Poolbeg Pharma PLC (AIM:POLB) has been granted a full patent in the United States for its drug candidate POLB 001, aimed at treating and preventing severe immune reactions known as cytokine storms.
Cytokine storms involve an excessive release of immune system proteins that can occur during various illnesses, leading to significant patient complications.
The patent specifically covers the usage of POLB 001 in situations where an immune response has been triggered, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for managing these intense immune reactions.
This development significantly strengthens Poolbeg's intellectual property portfolio. The company is actively expanding its global patent holdings, which already include protections for p38 MAP kinase inhibitors used in severe influenza treatment.
Poolbeg continues to file additional patent applications to extend coverage of POLB 001 and related compounds, particularly focusing on cytokine release syndrome that can arise following cancer immunotherapy.
CEO Jeremy Skillington said: "We believe POLB 001 holds immense promise in addressing unmet medical needs in cancer immunotherapy-induced cytokine release syndrome and severe influenza, positively impacting patients and healthcare systems alike.
"Its impressive data package and strong patent portfolio, coupled with the promising >US$10 billion market opportunity in cancer immunotherapy-induced CRS alone, strengthens our confidence in its potential to positively impact global health and generate value for our shareholders."