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ALX Oncology Strengthens IP Portfolio; Announces End of Post-Grant Review Period for Issued U.S. Patent Covering ALX148
BURLINGAME, Calif., April 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ALX Oncology Holdings Inc., (“ALX Oncology”) (Nasdaq: ALXO), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing therapies that block the CD47 checkpoint pathway, announces that the post-grant review period for granted U.S. Patent No. 10,696,730 ended on March 30, 2021. This patent covers the lead product candidate ALX148, a next generation CD47-blocking therapeutic that combines a high-affinity signal regulatory protein-alpha (“SIRP?“) CD47-binding domain fused with an inactivated, proprietary Fc domain. The U.S. patent is not expected to expire before August 5, 2036, excluding patent term adjustments or extensions. ALX Oncology’s engineered fusion protein ALX148 is designed to enhance the activity of a wide range of leading anti-cancer agents and has shown promising clinical activity in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. ALX148’s proprietary inactive Fc domain maintains antibody-like pharmacokinetics, while improving tolerability when compared to other CD47 blocking approaches and their associated cytopenias. ALX148 has a lower molecular weight compared to a typical antibody, which enables it to deliver the molar equivalent of an antibody at one half the dose. This may facilitate increased solid tumor penetration and, coupled with ALX148’s very high affinity for CD47, may provide greater potency within the tumor microenvironment. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) issued U.S. Patent No. 10,696,730 on June 30, 2020, which is part of a portfolio covering ALX148 that includes U.S. Patent No. 10,259,859 granted on April 16, 2019. The latter patent covers sequences for a wide variety of high-affinity SIRP? domains fused to inactivated Fc domains. Jaume Pons, Ph.D., Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of ALX Oncology commented, "We are excited about the grant of the ‘730 patent and the expiration of the post-grant review period as we prepare to initiate randomized Phase 2 studies in myelodysplastic syndromes, gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The USPTO’s issuance of this patent reinforces the strength of our intellectual property portfolio, and further supports our ongoing and planned clinical trials in treating patients with cancer.” About ALX Oncology Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Investor Contact: Peter Garcia Chief Financial Officer, ALX Oncology (650) 466-7125 Ext. 113 [email protected] Argot Partners (212)-600-1902 [email protected] Media Contact: Karen Sharma MacDougall (781) 235-3060 [email protected] |