Canadian patent protects use of Lorus cancer immunotherapy agent

The patent protects the use of IL-17E to treat cancer, including solid tumors such as colon, breast, ovarian, pancreatic and lung cancers in addition to melanoma until 2026.

The treatment of cancers with IL-17E in combination with several approved anticancer therapeutics, such as Avastin (bevacizumab), Gemzar (gemcitabine), Tarceva (erlotinib), Taxotere (docetaxel), Taxol (paclitaxel) and cisplatin is also covered by the patent.

Lorus president and CEO Aiping Young said, "We’re very pleased with the broad range of cancer types covered by this patent, since this will not only significantly expand the market potential of this unique anticancer agent, but also greatly enhance the partnership potential of this program."