• The first patent for Starpharma’s DEP^® dendrimers with AstraZeneca’s Bcl2/xL inhibitors has been granted in the US, with international equivalents to follow
• This patent provides US exclusivity until 2038, with the potential for up to
  5 years’ extension
• In multiple preclinical cancer models, AstraZeneca’s DEP^® Bcl2/xL inhibitor conjugates demonstrate the potential for better anti-cancer activity than Bcl2/xL inhibitor alone, and synergy in combination

Melbourne, Australia; 12 June 2019: Today Starpharma (ASX: SPL, OTCQX: SPHRY) announced the first patent for DEP^® Bcl2/xL inhibitor conjugates, developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca, has been granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office. These patented DEP^® Bcl2/xL inhibitor conjugates combine Starpharma’s innovative DEP^® delivery technology with AstraZeneca’s novel Bcl2/xL inhibitors, which are being investigated for treating various cancers, including leukemias.

This is the first patent to be granted for DEP^® conjugates developed under the multiproduct DEP^® licence between Starpharma and AstraZeneca. The granted patent shows promising data on DEP^® Bcl2/xL inhibitor conjugates in various preclinical human tumour models, both alone and in combination with other leading current anti-cancer treatments. This data was previously announced to the ASX on 31 August 2018.

AZD0466 is a developmental DEP^® Bcl2/xL inhibitor conjugate, with broad combination potential being evaluated in both solid and haematological tumours (blood cancers), due to its potential to target both Bcl2 and Bcl/xL. AZD0466 is in the final stages of preclinical development with a US FDA investigational new drug application (IND) planned in the near future.

Starpharma CEO, Dr Jackie Fairley commented: “The grant of this US patent is an important milestone for Starpharma’s partnered DEP^® programs, and further highlights the benefits that the DEP^® platform provides in the development of novel oncology agents. The DEP^® Bcl2/xL inhibitor conjugates are a great illustration of the commercial value that can be created using Starpharma’s DEP^® platform”.

Under the AstraZeneca multiproduct DEP^® licence, Starpharma is eligible to receive potential development, launch and sales milestones of US$124 million for the first DEP^® product, and US$93.3 million for each subsequent qualifying product. Starpharma will also receive tiered royalties on net sales, and AstraZeneca funds development costs of DEP^® AstraZeneca products, including the DEP^® Bcl2/xL inhibitor conjugates which are the subject of this patent.

Download ASX Announcement: US patent granted for DEP Bcl2/xL inhibitor conjugates (PDF, 62kb)