(Don't) get the fever
Evolutec, a biopharmaceutical company developing novel products for the treatment of allergic, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, has announced that the European Patent Office has granted a wide-ranging patent (number 1207899) covering the use of its lead product candidate, rEV131, in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
Evolutec, a biopharmaceutical company developing novel products for the treatment of allergic, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, has announced that the European Patent Office has granted a wide-ranging patent (number 1207899) covering the use of its lead product candidate, rEV131, in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
The patent, which also covers the use of any functionally equivalent molecule to treat allergic rhinitis, underpins Evolutec's clinical development programme as exclusive protection has now been granted in the US and Europe. Phase II trials of rEV131 in allergic rhinitis are planned for later this year.
The market for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, a market with unmet medical need since the condition's most troublesome symptoms - congestion and mucus production - are difficult to control, is estimated to be $6.6 billion. Furthermore, there are concerns over the long-term use of existing corticosteroid treatments, particularly in children and the elderly.
Evolutec is also in dialogue with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regarding an Investigational New Drug (IND) application.