Diurnal granted European patent for Alkindi

Hormonal disease-focussed speciality pharmaceutical company Diurnal Group announced the grant of a patent for ‘Alkindi’, or hydrocortisone granules in capsules for opening, by the European Patent Office on Friday.

The AIM-traded firm said the patent, titled ‘Composition Comprising Hydrocortisone’, disclosed and claimed the composition of Alkindi for the treatment of paediatric patients with adrenal insufficiency.

It said the patent provided in-market European protection until 2034 in all designated states of the European Patent Convention.

The equivalent patents from the same family were already granted in the UK, Japan, Australia, Israel, South Africa, South Korea, China, India, Russia, and the US for ‘Alkindi Sprinkle’.

It said the patent further expanded its “strong” exclusivity position for Alkindi in Europe, where it already had 10 years of data and market exclusivity until 2028 through a paediatric use marketing authorisation granted by the European Commission, and a previously-granted patent claiming medical use of Alkindi for the treatment of paediatric patients with adrenal insufficiency.

Alkindi is approved and marketed as the first preparation of hydrocortisone - the synthetic version of cortisol - specifically designed for use in children suffering from adrenal insufficiency, and the related condition congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

“With the continued commercialisation of Alkindi being a core focus for Diurnal, we are pleased to receive this patent grant by the European Patent Office,” said chief executive officer Martin Whitaker.

“This patent, which builds on our strong global intellectual property position for the product, provides protection in Europe until 2034, supporting our continued commitment to provide Alkindi to paediatric patients suffering from adrenal insufficiency.”

At 0952 BST, shares in Diurnal Group were up 4.23% at 71.4p.