Sonnet BioTherapeutics obtains US patent for two drug candidates

Sonnet BioTherapeutics has achieved a significant milestone with the issuance of US Patent No. 12,134,635, which covers its innovative drug candidates, SON-1411 and SON-1400. These new drugs are anticipated to enhance cancer treatment options. The patent, titled ‘Interleukin 18 (IL-18) Variants and Fusion Proteins Comprising Same,’ has been granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office and is valid until June 2044. It pertains to modified forms of recombinant human interleukin-18.

SON-1411 is a bifunctional fusion protein that merges IL-18 with single-chain wild-type IL-12, linked through the company’s Fully Human Albumin Binding (FHAB) platform. On the other hand, SON-1400 is a monofunctional fusion protein that features an IL-18 domain connected to the FHAB platform.

Pankaj Mohan, the founder and CEO of Sonnet, emphasized the importance of this patent issuance, stating that it provides a notable differentiation from competitors. He highlighted that IL-18, when used synergistically with IL-12, has significant potential as a therapeutic asset in oncology and cell-based therapies. IL-18 is a crucial cytokine that, in combination with IL-12, can offer substantial therapeutic benefits.

The FHAB platform developed by Sonnet is designed to target tumor and lymphatic tissue, thereby enhancing the efficacy and safety of immune-modulating biological drugs. The platform also extends the biological activity of connected molecules by binding native albumin in the serum, which targets the tumor microenvironment through high-affinity binding to glycoprotein 60 and the Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine.

IL-18 has a vital role in regulating both adaptive and innate immune responses, impacting natural killer cells, monocytes, and other cell types. IL-18BP, acting as a decoy receptor, inhibits IL-18-mediated activation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

Sonnet is advancing the development of bifunctional cytokine molecules, specifically IL-18-FHAB-IL12 and IL-18-FHAB. These molecules feature an IL-18 domain that does not bind to IL-18BP but retains the full bioactivity of IL-18 and IL-12. This advancement could potentially broaden the applications of immunotherapy for cancer patients.

With the issuance of this patent, Sonnet BioTherapeutics is poised to make significant strides in cancer treatment, leveraging the unique properties of IL-18 and IL-12 to create more effective and safer therapeutic options. The company's innovative approach and technological platform reflect its commitment to improving outcomes for patients battling cancer.