Celator Pharmaceuticals Receives European Patent for CombiPlex Technology

Strategic Insights -

Celator Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company dedicated to developing combination chemotherapies, has received confirmation that the European Patent Office intends to grant a European patent for its proprietary CombiPlex technology. This decision provides the company with broad protection for compositions and methods related to ratiometric administration of drug combinations that act synergistically to inhibit cancer cell growth. Celator is developing several cancer drugs based on this technology platform, which represents a unique approach in the development of combination chemotherapies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Celator Pharmaceuticals received confirmation that the European Patent Office intends to grant a European patent for its proprietary CombiPlex technology.
  • The CombiPlex platform allows for the development of combination chemotherapies that maintain optimal ratios of chemotherapeutic agents to target cancer with enhanced efficacy.
  • The patent will provide Celator with broad protection related to compositions and methods for ratiometric administration of drug combinations that act synergistically to stop the growth of cancer cells.
  • The company is developing several cancer drugs based on the CombiPlex platform, including CPX-1 and CPX-351.
  • CPX-1, a fixed-ratio formulation of irinotecan and floxuridine, has shown positive results in a phase I study for patients with colorectal cancer.
  • CPX-351, a synergistic fixed ratio combination of cytarabine and daunorubicin, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for an IND application and will initiate a phase I study in late 2006.
  • The patent decision positions Celator to pursue commercial opportunities with other leaders in oncology product development.

Statistics:

  • 23 designated European states where the European patent can be validated upon formal grant.
  • The patent decision provides Celator with broad protection related to compositions and methods for administering drug combinations.
  • CPX-1 has been in phase II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with colorectal cancer.
  • CPX-351 is being developed as a potential treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.

Sources:

  • "Celator Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company working to develop combination chemotherapies to treat different types of cancer, announced that it has received confirmation that the Examining Division of the European Patent Office intends to grant a European patent covering the company's proprietary CombiPlex technology." (Source: unknown newspaper article)
  • "This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com."
  • American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Atlanta in June 2006 (Source: unknown source)
  • Celator Pharmaceuticals press release (Source: unknown)