Biotech

Alterity Therapeutics collars US patent for next generation compounds

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By Lorna Nicholas - 
Alterity Therapeutics ASX ATH neurodegenerative diseases drug

The patent “Compounds for and Methods of Treating Diseases” encompasses more than 150 novel pharmaceutical compositions that redistribute the labile iron which is associated with these neurodegenerative diseases.

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Alterity Therapeutics’ (ASX: ATH) has collared the US patent for its next generation compounds that are designed to assist in treating Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s as well as other neurodegenerative conditions.

The company filed for the patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office back in March, which then went under prioritised examination.

It is based on Alterity’s in-house discovery research and is central to its next generation drug development portfolio for neurogenerative diseases.

The patent “Compounds for and Methods of Treating Diseases” encompasses more than 150 novel pharmaceutical compositions that redistribute the labile iron which is associated with these diseases.

Alterity chairman and chief executive officer Geoffrey Kempler said the broad patent “established an excellent foundation for the company” as it pursues multiple therapeutics across the neurodegenerative disease spectrum.

“There is a growing clinical and scientific focus on the implication of elevated iron in the brain of people with neurodegenerative disease,” Mr Kempler explained.

“Alterity has been at the forefront of research and drug development in this area, and we have significant research to support our current and future drug development efforts.”

Mr Kempler added the patent will facilitate Alterity’s drug development plans in addressing some of the most devastating brain diseases where there are few or no treatment options.

The patent offers Alterity 20 years of exclusivity for its technology and supports the company’s portfolio including lead compound ATH434.

Multiple system atrophy

Alterity’s ATH434 is undergoing evaluation as a therapeutic for Parkinsonian disorder multiple system atrophy (MSA).

MSA is a neurodegenerative disorder with similar motor symptoms to Parkinson’s disease, resulting in loss of ability to coordinate voluntary movements.

It also impairs capacity to maintain normal blood pressure, bowel function and bladder control.

MSA usually becomes symptomatic after the age of 50 and advances rapidly. As it progresses, patients also experience increased difficulty swallowing, vocal cord paralysis and higher immobility.

It ultimately leads to profound disability and death.

Following positive safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics in a phase 1 trial in adults, Alterity has begun enrolling MSA patients for a BioMUSE trial.

Vital information from this study will be used to plan the phase 2 trial which is scheduled for mid-2021.