Diurnal gets European patent for 'Alkindi'

(Sharecast News) - Speciality pharmaceutical company Diurnal Group announced the grant of a patent for 'Alkindi', or hydrocortisone granules in capsules for opening, by the European Patent Office on Friday.
The AIM-traded firm said the patent, numbered 'EP2780003' and titled 'Treatment of Adrenal Insufficiency', disclosed and claimed the medical use of Alkindi for the treatment of paediatric patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI).

It said the patent would provide in-market protection until 2032 in all designated states of the European Patent Convention.

The equivalent patents from the same family were already granted in the UK, Japan, Australia, Israel, South Africa, South Korea, and the US for 'Alkindi Sprinkle'.

Its board said EP2780003 further expanded the company's exclusivity position for Alkindi in Europe, where Diurnal already had 10 years of data and market exclusivity until 2028 through a paediatric use marketing authorisation granted by the European Commission.

Alkindi is approved and marketed as the first preparation of hydrocortisone specifically designed for use in children suffering from AI and the related condition congenital adrenal hyperplasia, it explained.

"With the rapid commercialisation of Alkindi being a core focus for Diurnal, we are pleased to receive this patent grant by the European Patent Office," said chief executive officer Martin Whitaker.

"This patent, which builds on our strong global intellectual property position for the product, provides protection in Europe until 2032, supporting our continued commitment to provide Alkindi to paediatric patients suffering from adrenal insufficiency."

At 1139 GMT, shares in Diurnal Group were up 3.82% at 52.32p.