Synthetic Biologics, Inc., a clinical stage company, announced that the European Patent Office has granted European Patent No. 2576776 which provides composition of matter coverage for ribaxamase, the company's phase 2 drug candidate designed to degrade certain IV beta-lactam antibiotics within the GI tract and maintain the natural balance of the gut microbiome for the prevention of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms. This is Synthetic Biologics' first patent directly pertaining to ribaxamase in Europe and adds to the Company's established and extensive patent estate.

In addition, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted US Patent No. 9,376,673, and issued a Notice of Allowance for another application (US 15/160,669), with composition of matter claims for various beta-lactamase candidates related to ribaxamase. These new patent assets further strengthen the company's coverage of its novel proprietary candidate, ribaxamase, which is also covered by a previously granted composition of matter patent in the US.

"The successful granting of this composition of matter patent in Europe, alongside our continued patent successes in the US, further strengthens Synthetic Biologics' role as a leader in the development of microbiome-focused programs intended to address largely unmet medical needs," said Jeffrey Riley, president and chief executive officer. "As we continue to enjoy momentum in the clinic, our progress is further complimented by our well established and reinforced patent estate for ribaxamase."

Ribaxamase is designed to degrade certain intravenous (IV) beta-lactam antibiotics excreted into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to maintain the natural balance of the gut microbiome. C. difficile is associated with approximately 453,000 CDIs and > 29,000 C. difficile-related deaths in the United States each year. Upon issuance, these newly allowed applications reinforce Synthetic Biologics' extensive C. difficile-related patent estate, which includes approximately 40 US and foreign patents and approximately 30 US and foreign patent pending applications, and patents and patent applications with terms that extend from at least 2031 to 2036.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. is a clinical stage company developing therapeutics to protect the gut microbiome while targeting pathogen-specific diseases.