French pharmaceutical company AB Science (Euronext Paris:AB) announced on Thursday that it has been granted a Canadian patent (CA 2975644) covering the composition of matter of AB8939 and its use in treating haematological and proliferative disorders, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

The patent provides protection until 2036.

This issuance finalises intellectual property coverage for AB8939 across all key markets, including Europe, the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Israel, Brazil, and Australia.

AB8939, a novel microtubule destabiliser, is currently in early-stage clinical trials for AML. The phase 1 trial has determined the maximum tolerated dose for two treatment durations, with the next phase testing a combination with Vidaza (azacitidine).

In Canada, AB8939 will also benefit from 8 years of regulatory data protection following market approval, limiting generic competition.

The drug holds orphan drug designation from both the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration, ensuring 10 and 7 years of post-approval market exclusivity, respectively.

A secondary medical use patent application has also been filed to extend protection until 2044 for AML patients with specific chromosomal abnormalities.