Pulmatrix, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, has received two important new patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The first new patent expands the potential of Pulmatrix's technology for delivering drugs directly to the lungs. Pulmatrix has developed a dry powder that 'flies' easily through the airways and can deliver a wide range of types of drugs. The technology significantly increases the efficiency of drug delivery and reduces side effects compared to existing approaches.

Pulmatrix's iSPERSE drug delivery technology has already received extensive intellectual property protection.

The new patent makes the technology even more versatile. A drug is typically formulated in the iSPERSE matrix using "excipients"—typically inert ingredients like salts that enhance the drug's utility. The previous patents had provided intellectual property protection for the use of two such excipients. The new patent (US 9744130) adds protection for the use of two more excipients.

"This patent doubles the choices that we have, extending the reach of our technology," explained Robert W. Clarke, Ph.D., chief executive officer for Pulmatrix.

The second new patent expands protections for Pulmatrix's PUR0200 drug candidate for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PUR0200 combines tiotropium bromide, the active component in the billion-dollar blockbuster drug Spiriva, with Pulmatrix's drug delivery platform. Clinical trials of PUR0200 have shown that the product is up to five times more efficient at delivering the drug to the lungs than are the currently marketed alternatives.

Pulmatrix had previously received several key patents protecting PUR0200. The new patent (US 9737518), however, broadens the intellectual property protection so that it's no longer limited to specific characteristics and performance criteria. The new patent includes complete protection for the composition of the drug and certain dose ranges.

"The new PUR0200 patent will make it more difficult for potential competitors to develop similar products or to work around our product candidate," explained Robert W. Clarke, Ph.D., chief executive officer for Pulmatrix. "The new claims also will make it possible for us to add in a second therapeutic to create a combination product."

Pulmatrix is now developing PUR0200 in both Europe and the United States, following regulatory pathways that offer quicker approvals and lower costs. Pulmatrix recently announced that it has partnered with Vectura Group plc  to develop PUR0200 for COPD for the US market.

Pulmatrix is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative inhaled therapies to address serious pulmonary disease using its patented iSPERSE technology.