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EP 0 656 946 and its US equivalents cover the basic structure, composition, preparation and uses of Nanobodies™, a unique class of antibody-derived therapeutic proteins that combine the beneficial features of conventional antibodies, with desirable properties of small-molecule drugs. A Nanobody™ is a functional antigen-binding domain derived from an antibody heavy chain. Ablynx has exclusive rights to the Hamers patents for healthcare applications. As a result, Ablynx is the only company in the world capable of commercializing healthcare products based on Nanobodies™. All products, including therapeutics, that contain Nanobodies™ are covered by these patents, irrespective of their species of origin.
Mark Vaeck, CEO of Ablynx, commented: “We are pleased that the Opposition Division has upheld the key composition of matter claims that cover the structure and composition of Nanobodies™. These claims, together with the granted claims from the other Hamers patents, provide Ablynx with exclusive patent protection for this new class of therapeutics. This decision confirms the importance of the original invention by Professor Hamers and reinforces Ablynx’s leadership position in the field of Nanobodies™.”
The composition of matter claims of the Hamers patents have been granted in several countries worldwide, including the United States.
– ends – About Ablynx
Ablynx is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of Nanobodies™, a novel class of antibody-derived therapeutic proteins, for a range of serious human diseases. Because of their small size, unique structure and unparalleled stability, Nanobodies™ combine the advantages of conventional antibodies with key features of small-molecule drugs. Ablynx has an unrivalled patent portfolio in the field of single domain antibodies with granted composition of matter claims both in the USA and Europe. Headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, Ablynx has raised over €33 million (over US$40 million) from a strong investor consortium including Abingworth Management (UK), Alta Partners (USA), Biotech Fund Flanders (Belgium), Gilde Investment Management (The Netherlands), GIMV (Belgium) and Sofinnova Partners (France).
For further information please visit the website at www.ablynx.com
Contacts
Media relations:Sue Charles, MA, MBA, CEO Northbank Communications t: +44 (0) 20 7886 8152 e: s.charles@northbankcommunications.com
At the Company: Mark Vaeck, Ph.D., CEO Ablynx NV t: +32 (0) 9 261 06 20 |
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