Core Viewpoint - The GLP-1 sector is witnessing an intense patent battle, particularly between Gilead Sciences and CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, highlighting the competitive landscape of domestic innovative pharmaceutical companies transitioning from local market competition to global patent disputes [1][12]. Group 1: Patent Dispute Details - CSPC's subsidiary has filed a review application with the USPTO, challenging the validity of Gilead's US patent (No. 12,234,236), which is crucial for its GLP-1R agonist candidate ASC30 [1][2]. - Gilead's patent is set to expire in 2044 and is based on proprietary technology that has undergone rigorous USPTO scrutiny, emphasizing its novelty and innovation [2][7]. - The timing of the patent applications is critical, with Gilead's application being filed over three months earlier than CSPC's, which may influence the USPTO's decision [3]. Group 2: Market Context and Implications - The global market for GLP-1 drugs is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting it could exceed $27.01 billion by 2031, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the pharmaceutical industry [12]. - The Chinese GLP-1 weight loss drug market is expected to surpass 15 billion yuan by 2025, with penetration rates increasing from under 5% in 2023 to 18%-20% [12]. - Major pharmaceutical companies are shifting their focus towards small molecule GLP-1 drugs due to their advantages in oral bioavailability and lower production costs, indicating a potential reshaping of the global pharmaceutical landscape [12]. Group 3: Competitive Dynamics - The patent dispute reflects a broader trend of domestic pharmaceutical companies moving from defensive strategies to actively leveraging patent systems to gain market share and negotiate collaborations [13][14]. - The competition in the GLP-1 market is intensifying, with multiple companies, including Hengrui Medicine and Innovent Biologics, entering the fray, increasing the likelihood of patent conflicts [14]. - The focus on core compound patents rather than peripheral patents indicates a heated "positioning battle" among companies targeting similar therapeutic areas [13][14].
歌礼石药专利对垒，GLP-1赛道风云再变