Patent and Intellectual Property - Unicycive Therapeutics received U S Patent No 12 036 211 for UNI-494, a compound targeting acute kidney injury and contrast-induced nephropathy, with protection valid until 2040 [1][2] - The patent covers a method of treating kidney-related conditions using UNI-494, without limitations on salt, dose, or administration type [2] - UNI-494 is a novel nicotinamide ester derivative and a selective ATP-sensitive mitochondrial potassium channel activator, addressing mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney diseases [2][4] Clinical Development and Strategy - UNI-494 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial in the UK, expected to complete in the second half of 2024 [4] - The compound has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for Delayed Graft Function, a type of acute kidney injury [3][4] - The patent strengthens the company's strategy to lead in kidney disease drug development and expands its intellectual property portfolio [3] Market and Disease Context - Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 20-200 per million population in the community, 7-18% of hospitalized patients, and approximately 50% of ICU patients [5] - AKI is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with an estimated 2 million deaths annually worldwide [5] - Delayed Graft Function, a form of AKI, occurs in the first week after kidney transplantation and is a key focus for UNI-494 [5] Company Overview - Unicycive Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel treatments for kidney diseases [6] - The company's lead drug candidate, oxylanthanum carbonate (OLC), targets hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis [6] - UNI-494 is a patent-protected new chemical entity in clinical development for acute kidney injury-related conditions [6]
Unicycive Therapeutics Granted Patent on UNI-494 to Treat Acute Kidney Injury by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)