Dermata Receives Notice of Grant of Patent for Next-Generation Acne Treatment by Australian Patent Office
Rhea-AI Summary
Dermata (NASDAQ:DRMA) announced the Australian Patent Office granted Australian Patent No. 2019419387 for its Spongilla technology combination as a method to treat acne on January 20, 2026. This follows an already-issued U.S. patent covering the same technology. Dermata plans to launch a once-weekly, over-the-counter acne treatment system incorporating Spongilla in mid-2026 in the U.S. The company said the granted patent strengthens its global intellectual property estate, with additional patent filings pending in other jurisdictions and Australia cited as a key future market.
Positive
- Australian patent granted: No. 2019419387 on Jan 20, 2026
- Existing U.S. patent already issued for Spongilla technology
- Planned OTC U.S. launch mid-2026 for once-weekly acne system
- Strengthens global patent estate and IP protection for acne treatment
Negative
- Patent grant limited to Australia; other jurisdictions remain pending
- Initial commercial rollout targeted to the U.S. only, Australia later
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, DRMA declined 5.65%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +8.4% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -25.0% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 9 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $387K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $6M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
DRMA was up 2.22% ahead of the patent news while peers were mixed; only BDRX appeared on momentum scanners, up about 4.46% with no news, suggesting a stock-specific setup rather than a broad biotech move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 29 | Private placement close | Neutral | +0.0% | Closed at-the-market private placement with warrants for additional proceeds. |
| Dec 24 | Private placement deal | Neutral | +16.2% | Announced up to $12.4M private placement to support OTC acne kit plans. |
| Dec 04 | OTC brand teaser | Positive | -16.3% | Unveiled plans for new science-first OTC skincare brand identity. |
| Nov 14 | Earnings & update | Neutral | -2.1% | Reported Q3 2025 results and strategic pivot to OTC dermatology products. |
| Oct 02 | Patent acceptance AU | Positive | -4.3% | Australian office accepted acne patent application pending automatic grant. |
Recent positive strategic and IP updates often saw negative price reactions, while financing events showed neutral to positive moves.
Over the last few months, Dermata pivoted toward OTC dermatology, anchored by its Spongilla-based once-weekly acne kit targeted for mid‑2026. A Q3 2025 update highlighted lower losses and cash of about $4.7M funding operations into Q2 2026. The company advanced its Australian patent from acceptance on Oct 2, 2025 toward grant and refreshed capital via a private placement of up to $12.4M. Today’s Australian patent grant continues that IP build-out supporting the planned OTC launch.
Regulatory & Risk Context
An effective S-3 shelf filed on Nov 21, 2025 allows Dermata to offer up to $100,000,000 in various securities over time, preserving flexibility to raise capital for working capital and corporate purposes, including its OTC pivot.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock moved -5.7% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite the patent grant would fit prior patterns where positive strategic or IP updates, such as the October 2025 Australian patent acceptance, saw weak price follow-through. Investors had been aware of mid‑2026 launch targets and the broader OTC pivot, and the company remained pre‑revenue with a $5.7M nine‑month net loss. The presence of a $100,000,000 shelf registration may also have kept attention on future financing needs.
Key Terms
over-the-counter (otc) financial
spongilla technology technical
shelf registration statement regulatory
schedule 13d/a regulatory
reverse stock split financial
pipe financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
This patent grant follows the Company's U.S. issued patent, covering its Spongilla technology combination as a method to topically treat acne
Dermata expects to launch a new once-weekly, over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatment system, incorporating its Spongilla technology, in the middle of 2026, first in the U.S.
Over 3.3 million people are diagnosed with acne in Australia
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 20, 2026 / Dermata Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:DRMA)(NASDAQ:DRMAW) ("Dermata" or the "Company"), a science-driven leader in dermatologic solutions, today announced the Australian Patent Office has granted its patent application for its Spongilla technology combination as a method for treating acne. The patent, entitled "Compositions and methods for the treatment of skin conditions" (Australian Patent No. 2019419387), continues to strengthen Dermata's global intellectual property portfolio for its Spongilla technology combination for the treatment of acne as it follows the Company's already-issued patent in the U.S.
The Company's innovative acne kit represents a new approach to acne treatment by targeting the underlying acne-causing mechanisms with enhanced precision and effectiveness. Unlike traditional therapies, the Company believes this acne treatment system will offer the potential for improved patient outcomes, reduced side effects, and broader accessibility, addressing a major unmet need in dermatology.
"We are excited to receive this granted patent from the Australian patent office as we get closer to launching our first commercial OTC acne treatment system in the U.S.," commented Gerry Proehl, Dermata's Chairman, President, and CEO. "We believe this granted patent, combined with our already-issued U.S. patent covering our acne treatment, underscores the strength of our technology and commitment to delivering differentiated solutions for people living with acne. Protecting our innovations across key markets not only reinforces our leadership in skincare but also enhances long-term value for our patients and shareholders," concluded Mr. Proehl.
The grant of this patent marks an important step in the Company's ongoing efforts to build a robust international patent estate, protecting its core acne treatment innovations in key markets. While the Company plans to initially launch its acne treatment system in the U.S., it believes Australia is a key future market. Additional patent filings are pending in other important jurisdictions, which, if granted, will further solidify the Company's global intellectual property leadership in dermatology.
About Acne Vulgaris
There are over 3.3 million patients diagnosed with acne in Australia and over 30 million in the U.S., with about
About Dermata Therapeutics
Dermata Therapeutics is a scientific leader in dermatology that recently announced a strategic pivot to begin focusing on the development and distribution of skincare solutions. The Company is currently developing a once-weekly acne treatment system that utilizes an active ingredient from the OTC monograph in combination with the Company's Spongilla technology to create a unique treatment option for patients suffering with acne. The Company plans to launch this initial acne system in the middle of 2026 with additional product candidates planned to follow. Dermata is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information, please visit http://www.dermatarx.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Company's current beliefs and expectations and new risks that may emerge from time to time. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors including, but are not limited to, statements related to: expectations with regard to the potential market acceptance of any of the Company's product candidates; Dermata's shift to prioritize skincare products; the anticipated benefits of the strategic shift; the anticipated benefits of Dermata's strategic shift, including acceleration of its path to commercialization, reduction of regulatory burdens, and expansion into additional markets; the expected timing and success of any planned or future product launches; whether pending patent applications will proceed to allowance without interruption, if at all, and whether pending or issued patents will provide adequate protection for the Company's product candidates, if approved. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of such words as "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "forecast," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "continue," "outlook," "will," "potential" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These statements are only predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in any of such statements due to various factors, including the risks and uncertainties inherent in drug development, approval, commercialization, and the fact that past results of clinical trials may not be indicative of future trial results. For a discussion of these and other factors, please refer to Dermata's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Dermata undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.
Investors:
Cliff Mastricola
Investor Relations
cmastricola@dermatarx.com
SOURCE: Dermata Therapeutics
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
FAQ
What did Dermata (DRMA) receive from the Australian Patent Office on January 20, 2026?
When does Dermata expect to launch its OTC acne treatment system in the U.S. (DRMA)?
Does Dermata (DRMA) already hold a U.S. patent for the Spongilla acne treatment?
Will the Australian patent cover Dermata's acne product sales in other countries (DRMA)?
How does the Australian patent affect Dermata shareholders (DRMA)?
