Conduit Pharmaceuticals Files Composition of Matter Patent for AZD5904 Creating Robust IP Foundation for Pipeline Asset
- Patent filing could secure up to 20 years of new IP protection
- Novel solid form demonstrates significantly enhanced solubility
- Successful completion of five Phase 1 studies with strong safety profile
- Expanded potential for broader clinical applications beyond male infertility
- Addresses significant market opportunity with 15% of couples affected by infertility globally
- Previous IP coverage was limited only to male infertility use
- Product still in early clinical development stages
- Will require additional clinical trials for new indications
Insights
Conduit's new patent filing creates substantial IP protection for AZD5904, transforming a limited-use asset into a potentially valuable therapeutic platform with 20-year protection.
This composition of matter patent filing represents a significant strategic advancement for Conduit's AZD5904 asset. Previously, the compound had very limited IP protection, restricted only to use in idiopathic male infertility, which substantially constrained its commercial potential. Composition of matter patents provide the strongest form of pharmaceutical IP protection, far superior to the method-of-use patents that previously covered this compound.
The novel solid form with enhanced solubility described in the patent application offers two distinct advantages: it enables new formulation approaches previously unattainable with the original compound, and it creates a fresh IP runway. If granted, this patent could provide up to 20 years of exclusivity from the filing date—essentially giving this clinical-stage asset a completely new commercial life cycle.
The improved solubility characteristics mentioned are particularly valuable in pharmaceutical development, as they can dramatically improve bioavailability and enable more flexible dosing strategies. For an MPO inhibitor like AZD5904, where targeting specific tissues may be important, these formulation advantages could translate to tangible clinical benefits across multiple indications.
This patent strategy effectively transforms what was likely a limited-value asset into a potentially robust platform with applications beyond the initially targeted male infertility indication, significantly enhancing the compound's strategic importance within Conduit's pipeline.
The development significance of this patent filing extends well beyond legal protection. AZD5904, originally developed by AstraZeneca for MS and COPD, has already completed five Phase 1 clinical studies with demonstrated target engagement and a clean safety profile. This establishes a solid clinical foundation that significantly reduces early development risk.
Myeloperoxidase inhibition addresses a fundamental disease mechanism across multiple conditions. MPO is a key enzyme that generates reactive oxygen species during inflammation, contributing to tissue damage in numerous disorders. By targeting this mechanism, Conduit has positioned AZD5904 as potentially applicable to multiple inflammatory and oxidative stress conditions.
The preclinical data in male infertility models showing improvements in sperm motility and penetration provides a clear initial indication where Conduit can focus development efforts. With male factors contributing to 50% of infertility cases and few effective treatments available, this represents a specific market opportunity with established unmet need.
The enhanced solubility of this novel solid form directly addresses pharmacokinetic challenges that likely limited the compound's development at AstraZeneca. Better solubility typically enables more consistent absorption, potentially allowing for lower doses, different administration routes, or modified release formulations that better align with the disease biology.
This development repositions AZD5904 from a limited-use compound to a versatile clinical-stage asset with multiple potential applications and significantly improved commercial prospects.
- New patent filing secures composition of matter protection for AZD5904, a potent myeloperoxidase inhibitor in Conduit’s pipeline, unlocking up to 20 years of new IP runway and enabling enhanced formulation strategies to target a broad range of diseases.
NAPLES, Fla. and CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: CDT) ("Conduit Pharmaceuticals", "Conduit" or the “Company”) today announces the filing of a new composition of matter patent covering a novel solid form of AZD5904, a clinical-stage myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitor in the Company’s pipeline.
This novel solid form offers significantly enhanced solubility relative to previously studied forms of AZD5904. This improved solubility enables new formulations that were previously not feasible, better aligning the compound’s pharmacokinetics with targeted disease biology and patient needs. The filing represents a significant development for AZD5904, which previously had limited intellectual property coverage restricted to its use in idiopathic male infertility. This composition of matter patent now positions Conduit to potentially secure a new intellectual property runway for the asset of up to 20 years, enabling a renewed strategic focus on broader clinical development opportunities.
AZD5904, a highly potent and selective MPO inhibitor, was originally developed by AstraZeneca for multiple sclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In five Phase 1 clinical studies, the compound demonstrated robust target engagement with no major safety or tolerability concerns. Myeloperoxidase is a key oxidative enzyme implicated in a range of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions. In preclinical human models of idiopathic male infertility (IMI), AZD5904 demonstrated significant positive effects on sperm function, with improvements in both motility and penetration. Globally,
“This new patent application represents a meaningful advance in the life cycle of AZD5904, with composition of matter protection now in place, we have the ability to fully unlock the therapeutic and commercial potential of this compound, including through novel formulation strategies that better suit the underlying disease mechanisms,” said Dr. Andrew Regan, Chief Executive Officer of Conduit Pharmaceuticals.
Conduit expects the improved solid form of AZD5904 to play a central role in its clinical development strategy, not only in male infertility, but in additional indications where oxidative stress and MPO-driven inflammation contribute to disease pathology.
About Conduit Pharmaceuticals
Conduit is a dynamic, multi-asset clinical stage, life science company delivering an efficient model for compound development. Conduit both acquires and funds the development of Phase 2-ready assets, building an integrated and advanced platform-driven approach powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and cybernetics, and seeking an exit through third-party license deals following successful clinical trials. Led by a highly experienced team of pharmaceutical executives including Dr. Andrew Regan and Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, this novel approach is a departure from the traditional pharma/biotech business model of taking assets through regulatory approval.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding Conduit's future results of operations and financial position, Conduit's business strategy, prospective product candidates, product approvals, research and development costs, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations, future results of current and anticipated studies and business endeavours with third parties, and future results of current and anticipated product candidates, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to; the inability to maintain the listing of Conduit's securities on Nasdaq; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination completed in September 2023, which may be affected by, among other things, competition; the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth economically and hire and retain key employees; the risks that Conduit's product candidates in development fail clinical trials or are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other applicable authorities on a timely basis or at all; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Conduit may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties to be identified in the proxy statement/prospectus (as amended and supplemented) relating to the business combination completed in September 2023, including those under "Risk Factors" therein, and in other filings made by Conduit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, Conduit operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond Conduit's control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and except as required by law, Conduit assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Conduit gives no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
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FAQ
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