Sweden-based Medivir AB (FRA: MVR0) has announced the approval of a patent in China for its fostroxacitabine bralpamide (fostrox) and its use in the treatment of liver cancer. The patent, which remains valid until 2035 with potential for extensions, is a significant milestone for Medivir, considering China’s large population of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, accounting for 50% of the world’s 800,000 liver cancer diagnoses annually.
Implications for Liver Cancer Treatment in China
The patent award underscores the importance of Medivir’s fostroxacitabine bralpamide in addressing the significant health challenge posed by liver cancer in China. Fostrox is an oral nucleotide DNA polymerase inhibitor that serves as a pro-drug of troxacitabine monophosphate (TRX-MP). The drug is designed to remain stable in the gastrointestinal tract and quickly break down in the liver, where TRX-MP is incorporated into the DNA of cancer cells, causing DNA damage and leading to cancer cell death. This liver-targeted effect is expected to minimize side effects, offering a potentially safer treatment option for patients.
Ongoing Clinical Studies and Partnership Opportunities
Currently, fostroxacitabine bralpamide is producing promising data in an ongoing Phase Ia/IIb study. Medivir is reportedly open to partnering with companies in China and other Asian countries to further develop and commercialize the drug. This collaboration could lead to broader access to this innovative treatment for liver cancer patients in the region and beyond.-Fineline Info & Tech
