BioTech IP Review

Assignee: Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.
Patent Number: US 12233066 B2
Filed: October 17, 2019
Issued: February 25, 2025
Inventors: Irina C. Jacobson, Biing Yuan Lin, Sam S.K. Lee

What This Patent Covers

This patent protects specific combinations of antiviral compounds that work together to inhibit replication of influenza viruses. It claims formulations and combinations of small‑molecule inhibitors that target distinct viral replication mechanisms — such as influenza polymerase functions — and jointly act to reduce viral load and treat infection.

Key aspects of the invention include:

• Combinations of small‑molecule inhibitors that function synergistically to block influenza viral replication more effectively than individual agents.
• Methods for using these combinations to treat or prevent influenza A (and potentially other influenza strains) in humans.
• Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise these combinations of antiviral agents.

By securing rights to combinations rather than just single compounds, Cocrystal strengthens its ability to develop broader‑acting antiviral therapies and differentiate its clinical programs.

Why This Patent Is Important

• Core to product pipeline: Cocrystal’s most advanced clinical candidate is CC‑42344, an oral polymerase PB2 inhibitor designed for seasonal and pandemic influenza; patents covering inhibitors and their combinations directly support its development.
• Broad commercial relevance: Influenza antivirals have a multi‑billion‑dollar global market due to annual seasonal outbreaks and pandemic preparedness needs. “Combinations of inhibitors” patents can enable more effective regimens that may command premium pricing and longer clinical utility.
• Extended protection: Because the patent claims combinations of inhibitors, it can provide stronger exclusivity against generic or competitive agents seeking to use similar multi‑agent strategies.
• Strategic IP footprint: This issued patent joins other antiviral grants underlying Cocrystal’s structure‑based drug discovery platform — a key part of its value proposition to partners, investors, and potential acquirers.