EPO grants patent to OncoGenex OGX-427 for prostate cancer treatment

OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: OGXI), today announced that the European Patent Office (EPO) has granted European Patent Number EP1545561 entitled "Oligonucleotides for Treatment of Prostate and other Cancers." The patent, licensed from The University of British Columbia, includes coverage for antisense and siRNA compositions that reduce the amount of active Heat Shock Protein 27 (Hsp27) in Hsp27 expressing cells. OGX-427 is encompassed by the granted claims.

"The issuance of this patent confirms our position as the leader in Hsp27 antisense therapeutics and provides us with a broad patent that applies well beyond particular cancers or particular compositions," said Scott Cormack, President and CEO of OncoGenex. "This patent comes as we continue to evaluate additional Phase II clinical trials and development plans for OGX-427."

Patents covering OGX-427 and related products have already issued in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa.  A number of patent applications are still pending in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions.