KemPharm, Inc. Receives Patent from the USPTO for Novel Prodrug of Hydromorphone, KP511

CORALVILLE, Iowa, Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- KemPharm, Inc., a clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of proprietary new molecular entity (NME) prodrugs, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued U.S. Patent No. 8,816,083 to KemPharm for its patent application entitled, "Benzoic Acid, Benzoic Acid Derivatives and Heteroaryl Carboxylic Acid Conjugates of Hydromorphone, Prodrugs, Methods of Making and Use Thereof."

The patent, which extends through 2032, provides composition of matter protection for KP511, KemPharm's prodrug of hydromorphone, and adds to the intellectual property estate governing the company's pain therapy portfolio. KP201, KemPharm's prodrug of hydrocodone, was previously granted composition of matter protection extending through 2031 (USPTO Patent No. 8,461,137).

Travis C. Mickle, Ph.D., President and CEO of KemPharm, commented, "The composition of matter patent for KP511 is a significant addition to KemPharm's IP estate as we execute our strategy of advancing a franchise of new molecular entities that leverage our LAT prodrug technology to create what we believe will be improved versions of approved and widely-prescribed drugs.  With patent protection for KP511 and KP201 extending to 2032 and 2031 respectively, we believe KemPharm is ideally positioned to answer the growing need within the pain therapeutic market, and society in general, for prescription opioid medications that deter abuse and reduce or eliminate opioid-induced constipation."

In preclinical studies, KP511 exhibited pharmacological characteristics that may suggest an improved safety profile compared to currently marketed hydromorphone products, possibly reducing or preventing symptoms of constipation and limiting abuse potential and risk of overdose. KP511 also features tamper resistant properties that make it difficult to extract hydromorphone from the prodrug, which is not active until cleaved by normal metabolism in the GI tract.  

About KemPharm

KemPharm is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of new molecular entities (NMEs) to treat serious medical conditions through its proprietary and broadly applicable Ligand Activated Therapy (LAT) approach.  The company utilizes its LAT technology to generate improved prodrug versions of FDA approved drugs in the high needs areas of pain, ADHD and other CNS diseases.  For more information on KemPharm, please visit the company's website at www.kempharm.com.

SOURCE KemPharm, Inc.