SuperGen receives patent for composition and method for treating graft-versus-host disease

Jun 5 2006

SuperGen has announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 7,037,900 B2 entitled, "Composition and Method for Treating Graft-versus-Host Disease."

The patent contains 39 claims relating to the composition and methods for treating graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and, more specifically, to the administration of inhibitors of adenosine deaminase (ADA). In particular, novel formulations of ADA inhibitors such as pentostatin are utilized for suppressing T-lymphocyte mediated immune responses while minimizing systemic toxicity of the drug.

"This is SuperGen's first patent relating to the use of Nipent in graft-versus-host disease, and it enhances the potential value of our franchise beyond the current approved indication of Hairy Cell Leukemia," said Edward L. Jacobs, Chief Operating Officer. "Nipent is being studied in a large number of trials in a variety of clinical settings. This patent supports the ongoing efforts of clinical investigators to explore further Nipent's utility in GvHD."

Nipent (pentostatin for injection) is currently approved as a single-agent treatment for patients with Hairy Cell Leukemia, and is not approved as either a single agent or as part of a combination regimen for treatment for any other indication.

GvHD is a condition that results when the immune cells of a transplant (usually of bone marrow) from a donor attack the tissues of the person receiving the transplant.