C3J Therapeutics Announces Issuance of U.S. Patent Covering Synthetic Bacteriophage

April 2, 2019 Off By BusinessWire

- C3J’s pending merger with AmpliPhi Biosciences, which will create a
  clinical-stage phage leader, is on track to close in May 2019

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–C3J Therapeutics, Inc. (C3J) a private clinical stage biotechnology
company focused on the development of novel targeted antimicrobials
based on bacteriophage, today announced that the United States Patent
and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued patent No. 10,221,398, entitled
“Compositions of and Methods for In Vitro Viral Genome Engineering.” The
patent, which covers the composition of a synthetically engineered Pseudomonas
aeruginosa phage, is an important addition to C3J’s expanding patent
estate, and the Company’s first issued patent covering its proprietary
technology platform that enhances natural bacteriophage through genetic
engineering. The patent includes claims intended to improve host range
and increase the antimicrobial activity of wild type (natural) phage,
including activity against biofilm. C3J possesses a significant library
of naturally occurring phage and other biological materials that are
critical for the creation of synthetic phage via the C3J phage
engineering platform.

C3J is committed to protecting its novel therapeutics in key
jurisdictions. Related international patent applications are currently
under examination in several countries. These applications support C3J’s
work in building a strong intellectual property portfolio around its
technology and strengthening its leadership position in the field of
synthetic phage-based therapies.

Todd Patrick, President and Chief Executive Officer of C3J, said, “This
is an important patent for our company. Not only does it strengthen our
program in Pseudomonas aeruginosa but it also exemplifies our
strategy of protecting each individual phage that is created using our
synthetic biology-based phage engineering platform.”

On January 4, 2019, C3J and AmpliPhi Biosciences Corporation
(“AmpliPhi”) (NYSE American: APHB), a clinical-stage biotechnology
company focused on the development of precisely targeted bacteriophage
therapeutics for antibiotic-resistant infections, announced that the
companies have agreed to merge. The consummation of the merger
transaction will result in a combined company that has a diverse
clinical-stage pipeline, including a Phase 1/2-ready natural phage
candidate targeting Staphylococcus aureus, as well as a synthetic
phage candidate targeting Pseudomonas aueriginosa respiratory
infections poised to enter Phase 1 development later this year. In
addition, the combined company will have an extensive natural phage
library and the capability to develop synthetic phage against a wide
range of microbial agents.

About C3J Therapeutics, Inc.

C3J Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on
improving human health through the development of novel targeted
antimicrobials that treat infectious diseases and address microbial
dysbiosis associated with human disease. C3J Therapeutics is based in
Los Angeles, California, with a 35,000 square foot facility housing R&D
and manufacturing. C3J has a partnered synthetic bacteriophage program
with a U.S. based global pharmaceutical company. More information is
available at www.c3jtherapeutics.com.