Atossa Therapeutics Secures New Patent for (Z)-Endoxifen
Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS) has made a noteworthy announcement concerning its patent portfolio. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted a new patent (U.S. Patent No. 12,071,391) that centers on compositions involving (Z)-endoxifen, specifically including both its free base and salt forms. This patent also encompasses methods for administering these compositions to patients, further establishing Atossa's innovative role in oncology.
Expansion of Patent Protection
Steven Quay, M.D., Ph.D., the President and CEO of Atossa, shared his excitement regarding this new patent, highlighting that it extends Atossa's patent protection to cover (Z)-endoxifen salt compositions and their usage methods. This strategic move is anticipated to bolster long-term value for shareholders, underscoring Atossa’s dedication to innovation and drug development in oncology, especially in breast cancer.
Understanding (Z)-Endoxifen
(Z)-endoxifen is recognized as a powerful Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). It effectively targets estrogen receptors while also promoting their degradation. In clinical settings, it has shown efficacy, particularly in patients who have tumors resistant to standard hormonal treatments, positioning it as an essential option in cancer therapeutics.
Mechanism of Action
(Z)-endoxifen not only exhibits strong anti-estrogen effects but also interacts with protein kinase C beta 1 (PKC?1), an oncogenic protein, at clinically relevant concentrations. Notably, (Z)-endoxifen has been observed to provide comparable, if not superior, bone agonistic results while reducing endometrial proliferative effects compared to treatments like tamoxifen.
Development of Oral Formulation
Atossa is leading the charge in developing an oral formulation of (Z)-endoxifen that simplifies the therapeutic process by eliminating the need for liver metabolism to reach effective concentration levels. This innovative formulation is designed to bypass the stomach, as acidic conditions can convert much of (Z)-endoxifen into its inactive form, (E)-endoxifen. Early Phase 1 studies have shown that Atossa's oral (Z)-endoxifen is well tolerated by patients.
Current Clinical Trials
Currently, there are four Phase 2 clinical trials underway: one study looks at healthy women with measurable breast density, another focuses on women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, and the other two include the EVANGELINE study, which explores the effects of (Z)-endoxifen in women diagnosed with ER+/HER2- breast cancer. Through these diverse initiatives, Atossa’s (Z)-endoxifen is protected by four issued U.S. patents along with several pending applications, solidifying its position in the market.
Company Overview
Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing new medicines that address significant unmet medical needs in oncology, particularly in the fight against breast cancer using (Z)-endoxifen technologies. For more information about Atossa’s innovative approaches, you can visit their official website.
Contact Information
For inquiries, interested individuals can contact Michael Parks, VP of Investor and Public Relations, at 484-356-7105 or via email at michael.parks@atossainc.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the new patent for Atossa Therapeutics?
The new patent provides additional protection for (Z)-endoxifen compositions, strengthening Atossa’s intellectual property and potential market standing.
What is (Z)-endoxifen, and how does it work?
(Z)-endoxifen is a potent SERM that blocks estrogen receptors and promotes their degradation, making it effective even in cases of hormone-resistant tumors.
How is Atossa developing (Z)-endoxifen?
Atossa is creating a proprietary oral formulation of (Z)-endoxifen that avoids liver metabolism and the acidic environment of the stomach, aiming for enhanced therapeutic effectiveness.
What clinical trials are currently underway for (Z)-endoxifen?
There are four active Phase 2 trials assessing the efficacy of (Z)-endoxifen across various patient groups, including those with different breast cancer diagnoses.
Who can be contacted for more information about Atossa Therapeutics?
For further information regarding Atossa Therapeutics and its developments, Michael Parks, VP of Investor and Public Relations, is available for contact.