Seelos Therapeutics Receives a Notice of Allowance in Japan for SLS-005 (Trehalose)

Rhea-AI Summary

Seelos Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SEEL) announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the Japanese Patent Office for its drug SLS-005. This patent, covering Japanese patent number 2016-512480, facilitates the treatment of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) using trehalose, administered intravenously. Trehalose is a disaccharide that crosses the blood-brain barrier, stabilizes proteins, and activates autophagy, potentially reducing protein aggregation in various diseases. This development marks a significant step in Seelos's efforts to address central nervous system disorders.

Positive

• Received Notice of Allowance for SLS-005 from Japanese Patent Office.
• Patent covers treatment for oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) with trehalose.
• Trehalose shows potential in stabilizing proteins and activating autophagy.

Negative

• None.

NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Seelos Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SEEL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders and rare diseases, announced today that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the Japanese Patent Office (Japanese patent number 2016-512480) covering SLS-005 titled: "Treatment of Protein Aggregation Myopathic and Neurodegenerative Diseases by Parenteral Administration of Trehalose".

The allowed claims cover a pharmaceutical formulation comprised of trehalose for use in a method for treating or alleviating oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) in a human subject. The allowed claims cover a method comprised of an intravenous administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation, with trehalose as the sole active ingredient, that complies with other parameters regarding the formulation characteristics and duration of intravenous administration, as described in the patent application.

About Trehalose

Trehalose is a low molecular weight disaccharide (0.342 kDa) that crosses the blood brain barrier, stabilizes proteins, and importantly activates autophagy which is the process that clears material from cells. In several animal models of diseases, associated with abnormal cellular protein aggregation or storage of pathologic material, it has been shown to reduce aggregation of misfolded proteins and reduce accumulation of pathologic material. Trehalose activates autophagy through the activation of Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), a key factor in lysosomal and autophagy gene expression. Activation of TFEB is an emerging therapeutic target for a number of diseases with pathologic accumulation of storage material.

Contact Information
Anthony Marciano
Head of Corporate Communications
Seelos Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SEEL)
300 Park Ave., 12th Fl
New York, NY 10022
(646) 293-2136
anthony.marciano@seelostx.com
www.seelostherapeutics.com
https://twitter.com/seelostx
https://www.linkedin.com/company/seelos

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SOURCE Seelos Therapeutics, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of the Notice of Allowance for SEEL's SLS-005?

The Notice of Allowance allows Seelos to patent SLS-005 for treating oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) using trehalose in Japan, enhancing its market position.

What is trehalose and its role in SEEL's recent announcement?

Trehalose is a disaccharide that stabilizes proteins and activates autophagy, playing a critical role in the treatment of diseases related to protein aggregation.

How does the Japanese patent affect SEEL's business strategy?

This patent strengthens Seelos Therapeutics' intellectual property portfolio and supports its strategy to develop therapies for serious central nervous system disorders.

When did Seelos Therapeutics announce the patent allowance for SLS-005?

The announcement was made on January 22, 2021.

What are the potential benefits of SLS-005 for patients with OPMD?

SLS-005 may provide effective treatment options for patients suffering from oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy by reducing protein aggregation.