Palatin Technologies, Inc. announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a Notice of Allowance for U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/514,472 (the '472 application). The allowed composition of matter claims are to a broad family of melanocortin receptor-1 (MC1r) peptides with potential application in inflammatory disease-related and autoimmune indications.
Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin, commented, "Our MC1r peptide drug candidates, which are covered by the allowed patent, are highly specific, with substantially greater binding and efficacy at MC1r than at other melanocortin receptors. Our MC1r program has the potential to treat a number of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), rheumatoid arthritis, ocular indications such as uveitis and dry eye, and dermatologic indications. We are pleased with this important extension of our patent portfolio."
The patent enhances Palatin's MC1r patent family, and covers a number of peptides under evaluation, including PL-8177, Palatin's internal lead inflammatory disease candidate. PL-8177 has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models for autoimmune uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease and nephritis. Preclinical animal studies show PL-8177 suppresses the physiologic activity of inflammatory challenges, resulting in reduction of a number of inflammatory cytokines.
Once issued, the patent is expected to expire no earlier than November, 2030. The '472 patent application is solely owned by Palatin Technologies
