Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a production patent (US Patent No 7,507,564) covering steps used in the manufacture of fidaxomicin, which is currently in its second phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection, or CDI.

"The issuance of this production patent is another important milestone in strengthening the patent estate of our lead product candidate, fidaxomicin," said Michael N Chang, president and CEO of Optimer. "We believe this patent and the issued polymorphic Form A patent, along with additional pending patent applications, will enhance our intellectual property protection for fidaxomicin."

Fidaxomicin is the first in a new class of antibiotics called macrocyclics, which inhibit the bacterial enzyme RNA polymerase, resulting in the death of Clostridium difficile. The narrow spectrum profile of fidaxomicin may eradicate Clostridium difficile selectively with minimal disruption to the normal intestinal flora. This may facilitate the return of the normal physiological conditions in the colon and reduce the probability of CDI recurrence.

Optimer Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing innovative anti-infective products to treat serious infections and address unmet medical needs.