Defence Therapeutics strengthened its intellectual property holdings with new patents and allowances in several countries, solidifying its position as a leader in innovative anti-cancer therapies and vaccine enhancement technologies.
CEO Sébastien Plouffe stated the patents confirm the value of the company’s clinical candidates. “The recent issuance of these patents and allowances with broad claims covering our leading clinical candidates validates the innovative nature and the strength of our efficacy results, as we remain committed to the development of novel therapeutics for cancers. In addition, it secures Defence to negotiate licensing agreements with strong Biotech and Pharma companies.”
U.S. patent allowance for Accum® multimers
In May 2023, Defence submitted a U.S. patent application (no. 18/318,384) for Accum®-based multimers, which show greater stability and effectiveness than monomeric versions. The United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a Notice of Allowance on October 17, 2024, with the patent set to be granted in early 2025 after final fees are paid.
The claims protect Accum® dimers and multimers used in the company’s AccuTOX® and ARM® anti-cancer programs.
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New vaccine patents expand global coverage
The firm also secured additional patents for its vaccine enhancement platform, which relies on Accum® variants to increase immune response. These follow earlier filings in Europe and China, where similar protections are being pursued.
In Singapore, the company received an allowance for application no. 11202304388T, with the patent expected in early 2025 after fees are settled. These developments extend the reach of Defence’s vaccine technology, already protected in Canada, Australia, and Japan.
A 2023 study in Nature Communications showed that molecular conjugates improved vaccine performance in preclinical models. While Defence’s exact formulations remain proprietary, the findings support the potential of such approaches in infectious disease and cancer treatments.
Leadership changes and clinical priorities
Defence recently added Dr. Svetlana Selivanova, Dr. Maxime Parisotto, and Dr. Elias Theodorou to its leadership team. The appointments aim to close 2024 productively and set the stage for a strong 2025, though the company did not detail how the new executives will shape its clinical or patent strategies.
Related: Defence names Dr Maxime Parisotto chief science officer
The patents arrive as the firm progresses with early-stage trials for AccuTOX® in solid tumors. No timelines for regulatory submissions have been shared, but Defence has signaled plans to seek partnerships for later-stage development.
Analysts note the expanded patent portfolio could make the company more appealing to potential partners, despite volatility in the biotech sector. A 2024 World Health Organization report emphasized that intellectual property is vital for small biotech firms seeking investment, though clinical success remains uncertain.
Shares rose slightly after the announcement, though the increase was minor compared to broader market trends. The company has not provided financial projections related to the new patents.
While the patents secure foundational technology, their practical impact will hinge on trial results and commercial collaborations. For now, the additions represent progress in Defence’s efforts to deliver its therapies to patients.
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