ValiRx gets US patent protection for use of VAL201 peptide

(Sharecast News) - Clinical stage biotechnology company ValiRx announced on Wednesday that the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed patent claims directed towards a method of preventing the worsening of symptoms of metastatic cancer, reducing the progression of metastatic cancer, or treating metastatic cancer - including prostate cancer - by administration of the 'VAL201' peptide.The AIM-traded firm explained that advanced prostate cancer was classified when disease spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body.That spread was known as metastatic disease, and in prostate cancer the most common spread was to the bones and lymph nodes.The company said the main goals for treatment of advanced prostate cancer were symptom control, slowing the rate at which the cancer grows, as well as targeting the tumour.ValiRx claimed the VAL201 compound "selectively prevents" tumour growth, by specifically inhibiting the proliferation of tumour cells.It said its inhibitory effects on lymph node metastases had been demonstrated in the pre-clinical prostate cancer model.The compound was currently in a phase 1 and 2 study, primarily assessing safety and tolerability of VAL201 and its effect in the treatment of prostate cancer and other solid tumours.VAL201 had been well tolerated, the firm claimed, with signs of activity in advanced prostate cancer noted through biomarker and imaging techniques."With previously granted worldwide rights for the use of VAL201 in prostate cancer, we are very pleased that the USPTO has allowed claims for the use of VAL201 in the prevention and treatment of metastatic - including prostate - cancer," said ValiRx chief executive officer Dr Satu Vainikka."I believe that not only will the allowed claims complement our other intellectual property and provide the company with a more compelling package to offer when in discussions with big pharma, but I also believe that if we can reduce the symptoms and progression of metastases, as well as targeting the lesion, through the use of VAL201, we can improve prospects for patients."