Medivir AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: MVIR) is excited to announce that their patent application for fostering cancer treatment, covering both its substance claims and its usage for treating liver cancer, has been recently approved by the Chinese patent authority. This breakthrough opens up exciting new possibilities for the development of innovative treatments for cancer in areas of high unmet medical need.
Every year, over 800,000 people are diagnosed with primary liver cancer (HCC)–one of the most common forms of cancer. China alone accounts for more than half of these new cases. Fortunately, corresponding patents have already been granted in the US, EU, Japan and many other countries, promising protection until at least 2035 with potential extensions of up to five years in key markets.
With this significant patent approval in the world’s largest HCC market, coupled with the promising clinical data from the ongoing phase 1b/2a study with Fostrox, Medivir is set to engage in meaningful conversations with potential partners in China and other countries across Asia. This marks an exciting turning point for the company’s future growth in the region.
About fostrox
Fostrox is a groundbreaking pro-drug designed to effectively treat liver cancers with minimal side effects. This groundbreaking liver-targeted and orally administered drug could soon revolutionize the treatment of HCC and other types of liver cancer. After completing a successful phase 1b monotherapy study, Fostrox is now undergoing a combination study with the potential to bring even further relief to those affected by these diseases.
About primary liver cancer
HCC, or hepatocellular carcinoma, is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer that tragically effects thousands of people annually – 42,000 in the United States alone. Despite existing treatments, the five-year survival rate remains low, and this cancer is the third leading killer due to cancer worldwide. It is essential to develop more effective therapies for advanced HCC in order to improve survival and save lives.
HCC is a devastating disease, with only 11% of those diagnosed surviving five years or more. Unfortunately, due to the complex and diverse root causes behind the disease, there is a severe lack of molecularly targeted treatments available for this cancer – leaving a huge unmet medical need for those affected. This, combined with the poor prognosis for patients with advanced and intermediate HCC, serves to make HCC an especially serious health challenge.
About Medivir
Medivir is on a mission to revolutionize the healthcare industry with its innovative drug development, specifically targeting the treatment of cancer with unmet medical needs. Their lead candidate, Fostroxacitabine Bralpamide (Fostrox), is designed to be a highly selective and effective drug with minimal side effects.
In addition, Medivir has outlicensed its SMAC mimetic, Birinapant, to IGM Biosciences (Nasdaq: IGMS) for development in combination with IGM-antibodies for the purpose of treating solid tumors. Medivir uses collaborations and partnerships to make these changes in healthcare and strive towards creating life-changing drugs that can drastically improve the life of patients.