European Patent Office has issued a patent to ARCA biopharma, Inc on methods of treating heart failure patients with bucindolol based on genetic targeting. The patent (European Patent Number 1802775) entitled "Methods for Treatment with Bucindolol Based on Genetic Targeting," provides protection for this novel approach to treating patients with heart failure in France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland/Liechtenstein, Great Britain, Ireland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, Italy and Sweden. ARCA had previously announced receipt of the European Patent Office Communication under Rule 71(3) EPC notice of intent to grant a European patent for this patent application.

Heart failure is one of the largest health care problems in the world. Industry sources estimate that approximately 14 million people in Europe currently suffer from heart failure and this number is forecast to increase to 30 million by the year 2020. Over 3.6 million new cases of heart failure are reported each year in Europe.

"We are obviously pleased with the European Patent Office's issuance of this patent, which we believe will extend our pharmacogenetic intellectual property protection around bucindolol and, if approved for marketing, provide Gencaro market exclusivity in the designated countries into 2025," said Michael R Bristow, president and chief executive officer of ARCA.

Gencaro (bucindolol hydrochloride) is a pharmacologically unique beta-blocker and mild vasodilator being developed for the treatment of chronic heart failure (HF).

ARCA biopharma is dedicated to developing genetically-targeted therapies for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.