Brisbane, Australia. 23 April 2009: Xenome Limited (“Xenome”) today announced the issuance of US patent 7,507,717 entitled “Type II chi-conotoxin peptides (noradrenaline transporter inhibitors)”.
This patent adds to the extensive portfolio surrounding chi-conopeptides and analogues, including Xen2174, the Company’s lead molecule. Xen2174 has shown promise as a best-in-class pain therapeutic and is currently in clinical development for the treatment of moderate to severe pain in various acute and chronic pain indications.
The newly issued patent provides Xenome with a proprietary position on multiple families of analogues of the chi-conotoxin, Mr1A, through to the end of 2025. These peptides have the ability to inhibit the noradrenaline transporter, also known as the norepinephrine transporter (NET).
“This patent strengthens our web of intellectual property surrounding Xen2174”, stated Xenome’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ian Nisbet. “The fact that we have multiple issued US patents, as well as patents in other territories, will be highly valued by potential partners.”
About Xenome:
Xenome is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of peptide-based therapeutics. Utilising its expertise in peptide chemistry and its novel technology platform, Xenome translates the evolutionary advantages inherent in venom peptides into new drug candidates.
The Company’s lead product, Xen2174, is a novel conopeptide analogue for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Xen2174 is a non-competitive inhibitor of norepinephrine transporter (NET), a validated target for the management of pain. In an international phase I/II clinical trial in cancer patients, a single intrathecal administration of Xen2174 was found to be safe and well-tolerated across a broad dose range. In addition, the study provided evidence for an analgesic effect that had a rapid onset of action and was long-lasting.
Xenome’s discovery platform is based on proprietary libraries of venom peptides, analogues and mimetics. Research license agreements are in place with Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMLN) and Medimmune LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca), each of which have access to Xenome’s platform for specific indications or targets.
Further information can be obtained from the Xenome website (www.xenome.com).
