Last checked at 1 Aug 2019 07:00
VALIRX PLC
("ValiRx", the "Company" or the "Group")
EUROPEAN PATENT NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE FOR THERAPEUTIC COMPOUND, VAL301
London, UK., 01 August 2019: ValiRx Plc (AIM: VAL), the clinical stage biotechnology company, announces that the European Patent Office ("EPO") has issued a Patent Notice of Allowance for ValiRx's pre-clinical therapeutic compound, VAL301, subject to payment of the relevant fees.
The VAL301 compound is derived from ValiRx's lead compound, VAL201 and its potential therapeutic approach is based on the same mode of action. VAL301 is currently in late-stage pre-clinical development (announced 17/07/18) as a non-invasive, effective treatment for the non-cancerous, but hugely debilitating gynaecological condition, endometriosis, which is characterised by endometrial-like tissue found outside of the uterine cavity. The condition represents one of the major causes of female infertility.
The compound has been developed for the treatment of hormone-induced, non-oncological abnormal growth and cell proliferation conditions. These include indications for endometriosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia, for both of which there is substantial global unmet medical need.
This latest European patent allowance provides additional protection for ValiRx and the allowance in another of the world's populous regions follows on from ValiRx's earlier receipt last year of a US Patent Grant (announced 17/07/18) and the more recent Patent Allowances covering China and the Russian Federation (announced 31/01/19).
Dr Satu Vainikka, CEO of ValiRx plc, commented: "This is excellent news and I am delighted that the patent portfolio for our lead compounds continues to strengthen, add value and receive further endorsement.
The current list of Patent Grants and Allowances pertaining to the compounds, VAL301 and VAL201, are as follows:
VAL 301 - endometriosis
Country/Region | Patent number | Date filed | Granted/Allowed |
Europe | EU 12840836.6 | 1 November 2012 | Allowed |
United States | US 10,023,612 | 1 November 2012 | Granted |
China | ZL2012800657582 | 1 November 2012 | Granted |
Russia | RU 2684315 | 1 November 2012 | Granted |
United Kingdom | GB 2496135 | 1 November 2011 | Granted |
VAL 201 - prostate cancer and metastatic prostate cancer
Country | Patent number | Date filed | Granted/Allowed |
United States | US 14/888,214 | 30 April 2014 | Allowed |
United States | US 9,919,023 | 14 March 2008 | Granted |
Europe | EP 2139917 | 14 March 2008 | Granted |
Japan | JP 5998161 | 14 March 2008 | Granted |
Japan | JP 6456922 | 30 April 2014 | Granted |
Australia | AU 2008228274 | 14 March 2008 | Granted |
Japan | JP 6545122 | 14 March 2008 | Granted |
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
*** ENDS ***
For more information, please contact:
ValiRx plc | Tel: +44 (0) 20 3008 4416 www.valirx.com |
Dr Satu Vainikka, Chief Executive | Tel: +44 (0) 20 3008 4416 |
Tarquin Edwards, Head of Communications. | Tel: +44 (0) 7879 458 364 tarquin.edwards@valirx.com |
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (Nominated Adviser) Liam Murray / Jo Turner / Ludovico Lazzaretti | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7213 0880 |
SVS Securities PLC (Joint Broker) Elliot Hance | Tel: +44 (0) 20 3700 0093 |
Novum Securities Limited (Joint Broker) Colin Rowbury | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7399 9400 |
Notes for Editors
About ValiRx
ValiRx is a biotechnology oncology focused company specialising in developing novel treatments for cancer and associated biomarkers. It aims to make a significant contribution in "precision" medicine and science, namely to engineer a breakthrough into human health and well-being, through the early detection of cancer and its therapeutic intervention.
The Company's business model focuses on out-licensing therapeutic candidates early in the development process. By aiming for early-stage value creation, the company reduces risk considerably while increasing the potential for realising value. The group is already in licensing discussions with major players in the oncology field.
ValiRx's two classes of drugs in development, which each have the potential for meeting hitherto unmet medical needs by existing methods, have worldwide patent filings and agreed commercial rights. They originate or derive from World class institutions, such as Cancer Research UK and Imperial College.
Until recently, cancer treatments relied on non-specific agents, such as chemotherapy. With the development of target-based agents, primed to attack cancer cells only, less toxic and more effective treatments are now possible. New drugs in this group-such as those in ValiRx's pipeline-promise to greatly improve outcomes for cancer patients.
The Company listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange in October 2006 and trades under the ticker symbol: VAL.