Australian antiviral drug development company Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:ILA) has clocked a new milestone in its pursuit of dengue fever therapies by securing a key patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its lead asset, ISLA-101.
This patent underpins the company’s drug repurposing strategy to develop antiviral therapies rapidly and efficiently with a key focus being mosquito-borne viral diseases, such as dengue fever.
Around 390 million people are infected with dengue fever each year, representing a significant unmet need and opportunity.
Strengthens IP
Island CEO Dr David Foster said, “We are very pleased to be granted this latest patent in the US as it strengthens our growing intellectual property portfolio and further protects our lead program, in which ISLA-101 is being developed for use in dengue fever.
“With major outbreaks continuing to be reported around the world and the number of dengue fever cases increasing, the need for new approaches and treatments such as the ISLA-101 program is more imperative than ever.
“This makes IP protection fundamental to our success as we advance towards the commencement of clinical trials.”
Patent summary
The US patent grant entitled 'Method of Viral Inhibition' was issued under US Patent No 11,752,116 and has an expiration date of April 16, 2034, subject to additional patent term adjustment.
Claims of the patent are directed to methods of preventing or delaying the onset of one or more symptoms of dengue fever, by administering ISLA-101 to the subject during a period in which the subject is at risk of exposure.
Island has licensed this intellectual property (IP) from Monash University.
The company's robust IP portfolio now also includes patents in Australia, Canada, Brazil and Singapore.
Looking ahead, the USPTO's approval lends significant weight to the firm's antiviral initiatives, clearing a path for future clinical trials.