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.