HCW Biologics received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for claims directed to the use of HCW9302 to treat alopecia areata.
Together with four recently issued U.S. patents (Nos. 11,401,326; 11,987,619; 12,018,071; 12,516,112) covering compositions, nucleic acids encoding HCW9302, vectors and methods for treating autoimmune diseases, the company says its U.S. patent estate has been strengthened to protect intellectual property related to further development and potential commercialization of HCW9302.
The company claims HCW9302 is a best-in-class IL-2-based immunotherapeutic that preferentially expands regulatory T cells.
A Phase 1 dose-escalating monotherapy study in patients with alopecia areata is on track for completion in Q4 2026 and continues to be well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities, according to the company.
HCW Biologics reports that a preliminary readout from the first two dose cohorts showed positive responses in patients after a single 3 micrograms per kilogram dose. The company also notes it holds worldwide, perpetual, fully paid-up, royalty-free, exclusive license rights for HCW9302.
