Vicore obtains SARS coronavirus patent for C21 in the USA
Gothenburg, September 22, 2021 - Vicore Pharma Holding AB (publ) (“Vicore”), a rare disease pharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines for severe lung disorders, today announces that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted patent number US11,123,329 covering the use of C21 to treat infections caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV), including SARS-CoV-2.
“COVID-19 may be just a few mutations away from evading existing vaccines, and we know that even vaccinated people can both pass on the infection and become ill themselves” said Carl-Johan Dalsgaard, CEO of Vicore Pharma. “This C21/CoV patent gives Vicore patent protection in the US market until December 2040.”
A major clinical impact of C21 on respiratory function in COVID-19 was documented in a recent phase 2 trial showing that C21 reduced the need for supplemental oxygen in hospitalized patients by 90%. An ongoing international pivotal phase 3 study (ATTRACT-3) involving around 600 COVID-19 patients is expected to deliver top-line data in H1 2022.
“The use of C21 to promote accelerated resolution of lung damage by SARS-CoV-2 and related conronaviruses is a promising and innovative therapeutic approach” said Johan Raud, CSO of Vicore. “Vicore is also presently pursuing equivalent protection for this innovation outside the US.”
C21 - a first-in-class AT2R agonist
C21 is a first-in-class, orally available, low molecular weight, angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) agonist that activates the “protective arm” of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) leading to resolution and regeneration following tissue damage. The compound is currently in a phase 2 proof-of-concept trial in IPF and in a pivotal phase 3 trial in COVID-19. Given the therapeutic potential of AT2R agonism in additional indications with significant unmet medical needs, Vicore has intensified the efforts to develop proprietary follow-up molecules with differentiated profiles.
For further information, please contact:
Carl-Johan Dalsgaard, CEO
Phone: +46 70 975 98 63
E-mail: carl-johan.dalsgaard@vicorepharma.com
This information was submitted for publication on September 22, 2021 at 08.00 CET.
About Vicore Pharma Holding AB (publ)
Vicore Pharma is a rare disease pharmaceutical company focused on severe lung disease and related indications. The company currently has four development programs, VP01, VP02, VP03 and VP04. VP01 aims to develop the substance C21 for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and COVID-19. VP02 is based on a new formulation and delivery route of thalodimide and focuses on the underlying disease and the severe cough associated with IPF. VP03 includes the development of new AT2R agonists. VP04 develops a clinically validated digital therapeutic for IPF patients.
The company's shares (VICO) are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm’s main market. For more information, see www.vicorepharma.com.