Progen Pharmaceuticals granted US Patent notice

THE ROADHOUSE PHARMACY: Progen Pharmaceuticals (ASX: PGL) has been granted a notice of allowance by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for Patent Application No. 12/738552 ‘Novel Sulfated Oligosaccharide Derivatives’, which includes Phase I cancer drug PG545.

The company said the patent protects the composition and use of, and methods of treatment for Progen’s clinical compound PG545 and related PG500 series compounds.

The methods of treatment encompass a variety of therapeutic areas and include oncology, namely to control angiogenesis and metastasis.

The patent will provide protection and exclusivity until 2028 and may be further extended under certain circumstances.

“The allowance of this key USA patent is a significant milestone and valuable addition to the company’s intellectual property portfolio,” Progen Pharmaceuticals acting managing director Heng Tang said in the company’s announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange.

PG545 is currently being tested in a Phase I clinical trial in advanced cancer patients in Australia.

Website: www.progen-pharma.com