Viralytics to get wider EU oncolytic virus patent

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) will be awarded a new, broader European patent covering the anticancer mechanism used by oncolytic virus candidate Cavatak.

The company has received notification that it is to be granted a patent by the European patent office once an administrative process is complete.

Viralytics already holds a European patent covering Coxsackie A group viruses including Cavatak.

But the second patent includes the wider family of all picornaviruses that bind to Cavatak’s target - cell surface expressed ICAM-1 - in the process of killing cancer cells.

Viralytics CEO Dr Malcolm McColl said the patent will “significantly strengthen Viralytics’ intellectual property portfolio in Europe ... The EU is the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market and broadening our patent portfolio in this market is a very valuable additional asset.”

Viralytics is involved in a phase II trial of Cavatak in late-stage melanoma, and last month presented positive interim results from the first 35 patients enrolled in the trial.

The company last week commenced trading on the OTCQX International as part of a wider plan to promote the company in the US.

Viralytics shares were trading 3.39% lower at $0.285 as of around 12.30 pm on Tuesday.