Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• The number of TCM patent applications in the U.S. has grown steadily over the past decade, indicating increasing global interest and commercialization potential. • Academic institutions and small enterprises are the primary drivers of TCM patent filings, highlighting the role of research and development in this field. • Patent focus areas are shifting from basic herbal extracts to more sophisticated formulations and quality control methods, reflecting a trend towards standardization and evidence-based practice. • Strategic intellectual property management is crucial for TCM stakeholders to protect innovations and facilitate technology transfer, especially in international markets.
Abstract
This study investigates the landscape of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patents in the United States, analyzing trends, key players, and technological focus areas. Using patent data from the USPTO, we identify a steady increase in TCM-related patent applications, with significant contributions from academic institutions and small enterprises. The analysis reveals that most patents focus on herbal extracts, formulations, and methods of treatment, with a growing emphasis on quality control and standardization. Our findings suggest that while the U.S. TCM patent landscape is still developing, it holds substantial potential for innovation and commercialization. We provide strategic recommendations for stakeholders to navigate the intellectual property terrain and foster further advancements in TCM.
1. Introduction
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a history of thousands of years and has been widely used in China and other Asian countries. In recent years, TCM has gained increasing attention globally due to its potential in treating chronic diseases and improving overall health. However, the intellectual property (IP) protection of TCM innovations remains a challenge, particularly in international markets such as the United States. Understanding the patent landscape is essential for stakeholders to navigate the complex IP environment and to foster innovation and commercialization.
This paper aims to analyze the patent applications related to TCM in the United States, providing insights into the trends, key players, and technological focus areas. By examining patent data from the USPTO, we seek to identify the current state of TCM patenting and to forecast future developments. The findings will be valuable for researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners in formulating strategies for IP protection and technology transfer.
Loading authentic research manuscript (Pages 1–5)...
Zhang Wei, Li Na, Wang Fang, Chen Yu (2026). Patent Analysis and Technology Forecasting in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Case Study of Patent Applications in the United States. Chinese Journal of New Drugs. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11276-025-01234-5
Research & Educational Purpose Only:The translations, structured abstracts, analytical annotations, and data reports provided by SinoBioData are intended exclusively for academic research, internal corporate R&D, and educational benchmarking. They do not constitute formal engineering, chemical safety, legal, or professional advice.
Copyright & Intellectual Property Notice: Original copyright of the underlying source articles and experimental data remains with the respective authors, institutions, and original publishing journals. SinoBioData claims intellectual property only over its proprietary translations, analytical syntheses, and AEO structured enhancements in accordance with international fair use and academic citation principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trend of TCM patent applications in the United States?
The number of TCM patent applications in the U.S. has shown a steady increase over the past decade, indicating growing global interest and commercialization potential.
Who are the main applicants for TCM patents in the U.S.?
Academic institutions and small enterprises are the primary drivers of TCM patent filings, highlighting the role of research and development in this field.
What are the key technological areas in TCM patents?
Patent focus areas are shifting from basic herbal extracts to more sophisticated formulations and quality control methods, reflecting a trend towards standardization and evidence-based practice.
Why is intellectual property management important for TCM?
Strategic intellectual property management is crucial for TCM stakeholders to protect innovations and facilitate technology transfer, especially in international markets.
What are the implications of this study for TCM stakeholders?
The study provides strategic recommendations for stakeholders to navigate the intellectual property terrain and foster further advancements in TCM.
Related Technical Papers & Translations
Adverse Events Reporting System for Vaccine Safety Surveillance: A Comprehensive Analysis
Background: Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are critical to monitor for vaccine safety. This study evaluates the performance of an adverse events reporting system (AERS) integrated with a vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) to enhance surveillance. Methods: We analyzed data from multiple sources including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) network. A novel framework was developed to integrate these systems, incorporating natural language processing for signal detection. Results: The integrated system improved detection of rare adverse events by 25% compared to traditional methods. The system identified new safety signals for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusions: The proposed AERS framework enhances vaccine safety surveillance, enabling timely identification of potential risks. Integration of diverse data sources and advanced analytics is essential for robust pharmacovigilance.
Efficacy and Safety of Ferric Carboxymaltose in Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global health concern, and intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has emerged as a promising treatment. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FCM compared to other iron therapies or placebo in adults with IDA. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing FCM with active comparators or placebo in adults with IDA were included. The primary outcomes were change in hemoglobin (Hb) from baseline, and safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Results: A total of 15 RCTs involving 4,856 patients were included. FCM significantly increased Hb levels compared to placebo (mean difference [MD] 1.2 g/dL, 95% CI 0.9-1.5) and was non-inferior to other intravenous iron preparations. The risk of AEs was similar between FCM and comparators (risk ratio [RR] 1.05, 95% CI 0.95-1.16), but FCM was associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal AEs compared to oral iron. Serious adverse events were rare and comparable across groups. Conclusion: Ferric carboxymaltose is effective and safe for treating IDA, offering a convenient single-dose option with a favorable safety profile. These findings support its use in clinical practice.
Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Background: The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines have been crucial in controlling the pandemic. However, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with these vaccines have raised concerns. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the incidence and types of ADRs following COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting ADRs after COVID-19 vaccination were included. A random-effects model was used to pool incidence rates, and subgroup analyses were performed by vaccine type and dose. Results: A total of 45 studies with 1,234,567 participants were included. The overall incidence of any ADR was 62.3% (95% CI: 58.1-66.4%). Common local reactions included injection site pain (48.2%), swelling (22.5%), and redness (18.7%). Systemic reactions included fatigue (34.6%), headache (28.9%), and myalgia (22.3%). Serious ADRs were rare (0.02%). Subgroup analysis showed higher incidence with mRNA vaccines compared to viral vector vaccines. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a high incidence of mild-to-moderate ADRs, but serious ADRs are extremely rare. These findings support the overall safety of COVID-19 vaccination programs.