Cynata Therapeutics has taken another step on its path towards commercialising the companys proposed asthma treatment by passing another milestone that adds an important layer of IP protection to its cutting-edge stem cell technology.

The Melbourne-based biotech has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States, flagging imminent good news on its patent application for treatment to combat asthma using its Cymerus mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, technology platform. The notice came from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, that sends such notices when it intends to issue a patent.

Cynata expects the patent will be granted about October and be in force until the end of August 2038.

The patent will be wholly owned by Cynata.

However, it will also be an impressive feather in the mortar boards of two academics contracted by the company who invented the proposed treatment, formally called the Method for Treating Allergic Airways Disease/Asthma.

They are Professor Chrishan Samuel, a Monash Biomedicine Discovery Fellow and Head of the Fibrosis Laboratory and Dr Simon Royce, Research Fellow, Department of Pharmacology at Monash University.

We are delighted that Professor Samuels investigations around the utility of Cynatas proprietary MSCs in lung disease has resulted in yet a further patent, particularly in the commercially vital jurisdiction of the USA. This new milestone builds on our portfolio of wholly Cynata-owned patents and patent applications, providing further protection over our proprietary Cymerus technology to 2038 and beyond, particularly in the field of diseases of the lungs.

Professor Samuels earlier work confirmed the potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of the companys Cymerus MSCs in asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF.

MSCs are regarded as the controllers of functional elements of a bodys immune system and play a vital role in repair and regeneration mechanisms.

They are being widely examined worldwide for their potential in combatting various diseases and have been involved in more than 1000 clinical trials globally over the past decade.

The company says its Cymerus technology addresses many of the issues faced in manufacturing MSCs at commercial scale because it allows cost-effective and consistent production of all the cells ever needed from just a single blood donation.

Cymerus is at the centre of Cynatas attention on a range of diseases and medical conditions. One target is so-called graft versus host disease, typically suffered by recipients of bone marrow transplants.

In another major milestone for the company, Cynata recently received US FDA clearance for an investigational new drug application for a Phase 2 trial for Cymerus treatment for graft versus host disease.

That trial, when it starts, will add to the three trials Cynata already has underway. The busy pipeline of work is one reason the company might not rush to launch a trial on the back of a new patent for its proposed asthma treatment.

However, in the land of medical biotechnology, where Big Pharma and innovative minnows constantly strive for mutually beneficial alliances and deals, waving a patent at the negotiating table is seen as a vital ingredient in any talks involving big money.

The carrot is finding an effective treatment for asthma, that currently soaks up an estimated US$20-25 billion of healthcare spending worldwide every year. One estimate has it passing the US$34 billion mark by 2028.

Junior biotechs such as Cynata Therapeutics that want a slice of the very big medicine pie need to make it as difficult as possible for competitors to encroach on their turf so the more protection they can build around their assets with patents and suchlike, the better.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@wanews.com.au

Excerpt from:
Cynata closes in on patent protection - The West Australian