Analysis of anti-asthmatic drug patents published in China between 2004 and 2013.

Introduction: We previously reported that 789 anti-allergic patents were granted in China between 1988 and 2008, but the number of patents seems to have grown much faster in China in recent years. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse the patents for anti-asthmatic products between 2004 and 2013 to give pharmaceutical companies and individuals a better understanding of potential candidates for anti-asthmatic drug development from patents published in China. Areas covered: The current report analyses the scientific progress that supports anti-asthmatic drug patent applications and reviews the published patent literature in China from 2004 to 2013. Expert opinion: The rapid increase in the number of anti-asthmatic patents in China indicates that more specific discoveries have been made and that more people are aware of the importance of intellectual property protection in China. Holding patents may guarantee protection for an innovative new product.