EANS-News: SYGNIS Pharma AG
SYGNIS strengthens patent position on AX200 for
the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Heidelberg (euro adhoc) -
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Licensing Agreements
SYGNIS strengthens patent position on AX200 for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Heidelberg, 09 February 2011 - SYGNIS Pharma AG (Frankfurt: LIOK; ISIN DE000A1E9B74; Prime Standard), a clinical stage biotech company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that it has licensed the exclusive rights to a European patent, which will significantly expand SYGNIS´ IP-position with regard to its lead candidate AX200. AX200, which is known as the G-CSF protein, is currently in a clinical phase II efficacy trial for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AXIS 2).
The licence covers an issued patent which provides broad protection with regard to the use of G-CSF for the reorganisation of neural tissue affected by neurodegenerative diseases, especially stroke or trauma. The patent rights strengthen SYGNIS´ IP-position around AX200 in the current AXIS 2-trial and also cover the use of G-CSF for the treatment of patients in the early rehabilitation-phase following a stroke. The patent has a scheduled expiry date of 2022, not including any potential extensions. In this respect, it complements the patent, granted in Europe in 2006 and in the USA in 2009, covering the use of AX200 for the treatment of stroke by stimulating arteriogenesis, to which SYGNIS has exclusive access under a license agreement with the Max-Planck Gesellschaft.
Dr Frank Rathgeb, Chief Medical Officer of SYGNIS, said: "These exclusive patent rights further strengthen the significant therapeutic potential of AX200. The current phase II efficacy trial for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke is progressing well and we expect to report the top-line data in the second half of 2011. Our robust intellectual property position means we are in a strong position to maximise the market potential of AX200."
About SYGNIS Pharma SYGNIS Pharma AG, headquartered in Heidelberg, is a specialty pharmaceutical company listed on the Prime Standard of the German stock exchange. The Company is focused on the research and development of innovative therapies for the treatment of disorders of the Central Nervous System. SYGNIS´ core projects are currently Acute Stroke for which SYGNIS´ lead clinical programme is AX200 as well as the preclinical KIBRA-project for the treatment of different forms of dementia. All these disorders are characterized by the fact that, as the disease progresses, nerve cells are damaged and die. Although there is great medical demand, there are currently no or only inadequate treatment options available. SYGNIS´ strategy for growth includes the development of new products from its own research and through in-licensing and acquisitions.
For further information please contact: SYGNIS Pharma AG: Dr. Franz-Werner Haas Vice President Operations +49 (0) 6221 454 812 franz-werner.haas@sygnis.de
Media-Contact: Julia Phillips Financial Dynamics Tel.: +44 (0) 20 7269 7187
### Disclaimer Some statements included in this press release, relating neither to proven financial results nor other historical data, should be viewed as forward- looking, i.e. not definite. Such statements are mainly predictions of future results, trends, plans or goals. These statements should not be considered to be total guarantees since given their very nature they are subject to known and unknown risks and imponderability and can be affected by other factors as a consequence of which the actual results, plans and goals of SYGNIS Pharma AG may deviate greatly from the established conclusions or implied predictions contained in such statements. SYGNIS does not undertake to publicly update or revise these statements in the light of new information or future results or for any other reason. ###
end of announcement euro adhoc
Contact:
Dr. Franz-Werner Haas
Vice President Operations
+49 (0) 6221 454 812
franz-werner.haas@sygnis.de
Branche: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A1E9B74
WKN: A1E9B7
Index: CDAX, Prime All Share
Börsen: Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
Berlin / free trade
Stuttgart / free trade
Düsseldorf / free trade
Hannover / free trade