Following the European patent allowance for cationic lipids in February 2026, our patent portfolio has achieved another milestone. In April 2026, several cationic lipid products independently developed by Sinopeg—including DHA-1, SNP24-1, SNP25-1, and SNP26-1—successfully received U.S. patent allowance, protected in the form of a Markush formula. With this, the DHA-1 series cationic lipids have now secured patent coverage in the three core markets of China, Europe, and the United States, establishing a global intellectual property moat for this key excipient of LNP delivery systems.
Patent Title: Cationic Lipid, Liposome Containing Cationic Lipid, and Nucleic-Acid Pharmaceutical Composition Containing Liposome and Formulation and Application Thereof
Patent Application No.: 18/269,728
Applicant: Xiamen Sinopeg Biotech Co., Ltd.
Source: Notice of Allowance from the USPTO (screenshot)
Patent Breakthrough: Comprehensive Coverage from China to Europe and the U.S.
DHA-1, SNP24-1, SNP25-1, SNP26-1, and others are cationic lipids independently developed by Sinopeg. They feature high biocompatibility and high transfection efficiency, effectively bypassing existing patent restrictions and providing a reliable, localized alternative for the LNP delivery field.
In terms of IP strategy, the patent journey for the DHA-1 series has been solid and methodical:
September 2022: Granted Chinese patent (priority application).
October 2023: Granted patent for PCT national phase entry in China.
February 2026: Granted European patent, achieving full coverage in China and Europe.
April 2026: Granted U.S. patent, protected in Markush formula form.
Thus, the DHA-1 series cationic lipids now hold patent protection in all three major markets—China, Europe, and the U.S.—providing a strong legal foundation for compliant commercialization and global business expansion. Beyond patent coverage, DHA-1 also leads in regulatory compliance: it has successfully completed CDE pharmaceutical excipient filing in China (Filing No. F20230000445) and has submitted a U.S. FDA DMF (Filing No. 039452). Customers can directly reference Sinopeg's filed dossiers in both China and the U.S., significantly reducing submission preparation time and accelerating project progress.
Markush Formula Allowance: Broader Protection, Stronger Barrier
What is a Markush formula allowance, and how is it different from a standard compound patent?
Simply put, the Markush formula is one of the most valuable forms of patent protection in the pharmaceutical compound field. It uses a "generic formula" approach, covering a class of compounds that share a common structure and similar properties, rather than protecting only a single structure.
For this series of cationic lipids, this means:
Broader protection – The patent covers not only the dozens of specific structures exemplified (including DHA-1, SNP24-1, SNP25-1, SNP26-1) but also other cationic lipid structures sharing the same core scaffold, building a stronger patent wall.
Harder to design around – Competitors cannot easily bypass the Markush protection by making minor structural adjustments.
Peace of mind for customers – Choosing a cationic lipid product protected by a Markush formula provides greater assurance for commercialization.
In short, a Markush formula allowance is a powerful tool in compound patent protection.
Beyond Structural Patents: IP Protection at the Delivery System Level
The patents for these cationic lipids in China, Europe, and the U.S. do not merely protect the compounds themselves. Sinopeg's patent applications cover a full-chain technical solution, ranging from "compound → composition → liposome or lipid nanoparticle → nucleic acid drug composition → formulation and application" – a complete LNP delivery system patent portfolio.
What does this mean for customers?
If you use our cationic lipid products in R&D or manufacturing, this layered protection—covering the lipid raw material, lipid composition, and delivery system—provides comprehensive IP security throughout the entire lifecycle from development to commercialization, giving you greater confidence in your projects.
Furthermore, Sinopeg is actively pursuing patent portfolios in other delivery system fields, and will continue to deepen its technical expertise and IP accumulation in broader drug delivery system (DDS) solutions.
One-Stop Supply for Full LNP Components, Expanding Product Matrix
Stable supply and diversity of components are critical to success in LNP delivery system R&D and manufacturing. Sinopeg deeply understands customer needs and has achieved a "one-stop" capability to supply all components of LNP delivery system excipients. At the same time, Sinopeg offers a wide range of LNP lipid products with granted Chinese and European patents, fully meeting the diverse needs of customers at R&D, clinical, and commercial production stages, while effectively mitigating IP risks and accelerating project timelines.
Conclusion
From Chinese patent allowance to European patent allowance, and now to a Markush formula allowance in the U.S.—the global patent journey of the DHA-1 series cationic lipids is a testament to Sinopeg's commitment to independent R&D and deep focus on the delivery system field.
Choosing Sinopeg means choosing not just a product, but a complete system of IP and regulatory support.
— For more information on the DHA-1 series and other LNP lipid products, please feel free to contact us for detailed materials.
