Bionomics Limited (BNO) has secured a new US patent critical to its Kv1.3 program, which is focused on developing new treatments for common autoimmune disorders. The patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office relates to compounds useful in the modulation of potassium channel activity in cells, particularly the activity of Kv1.3 channels found in T cells. It protects the use of these compounds in the treatment or prevention of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including but not limited to multiple sclerosis. The patent also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods for their preparation, and is valid for twenty years. The Company owns other patents and patent applications that cover the Kv1.3 drug candidates, which all derive from published International application WO2009043117 (PCT/AU2008/001480 – priority date 4 October 2007) which has entered the national phase in all major markets including the recently granted US 8,202,513.
Bionomics’ CEO and Managing Director Dr Deborah Rathjen described this patent as key within a broader Kv1.3 patent portfolio covering extensive intellectual property surrounding ion channel drug development, including structural elements for selectivity and modes of channel block. “This latest patent provides further opportunity to maximise commercial benefit for the program,” she said. “Strong protection of our intellectual property is essential to our partnering strategy and enhancing shareholder value.”
Bionomics (BNO) is a leading international biotechnology company which discovers and develops innovative therapeutics for cancer and diseases of the central nervous system. Bionomics has small molecule product development programs in the areas of cancer, anxiety, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. BNC105, which is undergoing clinical development for the treatment of cancer, is based upon the identification of a novel compound that potently and selectively restricts blood flow within tumours. A clinical program is also underway for the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression based on BNC210 which has recently completed Phase I clinical trials. Both compounds offer blockbuster potential if successfully developed.
Tags: Bionomics, Biotechnology, BNO, Patent Granted
