Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced that the company has received United States Patent and Trademark Office (US PTO) notification of the allowance of two important patents.

According to a company press release, the first patent is directed to a unique class of compounds that combine elements of diketopiperazines (same class as Ampion) and methylphenidate derivatives. The second patent is directed to novel derivatives of methylphenidate (Ritalin). Both patents contain not only use claims for these novel compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them, but also composition of matter claims.

Dr David Bar-Or, chief science officer of Ampio, explained, “These novel classes of compounds have demonstrated strong anti-angiogenic activity, anti-proliferative properties in several cancer cell lines, anti-inflammatory activity in various immune activated cell lines (including T cell mediated responses) and other potentially clinically useful responses. The mechanism of action of these compounds is novel and involves, among many findings, the activation of a specific phosphatase, a specific intracellular enzyme.”

Dr Bar-Or further noted, “Lead compounds from each of the two patented classes have been selected, synthesized and tested in-vitro in various human cell lines and are being considered for clinical use for treating Glioblastoma multiforme, a fatal brain cancer, inflammatory breast cancer and for autoimmune/inflammatory conditions, including ophthalmic disorders.”

“The company has advanced these compounds to full development status,” said Ampio CEO Don Wingerter, “and now that our patent protection is in place, we will begin exploring licensing opportunities for these promising drug candidates.”