Nuformix PLC on Monday said it has been issued with a patent in Japan for NXP002, its potential novel inhaled treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The London-based pharmaceutical development company targets unmet medical needs in fibrosis and oncology.

It said the Japanese patent describes a proprietary new form of the drug tranilast, uniquely enabling delivery via an inhaled nebulised formulation.

Nuformix owns two patent applications relating to crystalline forms of tranilast, the company said, one of which had already been granted globally.

Nuformix said the second patent application, which has already been granted in the US, specifically addresses the novel tranilast forms being progressed by the company as a potential novel idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment.

‘I’m delighted we have received this official decision to grant from the Japanese Patent Office. This provides confirmation that no prior art exists in relation to NXP002, which is very important given that this is the territory in which tranilast was first invented and where the vast majority of considerable subsequent development work has been conducted,’ said Executive Director Dan Gooding.

‘The grant is therefore an important step forward for our lead asset NXP002. We expect the European grant to follow shortly, which will further support the company’s on-going partnering activities.’

Shares in Nuformix were up 7.2% to 0.28 pence each in London on Monday afternoon.

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