QureTech Bio has received preliminary approval for a patent application in the US for a drug candidate that helps treat tuberculosis.

“The US is a key market for us so this news really helps strengthen our position. We are at a very exciting stage right now,” says Fredrik Almqvist, CEO of QureTech Bio. “We have received preliminary approval, known as a Notice of Allowance, from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Formal approval is expected within a few months and then the patent will be valid until April 2037.”

Three projects

QureTech Bio is currently working on three projects aimed at treating tuberculosis, chlamydia and other infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Today patients suffering from tuberculosis face a stressful treatment that can last more than six months. QureTech Bio has developed substances that can improve the effect of the antibiotics used in such treatment. In addition the new substances can make resistant bacteria susceptible to antibiotics again.

“We have extremely exciting results showing how tuberculosis bacteria that has developed resistance to isoniazid, the most commonly used antibiotic against tuberculosis, can be affected in a new way,” says Almqvist.

The first for a tuberculosis project

QureTech Bio has previously had patents approved in other areas of infection, but this patent is the first one the company has been granted for its tuberculosis project.

“It is important for us to obtain patents in the US. Among other things it helps strengthen our position in discussions with potential partners and investors. But ultimately it’s about being able to save more lives and providing patients with more humane forms of treatment,” says Fredrik Almqvist.

Looking for partners

QureTech Bio is located at Umeå Biotech Incubator and their substances are built on research from Umeå University and Washington University in St. Louis, USA.

“We are currently actively looking for partners to be able to increase the pace of development in our company. Our drug candidates can help millions of people around the world in the future, so we want to get to market as soon as possible,” says Almqvist.

Photo of Fredrik Almqvist