Recent Trend for EGFR-Based and ALK-Based Targets: A Patent Analysis

Abstract

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor and anaplastic lymphoma kinase play key roles in tumorigenesis and disease progression. Currently, targeted therapy is a better approach for cancer therapy compared with traditional chemotherapy. EGFR-based/ALK-based target therapies are key targets for drug development in cancer therapy. Objective: The objective of this study was to show a recent trend in research and development of EGFR-based/ALK-based targets and to better understand the Intellectual Property surrounding EGFR-based and ALK-based targets. Methods: EGFR-based and ALK-based targets were analyzed by comprehensive US patent analysis. US patents of EGFR-based/ALK-based targets were analyzed from September 2001 to September 2020. Results: The results indicated that the key technologies and methods of EGFR-based/ALK-based targets were developed by large global pharmaceutical companies or American companies/universities. Small molecular inhibitors showed a higher percentage in the number of patents of EGFRbased targets. In addition, the present study also showed recent small molecular targeted drugs approved by FDA. Conclusion: Global large pharmaceutical companies and American companies/universities have obvious advantages in the research and development of targeted drugs. EGFR-based target was still an attractive target for research and drug development in the past 10 years. Also, large global pharmaceutical companies prefer to complete key technology research and development by independent innovation instead of collaboration.