Zelda Therapeutics (ASX:ZLD) has announced the grant of a new patent in Australia covering a novel method to predict patient disease-free survival.
The patent provides protection until 2038. The patent (AU2017346940A), entitled 'Prognostic method and kits useful in said method', details a method for detecting levels of expression of a novel receptor complex containing HER2 and CB2.
HER2 is a well-recognised marker of aggressive breast cancer while CB2 is a key receptor in the endocannabinoid system. Together they form a novel receptor complex that represents a prognostic marker for HER2 positive breast cancer.
According to Zelda managing director, Dr Richard Hopkins, “We’re delighted with the allowance of this patent, which supports Zelda’s strategy of building a world-class intellectual property portfolio and the development of cannabisbased products. Further news is expected as this patent family progresses through the international examination phase.
"I’d also like to acknowledge the work of Professor Cristina Sanchez and her team who generated the data that supported this patent. This work was recently published in the prestigious peer-reviewed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This outcome highlights the benefit of Zelda’s approach of partnering with world-leading cannabis researchers.
"Importantly, Professor Sanchez’s discovery of a novel prognostic biomarker, will complement our ongoing efforts develop to cannabis-based medicines to treat breast cancer. “