Xenoport (f/k/a XNPT)

[surf1944]

8:32AM Xenoport awarded U.S. patent directed to composition and formulations of XP23829, a novel fumarate analog for the potential treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and psoriasis (XNPT) 4.51 : Co announced today that it was awarded U.S. Patent 8,148,414 for "Prodrugs of Methyl Hydrogen Fumarate, Pharmaceutical Compositions Thereof, and Methods of Use." The term of the patent extends until 2029. The patent is directed to the XP23829 compound, analogs thereof and formulations thereof. A related U.S. patent application directed to therapeutic uses of XP23829 is now pending. XP23829 is a prodrug of methyl hydrogen fumarate, also known as monomethyl fumarate (MMF). In cell- and animal-based models, MMF has been shown to exhibit immuno-modulatory properties and inhibit damage from oxidative stress. XenoPort intends to file an Investigational New Drug Application for XP23829 for the treatment of relapsing remitting MS with the FDA in the second quarter of 2012 and expects to initiate human clinical trials later this year.