Cartherics has been granted its second European Patent as represented by the international patent filing WO2017088012.
The company said European Patent No. 3708587 B1, titled 'Genetically Modified Cells and Uses Thereof,' secures a proprietary position for multiple development candidates in its pipeline. The patent covers stem cells bearing the company’s chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the tumour-associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG-72). It also provides protection for allogeneic (off-the-shelf) immune cell products derived from the stem cells carrying the TAG-72 CAR.
TAG-72 is highly expressed on a range of adenocarcinomas, including ovarian and gastric cancers.
Cartherics said issuance of the patent represents an important milestone in developing new treatments for these cancers and adds to its intellectual property portfolio.
Cartherics’ initial target indication is relapsed or refractory ovarian cancer, where greater than 90 per cent of tumours are TAG-72 positive. Targeting these tumours with novel cellular immunotherapies will help address the unmet need for new treatment options for these patients.
Cartherics’ CEO, Professor Alan Trounson AO, said, “Cartherics has invested heavily to secure patent protection for different aspects of its technology platform. The issuance of this European patent adds to the web of patents underpinning development and commercialisation of the Company’s products, in particular its lead product, CTH-401.”