RedHill receives allowance for two new patents

Speciality biopharmaceutical company, RedHill Biopharma, has received notices of allowance from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for two new patents covering BEKINDA (RHB-102). Once granted, these patents should be valid until at least 2034.

BEKINDA is a proprietary, bimodal extended-release, once-daily oral pill formulation of ondansetron that is intended to provide relief from nausea and vomiting symptoms in patients with several gastrointestinal disorders. A Phase II study examining 12 mg of the drug for the treatment of diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and a Phase III trial examining 24 mg of the drug for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis and gastritis are currently ongoing.

“We are very pleased with the allowance of two additional US patents for BEKINDA. This is an important addition to RedHill’s strong IP portfolio, that will further enhance our protection of BEKINDA,” said Danielle Abramson, PhD, director of intellectual property & research of RedHill. “We are approaching significant milestones with BEKINDA in the coming months, with top-line results from the Phase III study for gastroenteritis and gastritis expected in the second quarter of 2017 and top line results from the Phase II for IBS-D expected in the third quarter of 2017.”

The patent applications cover claims directed to ondansetron extended release tablets and methods of treating patients with ondansetron extended release solid dosage forms.