Merganser Biotech Announces Issuance Of U.S. Patent 9,315,545 Covering Development Compound M012
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merganser Biotech Inc. today announced the issuance of U.S. patent number 9,315,545 that includes a composition of matter claim for M012, Merganser’s clinical stage hepcidin mimetic peptide. M012 is currently under evaluation in a Phase 1 clinical program as a potentially transformative therapy for a number of rare hematological and iron overload diseases including beta thalassemia, low risk myelodysplasia (MDS), polycythemia vera and sickle cell disease. This patent is expected to provide exclusivity until at least 2035 and builds on the patent estate for hepcidin mimetic peptides that has been licensed by Merganser from the University of California.
“We are delighted to have been granted patent coverage on M012”
“We are delighted to have been granted patent coverage on M012,” said Brian MacDonald, CEO of Merganser Biotech. “Hepcidin mimetic peptides such as M012 represent a potential new therapeutic approach to control ineffective or dysregulated erythropoiesis in a wide range of hematological diseases. The long period of exclusivity created by this patent supports continued clinical development and commercialization of this promising technology.”
About Hepcidin Mimetic Peptides
Hepcidin is the master regulator of iron absorption, storage and distribution in the human body. This biological role may be used therapeutically to ameliorate ineffective erythropoiesis in iron loading anemias such as beta thalassemia and MDS, leading to improved production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. In contrast the same action may be used to reduce the accelerated rate of erythropoiesis in polycythemia vera.
Hepcidin mimetic peptides were discovered by Professors Tomas Ganz and Elizabeta Nemeth at the University of California, Los Angeles, two of the leading researchers in the field of iron metabolism and hepcidin biology. In recently published studies with Stefano Rivella, Professor of Hematology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Merganser has demonstrated highly positive effects of hepcidin mimetic peptides in animal models of beta thalassemia and polycythemia vera.
About Merganser Biotech
Merganser Biotech Inc. is a venture-backed, clinical-stage company developing a portfolio of hepcidin mimetic peptides as potential new medicines for the treatment of rare hematological and iron overload diseases. In 2013, the company obtained an exclusive worldwide license to patent rights for this technology from the Regents of the University of California. In February, 2015 the company closed Series A financing from a syndicate of life sciences investors that includes the Frazier Healthcare Partners, Novartis Venture Fund, Sutter Hill Ventures and Osage University Partners.