Cartherics has strengthened its global intellectual property position with the granting of a key patent in China, reinforcing the foundations of its lead cell therapy program and expanding its reach into one of the world’s fastest-growing oncology markets.
The Melbourne-based biotechnology company announced that the Chinese Patent Office has issued a second patent covering genetically modified cells and uses thereof, extending protection for its proprietary chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology targeting the tumour-associated antigen TAG-72. The patent encompasses mammalian stem cells engineered with the Company’s gene-modification platform, which underpins its lead product candidate, CTH-401.
The newly granted patent protects critical gene-editing features used in the manufacture of CTH-401, an off-the-shelf CAR-engineered immune cell therapy being developed for ovarian cancer. Cartherics is currently manufacturing clinical trial material in its newly upgraded clean-room facilities and is preparing to initiate a first-in-human clinical trial in patients with ovarian cancer in the second half of 2026.
The patent milestone comes at a time when the burden of ovarian cancer in China is rising sharply. Over the past three decades, incidence rates have steadily increased, with a marked acceleration in the last five years. Forecasts indicate that ovarian cancer prevalence in China will continue to grow over the coming decade at a pace exceeding global averages, underscoring the urgent need for new and effective treatment options.
Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest of all gynaecological cancers, claiming more lives than any other cancer affecting women’s reproductive organs. Despite advances in care, many patients face poor outcomes, making the development of innovative therapies critical to improving survival rates and quality of life.
Cartherics’ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ian Nisbet, said the patent grant represents an important step forward for the company’s long-term strategy. He noted that the issuance of another patent from the Company’s first patent family significantly strengthens the portfolio supporting the development and commercialisation of its off-the-shelf cellular therapies for cancer and endometriosis.
By securing protection in China, Cartherics has materially enhanced its global IP footprint, reduced future commercialisation risk, and positioned itself to generate value in a large and rapidly expanding oncology market. As the Company advances toward clinical trials, the patent reinforces the strategic platform underpinning its ambition to deliver scalable immune cell therapies for high-impact women’s diseases.