Applied Biology COVID-19 Anti-Androgen Patent Considered for Special COVID-19 Prioritized Examination in the United States Patent and Trademark Office

IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#COVID19–While studying the effects of androgens on hair loss, Applied Biology scientists discovered an association between baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and the risk of COVID-19 disease severity. This discovery prompted the company to seek patent protection for technology related to systems, methods and kits for diagnostics and treatment of SARS-CoV-2.

“This is a very exciting finding in which the expression of the enzyme [TMPRSS2] implicated in SARS-CoV-2 viral infectivity is androgen dependent, indicating that, anti-androgen drugs could potentially be used in the treatment of COVID-19. These drugs are similar to the drugs approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss,” noted Dr. Andy Goren, Applied Biology’s Chief Medical Officer. In a series of five papers in peer-reviewed medical journals published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the Wiley Online Library, the Applied Biology scientists outlined how androgens may be associated with COVID-19 disease severity. Their research points to a potential new therapeutic target and novel diagnostic tests for COVID-19 disease severity based on the androgen receptor. Applied Biology worked with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney to file multiple patent applications on the use of anti-androgens for the treatment of COVID-19.

“Applied Biology’s breakthrough innovation combined with new rules enacted by the USPTO for accelerating COVID-19 innovation allowed us to enter into a select group of patent applicants that will be considered for prioritized examination” said Jason Camillo, a patent attorney at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney.

Published Research:

What does androgenetic alopecia have to do with COVID‐19? An insight into a potential new therapy

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is likely to be androgen mediated

A preliminary observation: Male pattern hair loss among hospitalized COVID‐19 patients in Spain – A potential clue to the role of androgens in COVID‐19 severity

Racial Variations in COVID‐19 Deaths May Be Due to Androgen Receptor Genetic Variants Associated with Prostate Cancer and Androgenetic Alopecia. Are Anti‐Androgens a Potential Treatment for COVID‐19?

Androgen sensitivity gateway to COVID‐19 disease severity

Androgenetic Alopecia Present in the Majority of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients – the “Gabrin sign”

ABOUT APPLIED BIOLOGY

Founded in 2002, Applied Biology, Inc. (www.appliedbiology.com), headquartered in Irvine, California, is a biotechnology company specializing in hair and skin science. Applied Biology develops breakthrough drugs and medical devices for the treatment of androgen mediated dermatological conditions. Applied Biology’s R&D pipeline includes a topically applied prophylactic treatment for chemotherapy induced alopecia; a novel diagnostic device that can aid dermatologists in identifying non-responders to topical minoxidil; an adjuvant therapy for non-responders to topical minoxidil; and a novel therapy for female pattern hair loss.

Contacts

Monica Naegle

(949) 387-4526

[email protected]
www.appliedbiology.com