Poolbeg Pharma (LON:POLB, OTCQB: POLBF), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company targeting diseases with a high unmet medical need, has announced that the opposition to one of its European patents (Immunomodulator I) that was previously filed by a third party is to be withdrawn.
In the pharmaceutical industry it is not unusual for patents to be challenged. The Immunomodulator I European patent was opposed by a third party in September 2021. Further to engaging with the opposing party, Poolbeg has reached an amicable conclusion in relation to the patent dispute without any financial compensation between the parties. This has resulted in the opposing party agreeing to withdraw its opposition to the Immunomodulator I European patent and agreeing not to challenge any of Poolbeg’s Immunomodulator I or Immunomodulator II patents in the future.
The Company will be communicating with the European Patent Office (‘EPO’) regarding the necessity of continuing with the scheduled hearing in November. Based on specialist advice received, and the fact that the patent went through an extensive examination process prior to being granted by the EPO, Poolbeg continues to have full confidence in the validity and strength of the patent and will defend its intellectual property to the extent required.
Poolbeg Pharma has a worldwide licence for POLB 001 for all uses in humans and is developing a strong IP portfolio with patents in place, including Immunomodulator I and Immunomodulator II, covering the use of the class of p38 MAP kinase (mitogen-activated protein kinase) inhibitors for the treatment of severe influenza and hypercytokinaemia. The Company has also filed patent applications to expand its IP around POLB 001 and the use of p38 MAP kinase inhibitors in new disease areas, such as oncology. This enhances the value and attractiveness of POLB 001 to potential pharma partners.
Jeremy Skillington, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Poolbeg Pharma, said: “The favourable resolution of the opposition filed against our Immunomodulator I European patent is an important outcome for us. We have full confidence in the strength and validity of our patent portfolio and look forward to continuing to expand our intellectual property and protecting our pipeline of assets. We remain committed to addressing global unmet medical needs by driving innovation in healthcare.”
Footnote:
Immunomodulator I: Use of p38 MAPK inhibitors for the treatment of severe influenza
Immunomodulator II: Use of p38 MAPK inhibitors in combination with antiviral compounds for treatment of severe influenza, and the use of p38 MAPK inhibitors, alone or in combination with an antiviral agent, for the treatment of hypercytokinaemia
