HAMILTON, BERMUDA - Altamira Therapeutics Ltd. (NASDAQ:CYTO), a biopharmaceutical company focusing on RNA delivery technologies, has filed a provisional patent application with the United States Patent Office for its latest development in RNA-based therapeutics. The application pertains to nanoparticles utilizing the company's OligoPhore platform combined with siRNA targeting p65, a key protein involved in inflammatory and cancer-related pathways.
The company's Chief Development Officer, Dr. Covadonga Pañeda, emphasized the potential of this technology in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide. Altamira's approach aims to deliver siRNA directly to inflamed tissues, thereby reducing systemic side effects common with existing treatments. The patent application is an extension of Altamira's AM-411 development program for RA treatment.
RA is characterized by joint swelling and pain and can impact other body parts, leading to a range of complications. Current treatments, including immunosuppressants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often result in drug resistance and adverse reactions. Altamira's technology seeks to offer a more targeted and potentially more tolerable treatment option.
Preclinical studies have shown that OligoPhore nanoparticles carrying siRNA against p65 can suppress inflammation in animal models of arthritis effectively. This treatment has also been tested in cancer models, where it demonstrated the ability to slow tumor growth and enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy.
OligoPhore is designed to deliver oligonucleotides such as siRNA into cells efficiently, bypassing hepatic clearance and allowing targeting of tissues beyond the liver. This versatility has been demonstrated in more than 10 disease models, and the platform is available for out-licensing to other pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Altamira Therapeutics, established in 2003 and based in Hamilton, Bermuda, with operations in Basel, Switzerland, is also known for its commercial-stage product Bentrio, a nasal spray for allergic rhinitis, and is working on divesting its inner ear assets.
This news is based on a press release statement.
InvestingPro Insights
As Altamira Therapeutics Ltd. (NASDAQ:CYTO) advances its proprietary RNA delivery technologies with a new patent application, investors are closely monitoring the company's financial health and market performance. According to InvestingPro data, Altamira Therapeutics currently holds a market capitalization of 3.7 million USD, suggesting a relatively small player within the biopharmaceutical industry.
Notably, Altamira's stock has experienced a significant return over the last week, with a 9.03% price total return, reflecting investor optimism possibly tied to the recent patent filing news. However, this short-term gain contrasts with a more challenging longer-term performance, as evidenced by a -90.72% price total return over the past year. The company's Price / Book ratio, as of the last twelve months ending Q4 2023, stands at 0.5, indicating that the stock may be trading at a low valuation relative to its book value, an aspect that could attract value-oriented investors.
For those considering investment opportunities, InvestingPro offers additional insights. Among the InvestingPro Tips for Altamira Therapeutics, it's highlighted that the company holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, which could be a sign of financial stability. On the flip side, analysts are not expecting the company to be profitable this year, reflecting the inherent risks in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly for smaller, research-focused companies like Altamira.
For investors seeking a deeper dive into Altamira Therapeutics' performance and potential, InvestingPro provides a total of 15 tips, accessible at https://www.investing.com/pro/CYTO. To further enrich your investment research, use coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.
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