Shares of Exicure, Inc. (NASDAQ: XCUR) rose 4.59% to $13.66 during premarket trading. This rise follows the company’s announcement that it has been granted a new patent by the Australian Patent Office, strengthening its position in the study of cancer treatments.
Patent Strengthens Cancer Treatment Strategy
Exicure has been granted a patent for “GPCR Heteromer Inhibitors and Uses Thereof,” protecting its innovative approach to cancer treatment that targets GPCRx and CXCR4. The company’s Phase 2 clinical study, which evaluates the combined effectiveness of GPC-100 and propranolol for patients with multiple myeloma, is supported by this patent.
By strengthening its top clinical program and opening the door for additional potent treatment options, the recently granted patent expands Exicure’s intellectual property protection.
By concurrently targeting CXCR4 and ADRB2, the study aims to increase hematopoietic stem cell mobility and boost the efficacy of CXCR4 inhibitors such as GPC-100. Taiwan, Japan, and the United States have previously awarded similar patents, while other applications are still pending in important international markets.
Purchasing GPCR Therapeutics USA Strategically
Through a Share Purchase Agreement, Exicure has strategically purchased GPCR Therapeutics USA Inc., a California-based subsidiary of GPCR Therapeutics Inc., a Korean company. Concurrent with the agreement’s execution, the purchase was completed, adding GPCR USA to XCUR’s portfolio.
A Licensing Agreement Increases Efforts at Commercialization
Exicure and GPCR Therapeutics Inc. signed a License and Collaboration Agreement (L&C Agreement) after the purchase. As per this arrangement, XCUR is in charge of advancing and bringing GPCR-related technology to market. According to the agreements, milestone payments must be linked to significant sales, clinical, and regulatory accomplishments.
Furthermore, Exicure shall pay recurrent royalties on net sales from the licensed technology at a minimum rate of 10%. XCUR continues to solidify its place in the biotechnology industry by promoting cutting-edge cancer treatment options with this most recent patent and strategic alliance.