Galectin’s GR-MD-02 patent extended to Australia

Galectin Therapeutics announced it has received a Notice of Allowance from the Australian Government Patent Office. When issued, this patent will provide Australian coverage for Galectin’s GR-MD-02, which can treat patients at risk for fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and certain inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

“This allowance of these claims in Australia further strengthens the protection of the intellectual property behind our proprietary compound, GR-MD-02,” Peter G. Traber, MD, chief executive officer and chief medical officer of Galectin, said in a press release. “When issued, this patent will augment our current intellectual property portfolio for treatment of liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, lung fibrosis or heart fibrosis.”

Peter G. Traber

Galectin develops compounds targeting galectin proteins to treat patients with cancer and fibrotic liver disease. GR-MD-02 is a polysaccharide that inhibits galectin proteins, according to the press release. Currently, the compound is in phase 2 clinical trials for individuals with NASH and cirrhosis as well as individuals with NASH and advanced fibrosis. It is also in preclinical trials for lung, kidney and cardiovascular fibrosis. Further, it is in two clinical trials for patients with advanced melanoma and in a phase 2a trial for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

The patent application, called “Composition of Novel Carbohydrate Drug for Treatment of Human Diseases”, will not expire until 2032.

“This is but one of more than 50 patent applications we have pending in 10 foreign countries, which, in addition to Australia, include Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South Africa,” Traber said. “All of these countries are viewed as significant markets for the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or the manufacture of API.” – by Will Offit