Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Issued Patent for Its Advanced Anti-Cancer Compound; Company to Commence Clinical Studies on Product Candidate in Early 2000
DALLAS, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AXCS - news; ''Access'') today announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued patent number 5,965,118, entitled Polymer-Platinum Compounds. The patent describes a composition comprising a polymer-platinum complex designed to accumulate at tumor sites where the platinum is cleaved from the polymer under selected conditions to yield anti-tumor activity. Comprehensive patent claims covering the polymer platinate product being developed by Access are contained in this patent.
Kerry P. Gray, President and CEO, stated, ''This is an important event, as this is the first patent which covers this priority development project, which has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the fight against cancer. Preclinical studies indicate that polymer platinate can deliver significantly more drug to a tumor, while at the same time minimizing systemic toxicity. Polymer platinate is scheduled to enter clinical development in early 2000.''
This patent adds to the extensive intellectual property which underlies the drug development programs at Access. Currently, the company owns or has licenses to 17 issued US patents and has 6 patent applications pending, covering products currently being developed. The principal patented technologies include: amlexanox for treatment of topical and oral disease, ResiDerm® topical zinc delivery system, a bioerodeable polymer technology for drug delivery and non-pharmaceutical applications, carbohydrate drug targeting technologies, viral therapeutics and vaccines, and the polymer- platinate technology.
Mr. Gray continued, ''This strong intellectual property portfolio positions the company to develop numerous product candidates with significant market potential. Being in a position where you are not reliant on one product or technology platform greatly enhances the chance of successful product developments.''
Based on the current technology platform it is anticipated that during the next nine months seven product candidates will be in various phases of clinical development with one product approved in the United States and Europe. These programs represent product developments utilizing 4 technology platforms. |
