PharmAust (ASX:PAA) has been granted a new patent in Australia extending the use of its lead drug for non-cancer applications, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and age-related disorders.
The patent relates to the use of aminoacetonitrile derivatives for the treatment of intracellular pathway-related diseases and provides PharmAust with protection for this IP until 2033.
‘Aminoacetonitrile derivatives’ include the Novartis Animal Health compound Monepantel, the use of which PharmAust has patented for various disease indications.
PharmAust is currently evaluating Monepantel in clinical trials for cancer.
The new patent expands the range of therapeutic indications that can be targeted by PharmAust, enabling the company to explore new commercial opportunities in major markets.
As a drug already approved by regulators for the treatment of veterinary parasitic infections, Monepantel (MPL) has undergone a substantive research, development and registration program.
The subsequent discovery by PharmAust that MPL has potent cancer suppressing activity has led to the company targeting MPL for the treatment of both veterinary and human cancers.
Having completed Phase I in both man and canines with a good safety profile and evidence of anticancer activity, the company is progressing phase II study in canines as a prelude to embarking on phase II in humans.