Regeneus (ASX:RGS), a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company, has announced the Japanese Patent Office has issued a decision to grant a key patent covering the composition, manufacture and use of Progenza stem cell technology.
Progenza is the company’s allogeneic off-the-shelf stem cell technology platform for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions for human and animal applications.
Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-531048, entitled 'Therapeutics using cells and cell secretions', will provide commercial rights in Japan through to 2032.
According to the company, corresponding patents have been granted in Australia and New Zealand and are being pursued in other key territories including the US and Europe.
"The timing for the issue of this patent in Japan couldn’t be better," said Regeneus CEO John Martin. "It comes on the back of having announced positive data from our Phase 1 STEP trial of Progenza for knee osteoarthritis. The combination of positive clinical data, an issued patent and our strategic collaboration with AGC, will put us in a strong position to convert our clinical partnering discussions into good commercial outcomes.
"Japan continues to be the most attractive market for clinical licensing opportunities for Progenza technology underpinned by a world leading regulatory framework for encouraging the development and early patient access to new regenerative medicine products and an engaged pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry,” added Mr Martin