Trillium Therapeutics is a clinical stage immune-oncology company that focuses on cancer treatments, and in particular, treatments that inhibit CD47. Trillium is among a group of drug candidates exploring CD47 targeting agents that are attracting investment from Big Pharma. Pfizer recently announced a $25M investment in Trillium. In conjunction with developing its own two CD47-inhibitor candidates, Trillium is also building out its patent portfolio. On February 2, 2021, two additional U.S. patents issued to Trillium, including U.S. Patent Nos. 10,906,954 and 10,907,209. Will Trillium’s patents offer protection against brand competitors or eventual biosimilars?
Read MoreWe recently blogged about the pending appeal of an IPR that upheld the patentability of the ‘405 patent covering Gilenya®. If Novartis ($NVS) prevails in that appeal, then that could potentially secure another seven years of exclusivity for Gilenya® without generic competition. Novartis, however, has a back-up plan. The Patent Office recently granted Novartis an additional patent (U.S. Patent No. 10,543,179) covering Gilenya®, which will also not expire until December 2027. Novartis has already commenced Hatch-Waxman suits against numerous generics to enforce the ‘179 patent. How strong is this patent?
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