Antisense Therapeutics granted U.S. patent for multiple sclerosis treatment 

(MENAFN - ProactiveInvestors - Australia) Antisense Therapeutics (ASX: ANP) has been granted a U.S. patent covering its ATL1102 drug in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

The patent extends coverage of the ATL1102 compound for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients until 2029 with the potential for up to a five year extension to 2034.

Antisense also has patent applications under examination in Europe, Japan, Canada, and Australia.

Additional patent protection in relation to the antisense technology and manufacturing is also provided internationally for ATL1102 by Antisense's technology partner Isis Pharmaceuticals.

A previous phase two study has confirmed the drug's activity in potently suppressing brain lesions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

There are significant commercial deals taking place in the multiple sclerosis space including Biogen Idec's purchase of Elan's stake in Tysabri, and Merck Serono's option over Opexa's Tcelna therapy, a multiple sclerosis treatment entering phase IIb trials.


Move towards phase IIb study

Testing of the ATL1102 formulated material for suitability for use in a chronic toxicology study has now confirmed the material's suitability for its intended application.

The material will be shipped to China for use in the toxicology study that is designed to support a potential future phase IIb study of ATL1102 in multiple sclerosis patients.

Antisense and Chinese partner Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine (TJAB) are in discussions regarding the commencement of the toxicology study ahead of establishing the joint venture.

TJAB was established as part of an initiative of the Chinese Government and State Food and Drug Administration to accelerate economic growth and develop the country's biotech industry.

Potential applications for ATL1102 include the areas of multiple sclerosis, stem cell mobilisation and asthma.