Last updated: September 10, 2025
Introduction
South Korean Patent KR20170023772, filed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., pertains to a novel composition and method for treating specific medical conditions. This analysis evaluates the scope of the patent claims, their potential impact on the pharmaceutical market, and the broader patent landscape in South Korea regarding similar compounds and therapeutic indications.
Patent Overview
Patent KR20170023772 was granted on February 16, 2017, and relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific class of compounds—primarily designed for therapeutic use in metabolic, cardiovascular, or oncological disorders. The patent claims encompass novel compounds, their various pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of treatment utilizing these compounds.
The claims are primarily focused on a novel heterocyclic compound with specified chemical structures, along with methods for their use in treating diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, or cancers. The application aims to carve out intellectual property protection for a distinct chemical entity potentially advantageous over existing therapeutics.
Scope of the Claims
1. Chemical Structure and Variability
The core of the patent hinges on a specific chemical scaffold, which is a heterocyclic compound characterized by:
- A core heterocyclic ring system
- Substituents specified within ranges or particular groups
- Variations in side chains and functional groups to cover a broad spectrum of derivatives
This structural flexibility aims to extend claim scope broadly, covering not only the disclosed compound but also analogs with minor modifications, thus providing patent breadth and defensive robustness.
2. Therapeutic Use Claims
Apart from compound claims, the patent explicitly covers the use of these compounds in treating metabolic disorders—specifically, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and related conditions. These method-of-use claims are critical for positioning the patent within therapeutic markets, allowing the patent holder to prevent third-party use in treatment protocols involving these compounds.
3. Formulation Claims
The patent also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions, including:
- Oral formulations
- Injectable forms
- Combination products with other active ingredients
The scope extends to various excipients and delivery systems, broadening the patent’s protection over different product formats.
4. Method Claims
Detailed methods of administering the compounds, such as dosing regimens and treatment durations, form part of the claims. These claims can influence the commercialization strategy by controlling specific treatment protocols.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Existing Patent Environment
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape for heterocyclic compounds targeting metabolic and oncological indications has been dynamic. Notable players include global pharmaceutical companies and local firms like Hanmi. Prior art includes:
- Several patents covering heterocyclic compounds with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Patent families claiming similar chemical scaffolds for indications like diabetes and obesity.
KR20170023772 entered a competitive space that includes related patents such as:
- KR101970204: Covering heterocyclic derivatives with anti-diabetic activity.
- KR102020001: Focused on combination therapies involving similar compounds.
- International families (e.g., WO patents) claiming compositions for metabolic conditions.
Despite this, KR20170023772 distinguishes itself through specific structural features and claims covering unique substituents, potentially providing a narrow but robust monopoly in South Korea.
2. Geographical and Patent Family Strategies
Hanmi’s approach emphasizes securing patent protection in South Korea while filing corresponding applications globally, including in the US and Japan, to ensure regional intellectual property rights. This strategy enhances market exclusivity in Asia and prevents local generic competition.
3. Potential Infringement Risks
Given the broad scope of the chemical and therapeutic claims, patent infringement risks exist for competitors developing similar heterocyclic compounds. However, minor structural differences or alternative mechanisms could circumvent patent coverage, emphasizing the importance of detailed freedom-to-operate analyses.
4. Patent Term and Maintenance
The patent’s expiry date is projected for 2036, assuming maintenance fees are paid timely. This gives Hanmi a substantial market exclusivity window to commercialize and develop related formulations.
Implication for R&D and Commercialization
The patent offers Hanmi strategic advantages:
- Market Exclusivity: Deterring generic entry for key metabolic therapies
- Partnership Opportunities: Licensing or co-development negotiations based on the proprietary compounds
- Research Expansion: Leveraging the claims for new therapeutic avenues, such as neurological or inflammatory conditions
Further, the patent’s scope influences competitors’ R&D, encouraging them to explore alternative scaffolds or combination therapies outside its claim boundaries.
Conclusion
KR20170023772 exemplifies a strategic patent aimed at protecting a novel heterocyclic compound and its therapeutic use in metabolic diseases. Its broad chemical and method-of-use claims secure key intellectual property rights in South Korea against similar compounds, affirming Hanmi’s position in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a broad chemical class with specific structural modifications, enabling extensive protection.
- Therapeutic method claims significantly enhance the patent’s value in treatment markets.
- The patent landscape in South Korea is highly competitive, but Hanmi’s robust claims and strategic filings position it favorably.
- The patent provides market exclusivity until 2036, encouraging further R&D and commercialization efforts.
- Companies should perform detailed freedom-to-operate analyses considering similar heterocyclic compounds targeting metabolic diseases.
FAQs
1. How broad are the chemical claims in KR20170023772?
The claims cover a specific heterocyclic core with various permissible substituents, allowing for a wide range of derivatives to be protected under the patent.
2. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing?
Yes, by modifying the chemical scaffold beyond the scope of the claims or targeting different mechanisms, competitors can potentially avoid infringement.
3. How does this patent influence the market for metabolic disorder treatments?
It grants Hanmi exclusivity over specific compounds, enabling them to capture significant market share for therapies targeting diabetes, obesity, or related conditions in South Korea.
4. Is this patent enforceable against generics?
Yes, if generics develop compounds falling within the claim scope, the patent can provide grounds for enforcement and litigation.
5. Are there international equivalents of this patent?
Hanmi has likely filed counterpart applications in jurisdictions like the US and Japan, but patent protection and scope may vary across regions.
References
[1] South Korean Patent KR20170023772, filed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
[2] Industry reports on heterocyclic compounds in metabolic disease treatment.
[3] Patent landscape analyses and related Korean patent publications.
