SAN MATEO, Calif. - ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (NASDAQ:ASLN), an immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company, has received a favorable opinion from the European Patent Office (EPO) for a patent application that could extend protection for its drug candidate farudodstat until at least 2043.
This development could significantly bolster the commercial exclusivity of farudodstat, a potential first-in-class treatment for alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease that results in hair loss.
The patent application in question covers a new polymorph of farudodstat, a potent oral dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor. The EPO's positive preliminary opinion suggests that the claims of the patent application are novel and inventive. If granted, this patent would extend the drug's protection period in key commercial markets.
Farudodstat is currently undergoing a Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial, known as the FAST-AA Study, with an interim readout expected by mid-2024. The drug is designed to suppress immune cell proliferation and secretion of IFN-γ by blocking the de novo production of pyrimidines, which are necessary for DNA replication.
Preliminary data indicates that farudodstat is about 30 times more potent than first-generation DHODH inhibitors and could protect against the loss of immune privilege in hair follicles.
Dr. Carl Firth, CEO of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, expressed satisfaction with the EPO's positive feedback and emphasized the importance of this step in enhancing farudodstat's patent protection across vital commercial territories. He also highlighted the scarcity of treatment options for AA and the company's commitment to providing a safe and effective treatment.
ASLAN is also developing eblasakimab, a potential first-in-class antibody for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, and has reported favorable topline data from a Phase 2b dose-ranging study.
The information in this article is based on a press release statement from ASLAN Pharmaceuticals. This news reflects only the current views of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals' management and is subject to change based on future events or new information.
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