PLANEGG-MARTINSRIED, Germany, February 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Martinsried-based drug discovery and development company 4SC AG announced today that the US Patent and Trademark Office (ASPTO) has granted the patent with the US patent number 7,176,241 for its drug candidate SC12267. This patent protects the DHODH inhibitor that is used by 4SC to treat rheumatoid arthritis and is currently undergoing testing in clinical phase IIa. In addition, the patent also covers further back-up substances related to SC12267, medical formulations and the treatment of patients with SC12267. The patent will apply until 2020.
The patent is part of a portfolio of patents taken out by 4SC AG for SC12267 and a group of chemically related DHODH inhibitors. Here, a first US patent was already granted back in July 2006. Corresponding patent applications for the substances are pending in Europe, China, India and other countries.
"The patent expands our portfolio of patents by a central element thereby creating the ideal conditions for a potential licensing partnership within the scope of this project," explains Ulrich Dauer, CEO of 4SC AG. "Furthermore, the granting of the patent is the result of our consistent development of a solid patent basis for all of our projects."
Protecting its own inventions by patent is of central importance to 4SC AG and reflects the company's innovative capacity. 4SC AG's research activities centre on the research and development of new chemical substances with superior pharmacological properties. To safeguard these values, 4SC AG is pursuing a clear patent strategy: Based on basic patents that protect the substance class as such, patent applications are then submitted for chemical substances, their use, indications, the application as a drug, and types of application as well as potential combinations. The goal is to acquire the maximum level of protection for the longest possible period of time. In doing so, 4SC AG is aiming to secure patent protection in all globally relevant markets, depending on the respective commercialisation strategy.
Each year 4SC AG's fields of research yield around 20 new inventions for which patents are taken out, and this number is increasing each year.
About 4SC
4SC AG (ISIN DE0005753818) has been listed in the Prime Standard of Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 15 December 2005. Founded in 1997 and now with a staff of 59, the company develops novel drug candidates for inflammatory diseases and cancer using a cheminformatics based technology platform. Traditional high throughput screening of therapeutic agents has been transferred from the lab to the computer. Thus, the company offers substantial cost and time advantages as well as increased success rates in drug development. 4SC AG uses its patented technology platform to create a sustainable product pipeline for active agents that are developed in early clinical phases ("proof of concept") and subsequently result in upfront and milestone payments as well as participation in sales generated by out-licensed products to the pharmaceutical industry. There are currently five projects in the pipeline. The first project on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is currently undergoing clinical phase IIa. Three other product candidates are in pre-clinical development and another project is in the research stage. Furthermore, the company has its technology platform in co-operation projects with biotech and pharma companies and is already generating initial revenues.
Legal Note
This document may contain projections or estimates relating to plans and objectives relating to our future operations, products, or services; future financial results; or assumptions underlying or relating to any such statements; each of which constitutes a forward-looking statement subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results could differ materially, depending on a number of factors.
For further information, please contact us: Bettina von Klitzing Manager Investor Relations und Public Relations 4SC AG Tel.: +49-(0)89-70-07-63 - 0 Bettina.von.klitzing@4sc.com
4SC AGCONTACT: For further information, please contact us: Bettina von Klitzing,Manager Investor Relations und Public Relations, 4SC AG, Tel.:+49-(0)89-70-07-63 - 0 , Bettina.von.klitzing@4sc.com
