Drug developer ValiRx Plc (LON:VAL) has been granted a US patent over technology at the heart of its lead cancer compound VAL 201.
The protection covers the molecule and a “wide variety of derivatives, modifications and analogues of the compounds and their mode of action”.
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“Furthermore, the protection sought includes therapeutic formulations with associated delivery systems,” it added.
It said patenting VAL201 in this way was one of the “cornerstones” of its commercial strategy.
It already has similar protection against copycat drugs in other territories, including Europe.
Currently the subject of a phase I/II clinical study, VAL201 is being developed as a treatment for metastatic prostate cancer and other solid tumours.