Oncoceutics, Inc. announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued patent #9,452,165 for the use of ONC201 to treat cancers that are categorized as adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas are cancers that form from epithelial cells with glandular origins or characteristics. They represent approximately 50% of all cancers, and more than 80% of prostate, breast, endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas.

ONC201, a member of the imipridone family, has demonstrated excellent anti-cancer activity and safety in preclinical models and ongoing clinical trials, including in prostate and endometrial cancers.

This patent further expands the IP protection the company has generated around ONC201 and its use in cancer. Combined with the company’s four previously issued patents for ONC201, Oncoceutics now has patent protection for use in the vast majority of cancer types, in addition to protection around its proprietary di-salt formulation, and the use of ONC201 in combination with any other therapeutic agent.

“This patent, which issued covering the use of ONC201 to treat adenocarcinomas, shows the wide utility of our lead clinical candidate to treat multiple forms of cancer,” said Martin Stogniew, PhD, chief development officer of Oncoceutics. “It, along with the company’s previously issued patents, gives Oncoceutics a large patent estate which we believe is extremely valuable.”

“Adenocarcinomas are among the deadliest forms of cancer for which we need new treatments to reduce morbidity and mortality,” said Wafik El-Deiry, MD, PhD, scientific founder of Oncoceutics and Deputy Cancer Center Director for Translational Research of the Fox Chase Cancer Center. “Progress in the laboratory research leading to this patent paves the way towards clinical translation of ONC201 in order to bring a new treatment option to patients with cancer.”