Scancell Holdings expands IP protection with Japanese patent

Scancell Holdings on Monday won a Japanese patent for its Moditope immunotherapy platform, which stimulates the production of cells that overcome the immune suppression induced by tumours.

The AIM traded company, which develops novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, covers the use of any citrullinated tumour-associated T cell epitope to treat patients with cancer and has an expiry date of August 2033.

The patent win follows the grant of patents in the US, Europe, South Africa and Australia, and acceptance for a grant in China, while the company is pursuing further patent wins in other territories of importance.

Cliff Holloway, chief executive of Scancell, said: "We are pleased to announce the grant of this patent for Moditope in Japan, further extending our IP protection around this platform. We look forward to continuing to advance Modi-1, the first product from this platform, towards clinical development."

Scancell Holdings' shares were up 3.14% at 5.26p at 1125 GMT.