Prana gains patent protection for its PBT2 in Europe

Australia's Prana Biotechnology has secured a key patent protecting its clinical drug asset PBT2, with the European Patent Office issuing a notice of Decision to Grant in Europe. The patent, entitled 8-Hydroxyquinoline derivatives' covers the composition of matter of selected families of 8-Hydroxyquinoline compounds, including PBT2 and the uses of such compounds for the treatment of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease.

The European patent has a 20 year term expiring 16 July 16, 2023, with a possible extension of term of up to 5 years under supplementary protection provisions.

Prana's lead Alzheimer's disease compound, PBT2, has already completed a Phase IIa study in early Alzheimer's Disease patients and has demonstrated safety and tolerability. In addition, PBT2 showed improvement in executive function, an important aspect of cognitive performance, and reduced the levels of Abeta in the spinal fluid of patients. Abeta is a key protein associated with Alzheimer's Disease.