Telormedix granted 'most important patent ' for TLR agonist bladder cancer drug
The Bioggio, Switzerland-based biotech firm has been granted the EU patent, entitled ‘Pharmaceutical compositions comprising imidazoquinolin (amines) and derivatives thereof suitable for local administration,’ applying to its compound Vesimune (Imiquimod).
Vesimune is a new formulation of the clinically active small molecule compound which is being optimised to treat bladder cancer locally. It consists of a toll-like receptor -7 (TLR-7) agonist, which recognises patterns and molecules typically shared by pathogens and therefore activates an immune cell responses when such microbes breach the body’s physical barriers.
The candidate is currently in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of localised bladder cancer and according to Telormedix CEO Johanna Holldack this is “the single most important patent for Vesimune,” placing the company in a strong position for partnering discussions.
Holldack told in-Pharmatechnologist.com the technology used is “highly specific for Vesimune, which is a difficult drug from a solubility point of view. Since the drug is administered into the bladder, you need a formulation that adheres to the epithelium.”
This technology is specifically being used for the delivery of Vesimune to the bladder, but Telormedix is also developing a number of potent and highly selective TLR7 agonists for topical administration in different cancer indications, and as a vaccine adjuvant.
Imiquimod has been marketed by several pharma firms, including Meda and Graceway Pharmaceuticals, as a patient-applied cream used to treat various skin conditions, including skin cancer, Bowen’s disease and genital warts.
According to the firm, only three TLR agonists have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and imiquimod.
