Fast Followers, Repurposing & Patent Defence
Domainex’s extensive experience in drug discovery can be applied to the development of 'fast followers' or 'patent busting' projects. Examples of this approach might include, identifying novel hits against a well-validated target; or designing novel analogues of a known drug molecule, to give an improved therapeutic profile and reduced side-effects, or to enable a different mode of administration.
Domainex has successfully worked with its clients on a number of projects involving the investigation of existing IP. Projects in this field have included:
- Improving existing compounds: Domainex identified chemical space outside the existing patent claims and designed molecules to exploit this novel chemical space. This resulted in compounds of a similar potency to the original drug, but with improved oral bioavailability, increased aqueous solubility, a better selectivity profile and reduced metabolism.
- Modify route of administration: Domainex designed and prepared compounds related to an established drug that had a novel IP position, improved activity against the target and could be administered via the inhaled route rather than the original oral route. Domainex also provided the client with an improved synthetic route.
- Strategic Advice on Repurposing: Domainex provided advice to its client on existing drugs which could be repurposed for use as treatments for respiratory indications. It did this by using computational techniques to select compounds that had the relevant mechanism of action, the correct pharmaceutic properties for inhaled delivery and were clear of IP issues in the respiratory area. Domainex successfully identified 38 clinical phase compounds which acted on 11 different targets, as having significant potential in the respiratory field. 5 compounds were further investigated in detail and 1 of these was also found to be 'off-patent', i.e. the original composition of matter patent had expired.
- Advice on Patent Defence: For many clients developing completely novel drug compounds, defence of their existing patent position is crucial. Domainex routinely advises on these matters during the course of a drug discovery program, ensuring patent coverage is as widely encompassing as possible.
For more information, please contact us.
