Hoth Therapeutics Secures Major International Patent Milestone for HT-KIT Cancer Program, Strengthening Global Oncology IP Position

Rhea-AI Summary

Hoth Therapeutics (NASDAQ: HOTH) announced that the China National Intellectual Property Administration approved a key patent for the company's HT-KIT cancer program on January 21, 2026. The patent, originating from a PCT application, covers systems and methods for targeting KIT signaling to induce apoptosis and expands Hoth's intellectual property protection in China, a major oncology market. Hoth said this issuance strengthens its global IP estate for HT-KIT, may enhance future partnering and licensing opportunities, and supports continued development and strategic milestones for the program.

Positive

• China patent issued on January 21, 2026 for HT-KIT
• Claims cover systems and methods to induce apoptosis by targeting KIT
• Expanded IP footprint in one of the world’s largest oncology markets

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-1.87% 15.5x vol

4 alerts

-1.87% News Effect

+7.6% Peak Tracked

-15.9% Trough Tracked

-$316K Valuation Impact

$17M Market Cap

15.5x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, HOTH declined 1.87%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +7.6% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -15.9% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 4 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $316K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $17M at that time. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy at 15.5x the daily average, suggesting significant selling pressure.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.9619 Vol: Volume 280,497 is near it...

normal vol

$0.9619 Last Close

Volume Volume 280,497 is near its 20-day average of 293,985 (relative volume 0.95). normal

Technical Shares at $1.07 are trading below the 200-day MA of $1.22 and about 49% under the 52-week high of $2.115.

Peers on Argus

HOTH gained 2.88% while peers were mixed: LSTA up 3.85%, QTTB up 13.26%, ELEV an...

1 Up

HOTH gained 2.88% while peers were mixed: LSTA up 3.85%, QTTB up 13.26%, ELEV and CRIS down, PASG flat. Scanner only flagged LSTA with strong momentum tied to an acquisition term sheet, suggesting HOTH’s move was company-specific.

Common Catalyst Peer LSTA had M&A news, but there is no shared patent or oncology IP theme across peers today.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 15 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 15	IRB approvals	Positive	+3.4%	IRB approvals and cash update for HT-001 Phase 2a trial.
Jan 15	EU regulatory step	Positive	+3.4%	Positive EU CTIS Part I conclusion enabling multi-country HT-001 trial sites.
Jan 02	Oncology IP filings	Positive	+8.1%	Two U.S. provisional patents for an oncology dermatology IP platform.
Dec 03	Pipeline update	Positive	+5.3%	Clinical progress and orphan designation, plus expanded IP and collaborations.
Dec 01	Conference appearance	Neutral	-5.8%	Conference presentation announcement without new operational or financial data.

Pattern Detected

Positive clinical, regulatory, and IP milestones have often coincided with single-day gains in prior events, suggesting the market has rewarded HOTH’s progress updates.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Hoth reported multiple oncology-focused milestones. On Dec 3, 2025, a pipeline update highlighted orphan-designated HT-KIT and ongoing HT-001 Phase 2 work, with a 5.26% gain. New oncology dermatology IP filings on Jan 2, 2026 saw shares rise 8.08%. Mid-January brought EU and U.S. regulatory progress for HT-001 with IRB and CTIS decisions, each linked to a 3.35% move. The current China HT-KIT patent fits this pattern of IP and regulatory catalysts underpinning the story.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf · $50 million

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-11-14

$50 million registered capacity

An effective mixed shelf on Form S-3 dated Nov 14, 2025 allows Hoth to register up to $50 million of various securities, plus resale of registered shares, providing flexible capital-raising capacity through future prospectus supplements.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights a new HT-KIT patent granted in China, expanding protection for Hoth’s a...

Analysis

This announcement highlights a new HT-KIT patent granted in China, expanding protection for Hoth’s apoptosis-focused cancer program in a key oncology market. It builds on prior IP and regulatory milestones across HT-KIT and HT-001, which previously coincided with single-day gains of up to 8.08%. Investors may watch how this international IP asset supports future partnering or licensing discussions, while also considering the company’s existing $50 million shelf capacity and ongoing clinical execution across its pipeline.

Key Terms

apoptosis, programmed cell death, cytotoxic therapies, precision oncology, +4 more

8 terms

apoptosis medical

"HT-KIT cancer program, a novel therapeutic approach designed to induce apoptosis in disease-driving cells"

Apoptosis is a controlled, built‑in process where cells deliberately shut down and are safely removed, like a person retiring and clearing out their belongings so the house stays orderly. Investors care because many drugs and diagnostics target or measure this process: how well a therapy triggers or avoids apoptosis can determine clinical trial success, safety profiles, regulatory approval, and ultimately a company’s valuation.

programmed cell death medical

"strategies aimed at triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis)"

Programmed cell death is a built-in, orderly process by which cells shut themselves down and are removed without causing chaos, like a planned demolition that safely clears an old building. For investors, it matters because many drugs and diagnostics aim to control or detect this process—success or failure can determine a treatment’s effectiveness, safety profile, regulatory approval, and ultimately a company’s commercial prospects.

cytotoxic therapies medical

"avoiding broader systemic toxicity associated with traditional cytotoxic therapies"

Cytotoxic therapies are treatments that kill or damage fast-growing cells, most commonly used to attack cancer cells; think of them as a weed killer that targets rapidly growing plants but can also harm nearby healthy ones. Investors care because these drugs can drive large revenue and have well-established markets, yet they also carry higher risks from side effects, regulatory scrutiny, and competition with newer, targeted or safer therapies, all of which affect sales, development costs, and valuation.

precision oncology medical

"developing precision oncology therapeutics backed by strong, defensible intellectual property"

Precision oncology uses detailed biological information from a patient’s tumor—like genetic changes or specific markers—to choose treatments most likely to work for that individual, much like tailoring a suit to a person’s measurements instead of selling one-size-fits-all clothing. It matters to investors because these targeted approaches can improve treatment success, support premium pricing and companion diagnostic tests, and shorten development and approval timelines, creating focused markets with both higher potential returns and specialized risks.

intellectual property regulatory

"strengthens our international intellectual property position"

Intellectual property are legal rights that protect creations of the mind—such as inventions, brand names, designs, software, or secret formulas—giving the owner control over who can use, copy or sell them. For investors, IP is like owning a blueprint or recipe: it can generate steady income through exclusive sales or licensing, boost a company’s competitive edge and valuation, and also create costs or risks if rights must be defended or challenged in court.

PCT international application regulatory

"The patent, which originated from a PCT international application, provides important intellectual property protection"

A PCT international application is a single patent filing made under the Patent Cooperation Treaty that lets an inventor seek patent protection in many countries through one streamlined process—think of it as a single passport application that opens the door to multiple countries. For investors, a PCT filing signals that a company is seeking broad, coordinated intellectual-property protection, which can extend product exclusivity, strengthen competitive advantage, and increase the potential value of licensing or acquisition deals.

splice-switching medical

"by leveraging splice-switching and molecular targeting strategies aimed at triggering programmed cell death"

A drug approach that changes how a cell edits its messenger RNA — the instruction copy used to make proteins — so the cell produces a different or corrected version of a protein. Think of it as re‑editing a sentence in a recipe so the final dish comes out right instead of broken; the technique can fix or reduce harmful proteins without altering DNA. Investors care because splice‑switching drugs target specific diseases, often have clear biomarker readouts and regulatory paths, and carry both high reward potential and development risk tied to delivery, durability, and safety.

KIT signaling pathways medical

"by targeting KIT signaling pathways"

KIT signaling pathways are the chain of molecular events triggered when the KIT protein — a receptor on the surface of certain cells — is activated, like flipping a series of internal switches that tell the cell to grow, divide, survive, or move. Investors should care because abnormal KIT signaling is a common driver of some cancers and other disorders, making it a focal point for diagnostics, drugs, and potential regulatory approvals or setbacks tied to efficacy and resistance.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Chinese Patent Approved Covering HT-KIT Technology Designed to Induce Cancer Cell Apoptosis, Expanding Protection in One of the World's Largest Oncology Markets

NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics, today announced that the China National Intellectual Property Administration has approved issuance of a key patent covering the Company's HT-KIT cancer program, a novel therapeutic approach designed to induce apoptosis in disease-driving cells by targeting KIT signaling pathways.

The patent, which originated from a PCT international application, provides important intellectual property protection in China, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing oncology markets, and further strengthens Hoth's global IP estate surrounding HT-KIT.

"This patent issuance represents a significant validation of the HT-KIT platform and materially strengthens our international intellectual property position," said Robb Knie, Chief Executive Officer of Hoth Therapeutics. "Securing protection in China enhances the long-term strategic and commercial value of HT-KIT as we continue advancing this program as a differentiated cancer-fighting approach."

HT-KIT: Targeting Cancer Through Apoptosis Pathways

HT-KIT is designed to disrupt aberrant KIT-driven signaling, a pathway implicated in multiple cancers, by leveraging splice-switching and molecular targeting strategies aimed at triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis). This mechanism is intended to selectively impact disease-relevant cells while avoiding broader systemic toxicity associated with traditional cytotoxic therapies.

The newly approved patent covers systems and methods for targeting KIT to induce apoptosis, reinforcing Hoth's strategy of developing precision oncology therapeutics backed by strong, defensible intellectual property.

Strategic Importance of China IP Coverage

China represents a critical jurisdiction for oncology intellectual property, given its expanding biopharmaceutical market, increasing oncology drug adoption, and growing role in global licensing and partnership activity. Patent protection in China may enhance future partnering, licensing, and strategic transaction opportunities related to HT-KIT.

With this issuance, Hoth continues to convert its international patent filings into issued assets, a key value inflection point often closely followed by biotech investors.

Building a Global Oncology IP Portfolio

The HT-KIT patent adds to Hoth's expanding portfolio of oncology and immunology assets and underscores the Company's commitment to building long-duration shareholder value through IP-driven drug development.

Hoth expects to continue advancing HT-KIT while pursuing additional regulatory, development, and strategic milestones across its pipeline.

About Hoth Therapeutics, Inc.
Hoth Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative, impactful, and ground-breaking treatments with a goal to improve patient quality of life. We are a catalyst in early-stage pharmaceutical research and development, elevating drugs from the bench to pre-clinical and clinical testing. Utilizing a patient-centric approach, we collaborate and partner with a team of scientists, clinicians, and key opinion leaders to seek out and investigate therapeutics that hold immense potential to create breakthroughs and diversify treatment options. To learn more, please visit https://ir.hoththerapeutics.com/ .

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements based upon Hoth's current expectations, which may constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws, and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. These statements concern Hoth's business strategies; the timing of regulatory submissions; the ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of existing product candidates and any other product candidates we may develop, and the labeling under any approval we may obtain; the timing and costs of clinical trials, and the timing and costs of other expenses; market acceptance of our products; the ultimate impact of the current coronavirus pandemic, or any other health epidemic, on our business, our clinical trials, our research programs, healthcare systems, or the global economy as a whole; our intellectual property; our reliance on third-party organizations; our competitive position; our industry environment; our anticipated financial and operating results, including anticipated sources of revenues; our assumptions regarding the size of the available market, benefits of our products, product pricing, and timing of product launches; management's expectation with respect to future acquisitions; statements regarding our goals, intentions, plans, and expectations, including the introduction of new products and markets; and our cash needs and financing plans. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. You should not place reliance on these forward-looking statements, which include words such as "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" or similar terms, variations of such terms, or the negative of those terms. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee such outcomes. Hoth may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation, market conditions and the factors described in the section titled "Risk Factors" in Hoth's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Hoth's other filings made with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All such statements speak only as of the date made. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as Hoth's current plans, estimates, and beliefs. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Hoth cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Hoth does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update, republish, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by applicable law.

Investor Contact:
LR Advisors LLC
Email: investorrelations@hoththerapeutics.com
www.hoththerapeutics.com
Phone: (678) 570-6791

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SOURCE Hoth Therapeutics, Inc.

FAQ

What patent did Hoth Therapeutics (HOTH) receive in China on January 21, 2026?

Hoth received an issued patent from the China National Intellectual Property Administration covering systems and methods for targeting KIT to induce apoptosis for the HT-KIT program.

How does the China patent affect Hoth Therapeutics' (HOTH) global IP position?

The issuance strengthens Hoth's global IP estate for HT-KIT and may improve future partnering and licensing prospects in China.

What does the HT-KIT patent specifically claim for HOTH (HOTH)?

The patent covers systems and methods designed to disrupt KIT-driven signaling and induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in disease-relevant cells.

Why is patent protection in China important for Hoth Therapeutics (HOTH)?

China is a major and growing oncology market; patent protection there can support commercial value, licensing, and strategic transactions for HT-KIT.

Does the China patent guarantee approval or commercialization for Hoth's (HOTH) HT-KIT therapy?

No; the patent secures intellectual property rights but does not by itself guarantee regulatory approval or commercial success.

What are Hoth's (HOTH) next steps for HT-KIT after the China patent issuance?

Hoth expects to continue advancing HT-KIT and pursue additional regulatory, development, and strategic milestones across its pipeline.