Poolbeg Pharma PLC (AIM:POLB) said its US patent assessment work is going to plan.
In an update, it told investors the official reviewing its application to protect its main asset, POLB 001, has indicated that the majority of the claims, including the main claim, would be “allowable”.
The main claim relates to the use of p38 MAP kinase inhibitors as a class of compounds, including POLB 001, for the treatment of severe influenza through modulation of the immune response.
Poolbeg said it anticipates receiving a formal patent grant in due course. European patent protection was granted before the company’s June IPO.
Chief executive Jeremy Skillington said: "Our US patent assessment is going to plan and we look forward to updating our shareholders when we receive confirmation of its grant.
“With the fast-growing infectious disease market expected to exceed $250bn by 2025 and the current market for influenza already around $800mln, the protection of our intellectual property is very important.
“As stated in our AIM Admission Document upon listing, our intention is to continue to aggressively file patent applications to protect Poolbeg's assets."