Poolbeg Pharma PLC (AIM:POLB, OTCQB:POLBF), the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, recently received a notice of allowance from the Japanese Patent Office, strengthening its Immunomodulator I patent portfolio.
This approval specifically allows the company to use a p38 MAPK inhibitor for treating severe influenza in human patients in Japan.
On completion of administrative formalities, the patent is expected to be granted formally.
Holding a worldwide licence for POLB 001, a drug with applications in various human conditions, Poolbeg continues to build a robust intellectual property portfolio.
Included in this portfolio are patents for Immunomodulators I and II, which focus on the use of p38 MAP kinase inhibitors in treating severe influenza and hypercytokinaemia.
To extend its intellectual property around POLB 001, the company has also filed patent applications for new disease areas, such as oncology.
This strategic move aims to enhance the drug's value and attractiveness to potential pharmaceutical partners.