XBiotech Inc. announced that it was awarded 11 new patents or patent allowances in the third quarter of 2018. Patents issued relate to the Company’s drug candidates bermekimab and 514G3, which target a crucial mediator of chronic inflammation and Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), respectively. The new patents include those issued from European authorities to protect bermekimab when used in the treatment of dermatological pathologies and cancer-associated cachexia. Patent allowances include one each in Australia, Canada, Israel, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, and South Korea that include covering: bermekimab in the treatment of cardiovascular disease; the 514G3 antibody to treat Staphylococcus aureus infections; and key aspects of the Company’s True Human antibody discovery platform.
Stanley Kim, Ph.D., J.D., XBiotech’s Corporate Vice President of Intellectual Property, stated, “These recently issued patents reflect XBiotech’s efforts to develop significant worldwide protection for its emerging candidate therapies. The Company’s patent portfolio currently includes over 100 issued patents.”
XBiotech’s substantial patent portfolio supports a diverse drug development platform. The Company is currently conducting clinical research with bermekimab as a combination therapy to treat pancreatic cancer. In addition, ongoing evaluation of results from XBiotech’s colorectal cancer programs continues to be conducted to investigate patient response to bermekimab and to further direct the Company’s oncology program. XBiotech has two separate dermatological clinical trials underway investigating response to bermekimab in patients with atopic dermatitis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Both studies are expected to be completed this year or by first quarter 2019. The Company is also currently exploring possibilities of conducting further clinical studies with 514G3 to prevent and treat Staphylococcus aureus infections, as well as bermekimab to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. XBiotech continues to advance its pipeline for other infectious disease indications, including Clostridium difficile and varicella zoster virus (shingles).
About True Human™ Therapeutic Antibodies
XBiotech’s True Human™ antibodies are derived without modification from individuals who possess natural immunity to certain diseases. With discovery and clinical programs across multiple disease areas, XBiotech’s True Human antibodies have the potential to harness the body’s natural immunity to fight disease with increased safety, efficacy and tolerability.