Amira granted UK patents for AM103, AM803 FLAP inhibitors for respiratory disorders

Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the U.K. Intellectual Property Office has granted patent number GB2431927, titled, "5-Lipoxygenase Activating Protein (FLAP) Inhibitors," which includes coverage of Amira's AM103 and AM803 FLAP inhibitors for the treatment of respiratory disorders.

In January 2008, Amira and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) entered into a worldwide exclusive agreement allowing GSK to develop, manufacture and commercialize specified FLAP inhibitors for the treatment of respiratory and cardiovascular disease.  AM803 was added to the license agreement later in 2008.  GSK is currently conducting Phase 2 clinical trials in respiratory disorders with an Amira-licensed FLAP inhibitor.

"Amira continues to be successful in obtaining patent coverage for compounds being advanced in clinical trials," said John Hutchinson, Ph.D., Vice President of Chemistry.  "This patent covering both AM103 and AM803 is the third issued this year, following two patents related to our DP2 receptor antagonists granted by the United Kingdom."  Bob Baltera, Chief Executive Officer of Amira, added, "This patent relates to some of the first compounds developed by Amira.  It reflects our ongoing objective to secure strong patent protection around each of our development programs."

The newly granted claims cover novel inhibitors of the FLAP protein.  The patent also discloses uses of FLAP inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, dermatological disorders and ocular diseases.