Ampio expands patent portfolio of anti-inflammatory drugs

The first patent covers a class of compounds that combine elements of diketopiperazines and methylphenidate derivatives, while the second patent is directed to novel derivatives of methylphenidate (Ritalin).

According to the company, the patents contain use claims for these compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them, besides composition of matter claims.

Ampio Chief Science Officer David Bar-Or said these compounds possess anti-angiogenic activity, anti-proliferative properties in several cancer cell lines, anti-inflammatory activity in various immune activated cell lines and other potentially clinically useful responses.

"The mechanism of action of these compounds is novel and involves, among many findings, the activation of a specific phosphatase, a specific intracellular enzyme," Bar-Or added.