AB Science announces Canadian patent for masitinib to treat ALS
Masitinib has received orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration.
AB Science has secured a Canadian patent for its lead compound masitinib to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal motor neuron disorder.
The company stated that Canada’s patent office has issued a notice of allowance (NOA) for a patent relating to methods to treat ALS using the therapy.
The patent offers protection until 2037 and completes the intellectual property (IP) coverage for ALS across all important geographic areas where the therapy can be marketed, including the US, South Africa, and Eurasia.
AB Science said that masitinib is also eligible for regulatory data protection in the country.
This helps to prevent generic competition for eight years after initial approval.
Earlier this year, Japan’s patent office also issued an NOA for masitinib for the same condition.
Under the notice of compliance with conditions (NOC/c) policy, AB Science received authorisation from Health Canada to file a new drug submission for masitinib to treat ALS.
The US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency granted orphan drug designation to masitinib.
According to AB Science, approximately 3,000 Canadians are now living with ALS.
In 2021, the company signed an exclusive licensing agreement with the University of Chicago to carry out research on Covid-19 prevention and treatment with masitinib and other drugs.
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