SEATTLE - Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has been granted a new patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent, U.S. Patent No. 12,071,391, is for compositions that include the active ingredient endoxifen, specifically the (Z)-endoxifen isomer, in combination with an enteric material. This formulation ensures that at least 90 percent of the endoxifen remains in its most potent form.
This latest patent expands Atossa’s intellectual property portfolio, providing broader protection for its endoxifen-based compositions and their methods of administration. The company focuses on developing treatments for significant unmet medical needs in oncology, particularly breast cancer.
(Z)-endoxifen, recognized for its strong anti-estrogen effects, is considered the most effective Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) for inhibiting estrogen receptors and degrading them. The compound has shown promise in patients who have developed resistance to other hormonal treatments. Atossa's proprietary oral formulation of (Z)-endoxifen is designed to bypass liver metabolism and the stomach, where acidic conditions can convert endoxifen into a less active form.
The company has reported that (Z)-endoxifen is well tolerated based on Phase 1 studies and a small Phase 2 study involving women with breast cancer. Currently, four Phase 2 trials are investigating the efficacy of (Z)-endoxifen, including studies on breast density in healthy women, ductal carcinoma in situ, and ER+/HER2- breast cancer.
Atossa's commitment to innovation in breast cancer treatment is underscored by its growing patent portfolio, which now includes four issued U.S. patents. The company's ongoing research and development efforts aim to provide new therapeutic options for patients and create long-term shareholder value.
Steven Quay, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Atossa, expressed confidence in the new patent's ability to extend and validate the company's existing patent protection. He highlighted the potential for (Z)-endoxifen to address critical needs in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
The information for this article is based on a press release statement from Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. It is important to note that forward-looking statements within the release are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.
In other recent news, Atossa Therapeutics, in collaboration with Quantum (NASDAQ:QMCO) Leap Healthcare Collaborative, has initiated a clinical trial using a combination of its proprietary (Z)-endoxifen and Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY)'s abemaciclib as a potential treatment for high-risk breast cancer. The study aims to enroll approximately 80 participants, with outcomes expected in 2026. Atossa Therapeutics has also announced the appointment of Heather Rees as its new Chief Financial Officer and an expansion of its stock incentive plan by 12 million shares, increasing the total number of authorized shares to 360 million. The company has made amendments to its ongoing Phase 2 EVANGELINE study protocol, increasing the (Z)-endoxifen dosage from 40 mg to 80 mg daily. Analyst firm H.C. Wainwright has maintained a Buy rating on Atossa. These are the recent developments at Atossa Therapeutics.
InvestingPro Insights
As Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS) continues to innovate in the field of oncology with its recent patent grant, investors are closely monitoring the company's financial health and market performance. According to recent data from InvestingPro, Atossa Therapeutics holds a market capitalization of $169.77 million. The company's commitment to developing treatments for breast cancer is reflected in its significant year-to-date price total return of 53.41%, highlighting investor optimism about its growth prospects.
However, the financials reveal some challenges that Atossa faces. The company's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at -6.55, indicating that it is not currently profitable. This aligns with one of the InvestingPro Tips which states analysts do not anticipate the company will be profitable this year. Additionally, Atossa's return on assets is at -26.68%, suggesting difficulties in generating profit from its assets.
Despite these challenges, Atossa has some financial strengths. One of the InvestingPro Tips points out that the company holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, which is a positive indicator of financial stability. Moreover, Atossa's liquid assets exceed its short-term obligations, providing the company with a degree of liquidity to fund its operations and research activities.
Investors interested in a deeper analysis of Atossa Therapeutics can find a total of 9 InvestingPro Tips on the company, which can be accessed through the dedicated InvestingPro platform. These tips provide a comprehensive look at Atossa's financial metrics, market performance, and potential investment risks and opportunities.
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