Island Pharmaceuticals (ASX:ILA) secures U.S. patent for dengue drug ISLA-101

In a significant milestone for Australian biotech, Island Pharmaceuticals (ASX:ILA) has achieved a critical boost to its intellectual property armoury with the grant of a U.S. patent for its lead drug candidate, ISLA-101.

This marks a pivotal moment for the Melbourne-based antiviral drug repurposing company as it aims to combat dengue fever, a disease with growing global prevalence.

Key Takeaways:

• Patent Scope: The U.S. patent, titled “Method of viral inhibition” (US Patent No. 12,161,610), secures exclusive rights for Island Pharmaceuticals to use ISLA-101 in reducing the severity of dengue fever symptoms until April 2034.
• Clinical Trial Progress: The company is currently advancing its Phase 2a/b clinical trial of ISLA-101, with the patent solidifying its foothold in a highly competitive antiviral therapeutic space.
• Global Reach: The patent complements an already robust IP portfolio covering Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Singapore.

Dr David Foster, CEO of Island Pharmaceuticals, described the patent as a cornerstone of the company’s strategy. “We are pleased to have been awarded this latest U.S. patent, which bolsters our expanding intellectual property portfolio and provides enhanced protection for our flagship program, ISLA-101, aimed at combating dengue fever. As we continue to advance our Phase 2a/b ISLA-101 clinical trial, our IP program remains fundamental to its success,” he said.

The Importance of ISLA-101

ISLA-101, repurposed from a compound with an established safety profile, is being developed to prevent and treat dengue fever—a mosquito-borne illness that afflicts millions annually, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.

With the potential to reduce both the medical and economic burden of dengue, ISLA-101 is poised to address a substantial unmet need in global health.

Further elevating its prospects, Island Pharmaceuticals may qualify for a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) from the FDA if ISLA-101 is approved.

These vouchers, which expedite the regulatory process for future drugs or can be sold on secondary markets, represent a lucrative opportunity in themselves.

Strategic Significance

This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging drug repurposing to expedite the delivery of treatments for infectious diseases.

By securing IP protection in the U.S., Island Pharmaceuticals is well-positioned to attract strategic partners and potential investors, reinforcing its standing in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.

With dengue fever spreading to regions previously unaffected due to climate change and urbanisation, the market for effective antivirals is expanding.

This patent not only secures Island Pharmaceuticals’ innovative approach but also strengthens its narrative as a forward-thinking biotech innovator.

As the company progresses through clinical trials, investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how Island capitalises on this new IP foothold.

With the Phase 2a/b trial outcomes on the horizon, Island Pharmaceuticals is entering a decisive chapter in its mission to combat one of the world’s most pervasive mosquito-borne diseases.

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