Ark Therapeutics granted European patient for stroke-prevention agents

Ark Therapeutics has announced that it has been granted a patent by the European Patent Office (EPO) covering the use of agents that effect the angiotensin-renin stroke prevention and treatment system.

This patent covers 23 molecules that are part of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II receptor blocker therapeutic.

A number of these molecules are already being promoted by firms as treatments for stroke, while others are in the latter stages of clinical development.

The award of this patent has triggered a payment under a licensing agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim, while Ark notes that it may also pave the way for contracts with other pharmaceutical firms.

Dr Nigel Parker, chief executive officer of Ark Therapeutics, said: “We are very pleased to receive the formal grant of this patent.

“We have always been excited by the novelty and significance of the mitochondrial science supporting the patent, which has now led to grants in three different indications.”

He added that the company is currently examining the final wording of the patent from the EPO to enable the firm to evaluate the possibilities for commercial licensing agreements aside from its existing deal with Boehringer Ingelheim.

In February 2007, Ark Therapeutics held a number of positive meetings with the European Medicines Evaluation Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration relating to the development of its orally-administered treatment for cachexia and weight loss in cancer patients, Vitor.