Apogenix Strengthens U.S. Patent Position for Lead Immuno-Oncology Candidate APG101

HEIDELBERG, Germany, Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Apogenix, a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation immuno-oncology therapeutics, announced today that it has received Notices of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for two key patents for lead immuno-oncology candidate APG101. The so-called method of use patent covers the use of CD95 ligand inhibitors, such as APG101, for the treatment of glioblastoma. This patent is valid at least until 2029. The so-called composition of matter patent protects APG101 as a product as well as its manufacturing process at least until 2033.

"Apogenix already has a broad patent portfolio covering APG101. These two patents greatly expand the protection of APG101 and its use in the treatment of glioblastoma," said Thomas Hoeger, Ph.D., CEO of Apogenix. "The prospective granting of these two patents in the most important pharmaceutical market further validates our innovative drug development approach and the therapeutic potential of CD95 ligand inhibitors for the treatment of malignant brain tumors, among other indications."

The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of APG101 were demonstrated in a controlled phase II proof-of-concept trial in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Treatment with APG101 in combination with radiotherapy has shown clinical superiority in all study endpoints compared to treatment with radiotherapy alone, resulting in an overall survival benefit in glioblastoma patients treated with APG101. Interim data of a phase I trial with APG101 for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes further indicate the efficacy of APG101 in this hematological disease. 

About Apogenix
Apogenix develops innovative immuno-oncology therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and other malignant diseases. The company has built a promising pipeline of immuno-oncology drug candidates that target different tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF)-dependent signaling pathways, thereby restoring the immune response against tumors. Since its inception in fall 2005, Apogenix has raised more than 90 million euros in financing rounds, public grants, and upfront payments from licensing agreements. The company is based in Heidelberg, Germany.

About APG101
Apogenix' lead immuno-oncology candidate APG101 is a fully human fusion protein that consists of the extracellular domain of the CD95 receptor and the Fc domain of an IgG antibody. APG101 is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors and malignant hematological diseases. By blocking the CD95 ligand, APG101 restores the immune response against tumors and inhibits invasive tumor cell growth.

SOURCE Apogenix

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