GenSpera strengthens intellectual property for second prostate cancer drug

GenSpera, Inc. (OTC.BB: GNSZ) announced that its patent application, entitled "Activation of Peptide Prodrugs by HK2," has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as US Patent 7,906,477. The patent covers the composition of Ac-GKAFRR-L12ADT, a prodrug that is cleaved specifically by HK2, an enzyme secreted by prostate cancer cells, to deliver a potent thapsigargin derivative selectively to prostate cancers. Thapsigargin is the active ingredient in the GenSpera prodrug platform. Ac-GKAFRR-L12ADT is GenSpera's second drug that specifically targets prostate cancer.

“This exciting drug is positioned in our development pipeline behind G-202 for all solid tumors, and G-115 for prostate cancer. It is important that we continue to expand and defend our thapsigargin prodrug research and development into areas of high unmet medical needs and commercial opportunities.”

"The issuance of this patent further strengthens our intellectual property position for Ac-GKAFRR-L12ADT and affords recognition of its novel utility in prostate cancer," commented Craig Dionne, Ph.D., GenSpera CEO and President. "This exciting drug is positioned in our development pipeline behind G-202 for all solid tumors, and G-115 for prostate cancer. It is important that we continue to expand and defend our thapsigargin prodrug research and development into areas of high unmet medical needs and commercial opportunities."

The described invention features a prodrug that is selectively activated within prostate tumors by an enzyme, Human Kallikrein-2 (HK2), found within prostate tissue and prostate cancer tumors. In preclinical testing, this drug was shown to dramatically inhibit the growth of tumors in animal models of human prostate cancer. GenSpera, Inc. owns and controls all rights to Ac-GKAFRR-L12ADT and anticipates a strategic partnership to maximize the value of the drug as it progresses through future clinical trials.