dsm-firmenich has initiated legal action for patent infringement against two companies that are collectively referred to as Shengda, namely Zhejiang Shengda Bio-pharm Co Ltd, a biotin supplier, and Anhui Shengda Bio-pharm Co Ltd, a biotin intermediate manufacturer.
The human and animal nutrition company claims that Shengda’s production of a key biotin intermediate at its Anhui site is an unlawful use of dsm-firmenich patented technology.
dsm-firmenich has petitioned the court in Anhui Province, China, to order Shengda to cease using the patented technology and to pay compensation for the infringement.
Patent protection
As a key global supplier of biotin, also known as vitamin B-7, for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and feed applications, dsm-firmenich said it developed the underlying technology for biotin intermediate production and that it works diligently to protect its innovations.
In early 2021, it was successful in enforcing the same patent in China against another local biotin manufacturer, with both an injunction and compensation achieved.
China’s Supreme People’s Court sided with the Dutch nutritional ingredients producer in a case against the Chinese vitamin maker, Anhui Tiger Vitamin.
The case centered on the stereoselective synthesis of biotin. The court ordered Tiger, a subsidiary of the Chinese drug and food ingredient firm, BBCA Group, to no longer make a biotin intermediate using a DSM patented process, nor make biotin using that prepared intermediate.
“dsm-firmenich’s biotin production technology is at the forefront of the industry in terms of quality and efficacy standards,” said Kelsey Achenbach, senior director pharma and medical nutrition at dsm-firmenich. “Our ongoing success in this market is due to our dedication to our customers and continuous investment in this high-quality ingredient. This litigation action will help protect our cutting-edge technologies and ensure we can continue to invest in biotin innovation.”
Hoof health
Biotin is a coenzyme essential for gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and the elongation of essential fatty acids. It is important for the normal functioning of the reproductive and nervous systems and of the thyroid and adrenal glands, according to dsm-firmenich.
“Trials show that all animals respond to supplementary biotin, which suggests that endogenous supply of biotin is sub-optimal. Biotin supplementation in dairy cows (2 mg/h/day) has been demonstrated to significantly improve milk yield. Biotin reduces foot disorders in poultry and builds stronger hooves in pigs and ruminants.”