Amira Pharmaceuticals granted UK patent covering novel small molecule inhibitors of DP2 receptor

Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the U.K. Intellectual Property Office has granted it patent number GB2460597 titled "N,N-Disubstituted aminoalkylBiPhenyl Antagonists OF Prostaglandin d2 RECEPTORS."

This is the first patent granted of a large estate filed by Amira Pharmaceuticals that describe novel small molecule inhibitors of the DP2 (CRTH2) receptor.  Amira has successfully completed Phase 1 studies on its lead DP2 receptor antagonist, AM211, and anticipates that this compound will be developed for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other allergic conditions.

"This UK patent is a significant milestone for Amira and it demonstrates our ability to gain protection for our lead clinical candidate, AM211, and related compounds in a major market," said John Hutchinson, Ph.D., Vice President of Chemistry.  "It also clearly shows that Amira can effectively develop novel drug candidates and that we are able compete with the best pharmaceutical companies in the world."

The newly granted claims cover novel biphenyl acetic acid compounds, their formulation and uses in Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)-dependent conditions.  The patent also describes the method of synthesis of this class of DP2 antagonists and their routes of administration for the treatment of DP2 receptor-mediated diseases and conditions.