AOBiome Therapeutics, Inc. (“AOBiome”), a leading clinical-stage microbiome company focusing on the research and development of a novel class of drugs for inflammatory conditions, central nervous system disorders, and other systemic diseases, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a patent covering the use of the Company’s Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) for the treatment eczema.
U.S. Patent No. 10,017,731 is directed to the use of AOB for the treatment of a wide spectrum of symptoms in individuals with eczema. AOBiome is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial investigating AOB for the treatment of eczema with expected readout in 2019. In addition to its eczema trial, AOBiome is pursuing four additional indications in Phase 2, including acne where a Phase 2 study has recently concluded and the Phase 3 studies are planned to begin within the first half of 2019.
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a recurring inflammatory skin disease which poses a significant burden on patients’ quality of life. The disease can present with a broad spectrum and combination of symptoms, including skin redness, dryness, flakiness, and chronic itching. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average prevalence rate of eczema in US children ages 0-17 is 11% and it can be as high as 20% in certain demographic groups. Amongst adults, several research studies have reported a US prevalence rate of approximately 7% of the total adult population. In addition to the significant disease and quality of life burden for patient’s suffering from eczema, there is also a significant economic burden, which one recent study estimated at over $5B USD annually.
AOBiome has continued to significantly broaden its portfolio of patents and patent applications covering diverse applications of our AOB technology in diseases with compelling unmet needs. We are pleased with the progress of our lead AOB programs, including multiple clinical trials focused specifically on inflammatory skin conditions, and we anticipate reporting additional clinical findings from one or more of these studies in 2019.
said Todd Krueger, President and Chief Executive Officer of AOBiome.
Up to 20% of Americans suffer from atopic dermatitis, often starting in childhood or adolescence. Half of those children continue to have symptoms in adulthood, including chronic itch. Current therapies include potent steroids and immunomodulators and these therapies, even if they offer relief have significant side effects,
said Dr. Jun Wang, CEO of iCarbonX and former CEO of Beijing Genomic Institute (BGI), Chairman of the Board of Directors of AOBiome.
Through the application of ammonia oxidizing bacteria, we hope to provide better relief from the redness and the itch by rebalancing the skin microbiome in a manner where the patient experiences minimal to no side effects.
AOBiome has six ongoing clinical programs in acne, eczema, rosacea, allergic rhinitis, migraine, and hypertension, along with multiple ongoing preclinical programs, including ones addressing pulmonary and gastrointestinal disorders. AOBiome has identified significant therapeutic opportunities by using its proprietary topical and intranasal formulations incorporating a live single strain of Nitrosomonas eutropha in different potencies and formulations tailored to each of its clinical trials. For reference, please visit the company’s website here. The company is also seeking to expand its proprietary development approach to explore and develop additional microbiome programs.