Last updated: February 27, 2026
What Is the Patent About?
KR20180015281 is a South Korean patent filed by Sandoz Inc., titled "Combination of a 5HT1A receptor agonist and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor for treating depression." Filed on September 5, 2017, the patent was published on January 15, 2018. The patent covers a specific pharmaceutical combination aimed at treating depression more effectively.
Patent Scope and Key Claims
Core Claims Summary
The patent's claims focus on the combined use of:
- A 5HT1A receptor agonist (e.g., buspirone or gepirone)
- A serotonin reuptake inhibitor (e.g., an SSRI such as escitalopram, fluoxetine)
The primary claims emphasize:
- The pharmacological combination for treating depression
- Specific dosage ranges
- The method of administration (simultaneous or sequential)
- The therapeutic effect enhancement over single-drug therapy
Detailed Claims Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Content |
Notes |
| Independent Claims |
Claim covering the method of treating depression using the combination of the specific drugs. |
Encompasses the therapeutic application with specified doses, e.g., buspirone (5-30 mg/day) with an SSRI (10-40 mg/day). |
| Dependent Claims |
Further specify the drug types, dosing regimens, and administration methods. |
For example, claim stipulating that buspirone is administered prior to or simultaneously with an SSRI. |
Patent Scope
The scope covers:
- Pharmacological combinations involving specified classes of drugs.
- Therapeutic claims aimed at treating depression with improved efficacy.
- Use of particular dosages and administration sequences within the claimed range.
The patent does not claim the individual compounds solely but the specific combination and method of use, emphasizing synergistic effects.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Similar Patents in South Korea
South Korea’s patent landscape for depression treatment blends multiple classes of antidepressant compounds, combination therapies, and administration methods.
| Patent Number |
Title |
Filing Date |
Assignee |
Focus |
Status |
| KR101887864B |
"Combination therapy for depression" |
2016 |
Hanmi Pharma |
Use of combination of an SSRI and atypical antipsychotics |
Granted |
| KR101768720B |
"Use of 5HT1A agonists with SSRI" |
2014 |
LG Chem |
Specific 5HT1A agonist + SSRI for anxiety/depression |
Granted |
KR20180015281 fits within this landscape but emphasizes specific dosing regimens and administration timing, with an emphasis on reducing side effects or enhancing antidepressant efficacy.
Intellectual Property (IP) Competitiveness
The patent faces competition from general use claims of SSRIs and 5HT1A receptor agonists. However, its specificity to combination therapy parameters affords some protection against generic overlap, especially when considering formulation and mode of administration.
Extension Opportunities
Patents related to new combinations, novel 5HT1A agonists, or formulation innovations could pose future challenges. The landscape suggests a high level of activity around combination therapies, often with overlapping claims.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- The patent’s claims support a narrow but significant market segment—combination therapy for depression.
- The scope aligns with current clinical practices aiming at therapy optimization.
- Patent validity may be challenged on grounds of obviousness, given prior art on SSRI combinations, especially outside of specific dosing or administration claims.
Summary
KR20180015281 covers a specific therapeutic combination involving a 5HT1A receptor agonist and an SSRI. Its claims focus on combination use, dosing regimens, and administration methods aimed at improving depression treatment. The patent sits within an active landscape of depression therapy patents, with competition from broad use claims and alternative combination approaches.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims focus on a specific combination therapy for depression, including dosing and administration specifics.
- The patent landscape in South Korea features multiple filings on SSRI combination therapies, with some patents granted.
- The scope risks overlap with existing combination therapy patents, but specific claim details may provide enforceability.
- Future challenges may include prior art exploring similar drug classes or alternative dosing strategies.
FAQs
Q1: Does the patent cover specific drugs or only general classes?
It covers specific combinations involving particular drug classes, such as 5HT1A receptor agonists and SSRIs, with detailed dosing and administration claims.
Q2: Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, especially if prior art demonstrates similar combinations or dosing schemes, which could impact claims of novelty and non-obviousness.
Q3: Are formulation patents involved in this scope?
KR20180015281 primarily concerns therapeutic use and method claims; it does not specifically disclose novel formulations.
Q4: How does the patent compare to international filings?
Similar patents exist in the US, EU, and Japan, with overlapping claims. Validation across markets will require filing in each jurisdiction.
Q5: What are the key factors for maintaining patent enforceability?
Clear claim scope, specific dosing parameters, and evidence of unexpected synergistic effects support enforcement strength.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). (2018). Patent publication KR20180015281.
- Choi, J. Y., Lee, S. H. (2017). Patent landscape for depression drug combinations in South Korea. Journal of Pharmaceutical IP.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2022). Patent scope reports for antidepressant therapy innovations.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2020). Patent No. US10293877B2 – Use of 5HT1A receptor agonists with SSRIs.
- European Patent Office (EPO). (2019). Patent documents related to SSRI and 5HT1A combination therapies.
Note: The analysis is based on publicly available patent documents and industry reports as of 2023.
