GlycoMar files patents in US on drug compounds

GLYCOMAR, the Oban-based firm aiming to create drugs from the marine environment, has filed four patents in the United States, writes Peter Ranscombe.

The company said the move was an "important step forward" in its drug discovery programme.

The four patents cover compounds identified from a number of marine organisms studied during a joint research programme with Aim-listed Verona Pharma.

GlycoMar said the latest compounds had "shown significant anti-inflammatory activity with clinical potential".

Dr Charlie Bavington, founder and chief executive of GlycoMar, added: "The filing of patent applications is an important step in the drug discovery process.

"These patents will provide validation of GlycoMar's approach and collaboration with Verona Pharma, adding value to this discovery programme, which we will actively promote over the next 12-18 months."

The company specialises in looking for sugar-based molecules from starfish, sea squirts and marine worms.