The new patent covers Rexahn’s cancer compound, RX-3117, a novel nucleoside chemotherapy agent, which is classified as an antimetabolite.
This is said to be the fourth patent in oncology and strengthens the anticancer pipeline of the company. Earlier patents covering oncology target protein kinase Akt, transcription factor Hif-1 and oncogene product c-fos, respectively.
In preclinical studies, RX-3117 demonstrated potent inhibition of cell proliferation of many solid tumor types, of drug-resistant cancer cells and of tumor growth in xenografted models. RX-3117 may be effectively used for treating major solid tumors, in particular, the drug-resistant tumors, the company said.
Chang Ahn, CEO of Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, said: “With our leading cancer drug, Archexin, currently in Phase II trials and seven additional anticancer drug candidates in various stages of research and trials, including our proprietary nanomedicines, we anticipate tremendous success in the cancer market in the years ahead.”