Initial Patent Filing

Initial Patent Filing

Details:

  • Initial Patent Filing (Italy, June 30, 2023):
    • Theranib filed its first patent, titled “Medicinal compound for the inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase subtype 1A (ALDH1A3)”.
    • The patent protects the intellectual property surrounding VE3, a novel small molecule with unprecedented specificity and potency against ALDH1A3.
    • This filing established Theranib’s position as a pioneer in developing ALDH1A3 inhibitors for targeted cancer therapy.
  • Strategic Transition to PCT (2024):
    • Converted the original patent into an International Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application, extending protection to multiple jurisdictions worldwide.
    • Initiated the US utility patent filing to secure rights in one of the largest oncology markets globally.
    • Conducted freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis to confirm the absence of conflicts with existing patents, ensuring exclusivity for VE3.

Achievements:

  • Secured robust intellectual property (IP) protection for VE3, covering:
    • The compound’s structure.
    • Its mechanism of action targeting ALDH1A3.
    • Applications in cancer therapy, particularly in chemotherapy-resistant and metastatic cancers.
  • Enhanced the company’s valuation, positioning Theranib as an attractive investment opportunity for venture capital and pharmaceutical partnerships.

Strategy:

  • Designed a patent strategy to maximize geographic and market coverage, focusing on regions with high oncology drug demand (e.g., USA, EU5, Japan).
  • Continued to generate supporting data from preclinical studies to strengthen the patent’s claims and ensure its enforceability during future commercialization stages.
  • Built a legal framework to defend IP rights against competitors in the oncology space.

Impact:

  • Established a competitive moat around Theranib’s innovative approach to ALDH1A3 inhibition, providing a foundation for future research and clinical development.
  • Enhanced credibility with investors and regulatory agencies by demonstrating a proactive approach to safeguarding innovation.