# How to Manufacture a Complex Cancer-Fighting Drug Molecule

> A detailed chemical recipe for mass-producing a specific cancer-fighting molecule, including the intermediate building blocks needed to construct it efficiently.

- **Patent:** US 12365678
- **Original title:** Pharmaceutical process for the preparation of 4-{4-[(3R)-3-methylmorpholin-4-yl]-6-[1-((R)-S-methylsulfonimidoyl) cyclopropyl]pyrimidin-2-yl}-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b] pyridine and intermediates
- **Owner:** AstraZeneca AB
- **Granted:** 2025
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 0
- **Field:** pharmaceutical, biotech

## What it does

This patent describes a multi-step chemical manufacturing process for a specific pharmaceutical compound known as Formula (I), which is used to treat cancer. It outlines how to build the molecule by creating smaller 'intermediate' chemical structures, such as those labeled Formula (II) through (XIII), and then linking them together. The process uses specific chemical reactions, including palladium-catalyzed coupling and the use of oxidative enzymes, to assemble the final drug structure. By defining these specific pathways, the patent allows for the large-scale production of the drug with higher efficiency than previous laboratory-scale methods.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover the final drug molecule itself, as that was previously disclosed in earlier patents.
- Does not cover general chemical reactions not specifically applied to the synthesis of these identified intermediates.
- Does not cover alternative synthetic routes that do not utilize the specific intermediates or reaction steps claimed in the patent.
- Does not cover the medical use or clinical application of the drug.

## The clever bit

The process incorporates the use of oxidative enzymes and specific photo-catalytic steps to build the molecule, which are often more precise and environmentally friendly than traditional harsh chemical reagents.

## Real-world examples

1. Large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing of oncology drug candidates
2. Chemical synthesis of complex pyrimidine-based inhibitors

## Why it matters

Manufacturing complex drugs at scale is a significant hurdle in the pharmaceutical industry. This patent provides a proprietary 'recipe' that helps AstraZeneca produce a specific oncology treatment more reliably and economically. It ensures the company has legal protection over the specific industrial methods used to synthesize the drug, which is essential for maintaining supply chains and protecting investment in drug development.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How to Manufacture a Complex Cancer-Fighting Drug Molecule cover?

A detailed chemical recipe for mass-producing a specific cancer-fighting molecule, including the intermediate building blocks needed to construct it efficiently.

### Who owns patent US 12365678?

AstraZeneca AB owns this patent, granted in 2025.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on July 22, 2045, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What problem does this patent solve?

Manufacturing complex drugs at scale is a significant hurdle in the pharmaceutical industry. This patent provides a proprietary 'recipe' that helps AstraZeneca produce a specific oncology treatment more reliably and economically. It ensures the company has legal protection over the specific industrial methods used to synthesize the drug, which is essential for maintaining supply chains and protecting investment in drug development.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover the final drug molecule itself, as that was previously disclosed in earlier patents.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12365678/raptor-production

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12365678

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._