Prokarium expands IP portfolio with two new US patents

Prokarium, a biopharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom, has recently secured two Notices of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These patents are set to enhance the company's standing in the field of bladder cancer.

One of the patents, application number 17/752,707, involves the co-administration of Prokarium’s proprietary salmonella strains with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This combination is designed to improve the therapeutic efficacy of these inhibitors. The second patent, application number 18/559,543, relates to a salmonella-based technique for treating neoplastic diseases. This method induces an immune response and delivers targeted anti-tumor effects.

Kristen Albright, CEO of Prokarium, commented on the significance of these developments, saying: “This patent reinforces our intellectual property portfolio and, more importantly, provides a stronger foundation for our clinical program in bladder cancer. Collectively, these innovations are crucial for enhancing the company's value, making us more attractive to potential strategic partners and investors, especially as we aim to address significant unmet needs in cancer immunotherapy.”

Prokarium is currently advancing its investigational immunotherapy ZH9, which is under development as an intravesical treatment designed to prevent recurrences of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The investigational therapy is being evaluated in the PARADIGM-1 study, which is actively recruiting patients at multiple centers across the United States.

In November 2023, Prokarium achieved a significant milestone when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted clearance for the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the trial of ZH9. This clearance allows the company to proceed with its clinical trials, marking a pivotal step in the development of this promising therapy.

Additionally, in March 2024, Prokarium was awarded a grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), specifically from the UKRI’s Technology Missions Fund and administered by Innovate UK. This grant aims to fast-track the development of Prokarium’s Living Cures platform, which seeks to revolutionize precision medicine through the use of off-the-shelf programmable therapeutics.

With the support of the UKRI engineering biology grant, Prokarium is gearing up to launch the next phase of development. This phase is critical for strengthening the company’s position in the synthetic biology sector, further solidifying its role as a leader in innovative cancer treatments.

Prokarium's recent achievements underscore its commitment to advancing cancer immunotherapy and precision medicine. By securing key patents and obtaining regulatory clearances, the company is poised to make significant strides in addressing the therapeutic needs of patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and potentially other neoplastic diseases. These milestones not only bolster Prokarium’s clinical programs but also position the company as an attractive partner for future collaborations and investments in the dynamic field of cancer treatment.