Faron to kick off developing Clevegen for cancer, as it got patent for its antibodies from European Patent Office

Faron Pharmaceuticals has gotten a patent from European Patent office, for Clever-1 antibodies, the mechanism for the Clevegen, the treatment of cancer, and will begin phase I/II Clevegen this year.

Clevegen, Faron’s second wholly-owned pipeline product, is a novel anti-Clever-1 antibody which causes changes in the immune environment of solid tumours by switching immune suppressive M2 macrophages to immune active M1 macrophages.

Faron said Thursday in its press release that the field of the patent invention is: an agent capable of modulating the Clever-1 receptor on the type 2 macrophage cell, that in addition to the mannose receptor, also expresses the Clever-1 receptor for use in the treatment of cancer.

This decision extends the existing patent estate for Clevegen until 2030. Additional IP around Clevegen’s mechanism is being sought that could extend protection to the end of 2038, the company said.

About Clevegen

Clevegen is based on Faron’s Tumour Immunity Enabling Technology (TIET). Its unique mechanism of action, coupled with promising pre-clinical data and human ex-vivo data, has already indicated the product’s potential in a broad range of indications. Clevegen’s potential indications include immuno-oncology, chronic infections and vaccination enhancement, which all involve the presence of these same macrophages as immune suppressive cell type. As part of the stated strategy, Faron intends to expand its clinical trial program in order to broaden Clevegen’s applicability and associated value.

Faron said that the planned initial Phase I/II trial will target patients with liver, melanoma, ovarian and pancreatic cancer.

Dr Markku Jalkanen, CEO of Faron, said: “The grant of this patent serves to protect the innovative mechanism underlying Clevegen, which will be important in realising the potential our second wholly-owned product promises. The target receptor Clever-1 is already patent protected but our wider strategy is to establish a broad portfolio of intellectual property for the Company and our pipeline products. We look forward to taking Clevegen into the clinic later this year and providing an in-depth update on its development at our R&D Event in February.”