Sareum Holdings PLC (AIM:SAR) shares were up nearly 6% in early trade on Monday after the firm revealed that it has been granted two new patents, including the first patent specifically for SDC-1801, its lead TYK2/JAK1 kinase inhibitor.
The company said SDC-1801, which is being developed as a potential therapeutic for autoimmune diseases and cancer, has been granted a patent in China
Furthermore, Sareum has received a patent in the United States for SDC-1802 and several analogues, expanding the scope of protection beyond immuno-oncology.
In a statement, Dr John Reader, Sareum's chief scientific officer, commented: "We're delighted to have the first patent granted for SDC-1801, our lead development programme which recently advanced into a Phase 1a clinical trial in Australia. We look forward to being able to strengthen our intellectual property around this asset in other territories in due course.
"Separately, we are really pleased to have extended the scope of patent protection for SDC-1802 in the US. Although oncology remains the primary focus of this asset, this bulwarks our intellectual property position and gives us optionality to explore opportunities in other therapeutic areas."
The company said it believes that this development enhances its intellectual property position and opens up opportunities in other therapeutic areas. SDC-1801 is currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials in Australia, with an initial focus on psoriasis.
Around 9.05am, Sareum shares were 5.9% higher at 135p.