Conduit Pharmaceuticals receives patent approval for its lead asset

Conduit Pharmaceuticals announced the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted the composition of matter patent for its lead asset, AZD1656, a Glucokinase Activator targeting autoimmune diseases, including Lupus and ANCA Vasculitis. With this critical composition of matter patent protection now secured, the company is strategically positioned to advance AZD1656 into clinical development, with clinical trial plans now in final stages of preparation.

The U.S. autoimmune disease market is projected to reach $150 billion by 2030, with Lupus affecting approximately 1.5 million Americans and ANCA Vasculitis impacting 200,000 patients annually. This growing market reflects the increasing prevalence of autoimmune conditions and the demand for innovative treatments. Conduit’s newly granted U.S. composition of matter patent, complemented by existing approvals in Japan and Australia, provides partners with a dominant IP position in three major pharmaceutical markets, with pending applications in Europe and other regions expected to further expand this footprint. Through this approval, Conduit has secured up to 20 years of composition of matter patent protection in the U.S., reinforcing its competitive positioning and opening the door to commercial and strategic licensing and partnership opportunities.

Composition of matter patents, classified as “drug substance” patents in the U.S. FDA’s Orange Book, represent the gold standard in pharmaceutical intellectual property, providing strong market exclusivity and robust protection against generic competition.

“Securing USPTO approval for AZD1656’s composition of matter patent is a major milestone, further solidifying our intellectual property portfolio and strategic value,” said Dr. David Tapolczay, Chief Executive Officer of Conduit Pharmaceuticals. “With the composition of matter patent now in place in this critical market, this also indicates an increased likelihood of patent success in the outstanding additional geographies worldwide.”