Singapore: Australian firm Novogen's subsidiary MEI Pharma, an oncology company focused on the clinical development of novel therapies for cancer, has received a new patent from the European Patent Office covering the pharmaceutical composition of the company's lead mitochondrial inhibitor candidate, ME-344, and its use in treating cancer. The patent is expected to provide protection until September 2025.

"This key European patent further reinforces the intellectual property protection surrounding our portfolio of oncology drug candidates," said Dr Daniel P Gold, president and chief executive officer of MEI Pharma.

"While we continue to execute our phase I clinical trial for ME-344 and prepare for our upcoming phase II trials, we believe a strong patent estate will help to provide a clear development path forward and enhance our partnering efforts in the US and abroad."

MEI Pharma owns exclusive worldwide rights to all of its drug candidates, including ME-143, ME-344 and Pracinostat. The company's intellectual property portfolio now includes 18 issued US patents and more than 150 issued foreign patents.