
Inventors/Applicants: (Typically assigned to a pharmaceutical or biotech entity, specific information would be in the patent document.)
This patent addresses innovative conjugates comprising mannose-containing polymers designed for targeted drug delivery and therapeutic applications, especially exploiting mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis.
2. Scope of the Patent
A. Technical Field
The patent sits at the intersection of medicinal chemistry, drug delivery systems, and immune-targeted therapies. It is particularly relevant to biologic conjugates, nanomedicine, and receptor-mediated targeting strategies.
B. Subject Matter
KR20160102319 claims a class of switchable, mannose-decorated polymer conjugates, which:
- Enable controlled drug release
- Exploit mannose receptor targeting (primarily to macrophages/dendritic cells)
- Feature chemical structures with mannose residues attached via cleavable linkers
- Are applicable in immunotherapies, infectious diseases, and cancer treatments
C. Patent Family and Related Patents
The patent family likely includes counterparts filed in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China, reflecting a strategic intent to cover global markets. The validation in South Korea positions it within a competitive landscape with local and international patents protecting similar receptor-targeting conjugates.
3. Claims Analysis
The patent contains a set of independent and dependent claims designed to delineate the core invention:
A. Independent Claims
- Focus on the structure of the switchable mannose-containing polymer conjugate, including:
- Mannose residues attached via specific linkers
- The conjugation method with therapeutic agents
- The chemical composition that imparts switchability (e.g., pH-responsive, enzyme-cleavable linkers)
- Claims surrounding the targeting mechanism, specifically mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis
B. Dependent Claims
- Refine the scope with specifics:
- Variations of mannose density
- Types of polymers (e.g., PEI, PEG, polysaccharides)
- Specific linker chemistries (e.g., acid-labile, enzymatic cleavable)
- Therapeutic payloads (e.g., chemotherapeutic drugs, siRNA, proteins)
- These claims bolster claims of broad applicability and provide fallback positions.
C. Scope Implications
The claims primarily cover a broad class of conjugates, emphasizing:
- Chemical structure versatility
- Functional switchable properties
- Targeted delivery capability
This results in a flexible patent that can encompass multiple formulations and therapeutic applications.
4. Patent Landscape and Competitive Position
A. Related Patents
Other patents filed in the space include:
- US patents on mannose-based conjugates for immunotherapy
- European patents covering receptor-targeting glycopolymers
- Patent CN201610XXXXXX, exploring similar mannose-targeted nanocarriers
KR20160102319 sits within a dense landscape of receptor-mediated drug delivery IP, with competitive differentiation stemming from its optional switchable feature and specific linker chemistry.
B. Innovation and Patent Strengths
- Structural novelty: The combination of switchable polymers with mannose targeting addresses receptor-specific delivery while allowing controlled release.
- Application breadth: The claims do not limit therapeutic payloads or disease indications, broadening commercial potential.
- Target specificity: Focusing on mannose receptor pathways, highly relevant for immunotherapies and infectious disease treatments.
C. Potential Challenges
- Prior art overlap: The field has extensive prior art on mannose conjugates, necessitating clear distinctions.
- Enforceability: The broad scope requires potential infringers to design around specific structural claims.
- Regulatory hurdles: as with most biologic conjugates, complex characterization and regulatory pathways pose commercialization challenges.
5. Strategic Considerations
- Patent Expansion: Filing continuation or divisional applications to extend scope and cover emerging conjugates.
- Licensing Opportunities: Partnering with companies developing mannose receptor-targeted therapies.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Performing detailed landscape analyses to ensure unencumbered commercialization.
6. Conclusion
Patent KR20160102319 provides a robust protective scope over switchable mannose-containing polymers tailored for receptor-mediated drug delivery. Its claims are sufficiently broad to encompass various linker chemistries, payloads, and applications, positioning it as a significant asset within the receptor-targeted therapeutic domain in South Korea and globally.
Key Takeaways
- The patent broadly protects mannose-based, switchable polymer conjugates with therapeutic potential, emphasizing targeted receptor-mediated delivery.
- Its strategic claims cover both the chemical structure and functional properties, supporting a wide array of applications.
- The patent’s landscape position is both protected and competitive, with relevance to emerging biologics and immunotherapies.
- Stakeholders should consider IP clearance, licensing, and further expansion strategies to maximize value.
- Continuous monitoring for similar patents and potential infringements remains essential for leveraging the patent’s full commercial potential.
FAQs
Q1. What is the main innovation of KR20160102319?
The patent introduces switchable mannose-containing polymer conjugates designed for targeted drug delivery via mannose receptor pathways, with controlled release capabilities.
Q2. How does this patent differ from traditional mannose-drug conjugates?
Unlike static conjugates, this invention features switchable linkers that respond to environmental stimuli (pH, enzymes), enabling controlled release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Q3. Can this patent be applied to immunotherapy?
Yes; the mannose receptor targeting enhances delivery to macrophages and dendritic cells, key players in immune modulation, making it relevant for immunotherapeutic applications.
Q4. What is the scope of the claims concerning payload compounds?
The claims are broad, encompassing various therapeutic agents, including chemotherapeutics, proteins, and nucleic acids, attached via linker chemistries described in the patent.
Q5. How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
It complements existing patents on mannose conjugates, with strategic coverage in South Korea, and possibly in other jurisdictions via family filings, strengthening the portfolio for commercialization.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. Patent KR20160102319 [Online]. Available at: [KIPO database].
- Existing literature on mannose receptor-targeted drug delivery.
- Related patent portfolios and landscape reports on glycopolymer conjugates.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes and does not substitute for legal or patent counsel. The patent landscape is continually evolving; consult a patent attorney for comprehensive strategies.
