We are delighted to announce that one of our clients, CTI BioPharma, has received FDA accelerated approval for VONJO™ (pacritinib), for the treatment of adult patients with myelofibrosis and thrombocytopenia.
Pacritinib is a macrocyclic small molecule oral kinase inhibitor with activity against Janus Associated Kinase2 (JAK2), mutant JAK2V617F as well as the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3). The drug was developed by the research scientists at S*BIO in Singapore before its rights were transferred to CTI BioPharma who have successfully navigated the regulatory pathway leading to the approval this week.
Our very own, Dr Neil Ireland, has been involved with pacritinib since its inception. He initially worked with the research scientists to develop a patent strategy for the protection of the drug and was involved in the preparation and filing of the original applications. When the portfolio was acquired by CTI Biopharma, his knowledge of the patents and expertise was recognised, and he was retained by CTI to prosecute the patents in the portfolio throughout the world leading to broad ranging protection around the lead compound.
We are proud to have been associated with pacritinib and congratulate the scientists at S*BIO who were involved in its initial development as well as all members of the CTI Biopharma team for successfully bringing the drug to market.