Calcium pantothenate triggers how the patent litigation market will develop

Last year, Zhejiang Xinfu Pharmaceutical initiated a legal action against Shandong Xinfa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and others, alleging infringement of its patented process for producing calcium D-pantothenate. Regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit, its impact on the calcium pantothenate market remains uncertain. On April 7th, Zhejiang Xinfu issued an official statement to address rumors related to "Rat Rat," which led to two consecutive days of stock price limits. This event highlighted the sensitivity of the company’s reputation and market position. In 2007, Xinfu became a symbol of success in the small and medium board, with its stock soaring from over 10 yuan to as high as 130 yuan by year-end. However, by 2008, the stock suffered a sharp decline, closing at 16.88 yuan (46.73 yuan after recapitalization), far outpacing the broader market. These dramatic fluctuations were closely tied to the volatile price of calcium D-pantothenate, a key raw material for the company. Currently, Xinfu and Shandong Xinfa are embroiled in a patent dispute over the production process of calcium D-pantothenate. A trial is expected to be held in May regarding Xinfu's patented method for producing D-pantothenic acid calcium. The outcome of this case could significantly affect both companies and the overall market. So, what triggered this legal battle? What is the current price of calcium D-pantothenate, and how might this lawsuit influence it? In 2007, D-pantothenic acid acetate was a major driver of rising prices in China’s raw pharmaceutical materials. In mid-2006, Xinfu announced a 15% price increase for calcium D-pantothenate, which was around 60 yuan/kg. By mid-2007, the price had surged to 170–180 yuan/kg, then slightly dropped to around 120–130 yuan/kg by the end of the year. According to statistics, China exported approximately 6,800 tons of calcium D-pantothenate and panthenol in 2007, with an export value of nearly 100 million USD. This represented a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2006, showing strong growth in both volume and value. As the largest producer of calcium D-pantothenate in China, Xinfu benefited greatly from the market boom. Its products accounted for nearly 40% of the global market share, and in 2007, sales of calcium D-pantothenate made up over 90% of the company’s revenue. Operating profit increased by 33.01%, far exceeding other biochemical products. In addition to Chinese players, three Japanese companies—Daiichi Pharmaceutical, BASF, and DSM—also produce calcium D-pantothenate. While BASF and DSM use chemical synthesis, they are also customers of Xinfu. Even though Japan’s top pharmaceutical company uses fermentation, China’s cost advantages still give Xinfu a slight edge in pricing. During the previous market consolidation, many manufacturers exited the calcium D-pantothenate market due to low prices. Only a few remained, including Xinfu and Shandong Xinfa. Shandong Xinfa, which produces calcium D-pantothenate via fermentation, has been competing aggressively with lower prices, intensifying the rivalry between the two companies. Shandong Xinfa’s production capacity reached 5,000 tons/year by 2007, capturing 60% of the domestic market. In contrast, when Xinfu took over from Huzhou Lion King and Zibo Youfu in 2005, Shandong Xinfa’s output was only a few hundred tons, posing little threat at the time. In December 2007, Xinfu filed a lawsuit in Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court, accusing Shandong Xinfa of infringing its invention patent for the production of D-pantolactone hydrolase. The case was appealed to the Zhejiang Higher People’s Court, but no ruling was issued yet. Analysts suggest that if Shandong Xinfa wins, its low-cost strategy could cause a sharp drop in calcium D-pantothenate prices, potentially strengthening Xinfu’s market dominance. However, some experts argue that market supply and demand dynamics, rather than the patent case, are the main drivers of price changes. Despite the legal battle, the calcium D-pantothenate market remains stable. Current prices are still relatively high, supported by foreign demand. Most international contracts have long-term terms, keeping prices steady. Even with the ongoing litigation, the market seems resilient. Currently, domestic prices for calcium D-pantothenate hover around 125 yuan/kg, with Shandong Xinfa offering slightly lower prices. Shanghai Xuxing Pharmaceutical has resumed production of the chemical version, which is priced between the two, but has not yet impacted the market significantly. Looking ahead, global demand for calcium D-pantothenate is expected to reach about 21,000 tons in 2008. Domestic production capacity is already over 13,000 tons, with global producers like DSM, BASF, and Japan’s top pharmaceutical company also contributing to supply. The market appears balanced, though uncertainties remain. While the future price trend is unclear, the market for calcium D-pantothenate remains dynamic. Whether the patent case will reshape the industry or not, one thing is certain: the market will continue to evolve, and only time will tell where it goes.

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