Singapore: Phylogica has been granted a new European patent (no. 1793841) entitled: 'Peptide inhibitors of c-Jun dimerization and uses thereof'. This international patent (PCT/AU2005/001255) covers the company's lead Phylomer peptides targeting the AP-1 pathway, which is a crucial mediator of inflammation and cell death in multiple diseases.

The AP-1 pathway plays a critical role in neuronal cell death caused by stroke and traumatic brain injury, and lung inflammation resulting from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and septic shock. The family of Phylomer peptides has demonstrated efficacy in multiple preclinical models for stroke, traumatic brain injury and ARDS.

The granted claims of the patent cover any use of these Phylomers in the treatment of ischemic disease, including important clinical settings such as stroke, traumatic brain injury and reperfusion injury of liver, heart and blood vessels following transplantation. The peptides covered by this patent are active in this pathway and help to reduce the collateral damage to tissue.

Phylogica's CEO Dr Paul Watt said, "We are delighted to have been granted this European patent, since it provides further validation of the biological activity of Phylomers against intracellular targets, Phylogica is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the new frontier of drugs that not only get into cells, but also exert therapeutically relevant effects against targets within cells. More than half of the discovery alliances that we are currently negotiating with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry are focused on accessing the intracellular space."

Dr Watt added, "The vast majority of therapeutic targets are found within cells, yet most of these targets are not tractable with conventional drugs. The Phylomer platform could provide a unique source of next-generation biological drugs that can penetrate cells and thus expand the potential target landscape. We are currently working with Janssen, part of Johnson & Johnson, to exploit our capabilities in this field. Phylogica also recently engaged Bio-Link to support our partnering efforts for the anti-inflammatory Phylomers targeting the intracellular transcription factor AP1. This newly granted patent further enhances the value of these preclinical assets, which are being evaluated by numerous prospective partners with operations in Europe."