Receives Notice of Allowance on Patent Protection for Orally Available ROCK2 Inhibitor
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioAxone BioSciences, Inc., a biotechnology company committed to applying an innovative understanding of axon regeneration and neuronal signaling to transform the lives of patients afflicted with neurotrauma or neurovascular disorders, today announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The notice refers to a critical patent application (US 15/988,736) covering the oral drug candidate in development, BA-1049. Data from a recent clinical study indicates that BA-1049 has promise as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of cavernous angioma (CA), also called cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). CA is a serious genetic disease with no current treatment available other than surgical removal of the brain lesions.
“We are very pleased with this expansion of our patent estate for BA-1049,” said Lisa McKerracher, PhD, CEO, BioAxone BioSciences. “We look forward to future studies as we continue to validate our orally-available ROCK2 inhibitor as a potentially transformative therapy for CA.”
BA-1049 is a first-in-class oral inhibitor of Rho Kinase 2 (ROCK2) that has shown a promising safety profile and efficacy in multiple preclinical models of neurovascular disease. Data from a just-released clinical study support BA-1049 as a potentially transformative therapy to repair the thin-walled, leaky capillaries that predispose CA patients to a lifetime risk of seizure, hemorrhagic stroke and other neurological defects.
Although CA can be clearly diagnosed by imaging, there are no pharmacological treatment options currently available. The standard of care is watchful waiting until neurosurgical removal is deemed un-avoidable. Similarly, no drug treatments are currently available to address the symptoms of this disorder: to prevent leakiness or hemorrhage. The progression of individual lesions is variable and unpredictable, leaving patients unable to prepare for or prevent re-occurrence of symptoms following diagnosis.
About BioAxone BioSciences, Inc.
BioAxone BioSciences is a biotechnology company based in Boston, MA, committed to applying its deep understanding of axon regeneration and neuronal signaling pathways to transform the lives of patients afflicted with neurotrauma or neurovascular disorders. Leveraging 20 years of pioneering research in axon regeneration and diseases involving Rho/ROCK signaling, BioAxone’s lead drug candidate is an orally-available ROCK2 inhibitor restoring endothelial cell barriers in cavernous angioma (CA) and stroke. The Company’s pipeline also includes programs to develop drug candidates for the treatment of spinal cord injury. For more information, visit www.bioaxonebio.com.
Contacts
Mary T. Conway
Conway Communications
617-407-8778