Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) has received formal notification of the grant for its POLB 001 cancer immunotherapy-induced Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) patent application from IP Australia, the Australian patent office.
Watch: Poolbeg Pharma Secures First Oncology Patent for POLB 001
The grant marks a key milestone in the company’s global intellectual property strategy, representing the first approval within its cancer immunotherapy-induced CRS patent family. Poolbeg is continuing to expand its worldwide portfolio, which covers the use of p38 MAPK inhibitors for both cancer immunotherapy-induced CRS and severe influenza.
The newly granted patent covers the use of any p38 MAPK inhibitor, including POLB 001, for preventing CRS linked to cancer immunotherapy. This is supported by proprietary data generated by the company. Poolbeg originally filed its oncology patent applications in the UK in January 2023, followed by a Patent Cooperation Treaty application in January 2024.
Meanwhile, the company used the Patent Prosecution Highway to accelerate examination, allowing for expedited review based on favourable outcomes in other jurisdictions. As a result, the Australian grant is expected to support further filings globally.
The development strengthens Poolbeg’s intellectual property position and enhances the potential commercial value of POLB 001, particularly as it progresses clinical development and partnership discussions.
Poolbeg Pharma’s Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Skillington said: “The grant by IP Australia of our first patent for cancer immunotherapy-induced CRS represents an important step in strengthening our global intellectual property position for POLB 001. With the TOPICAL trial on track to deliver interim data in summer 2026, the timing of this first patent grant could not be better. Protection in this indication is a key component of our strategy, and securing this coverage in Australia provides valuable support for the continued advancement of POLB 001. We look forward to progressing corresponding applications in other jurisdictions, expedited by the use of the Patent Prosecution Highway international framework.”
The TOPICAL trial - Trial of Prevention of ImmunoCytokine Adverse events in Myeloma - is a single-arm, open-label study evaluating POLB 001 as a preventative treatment for CRS in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients receiving the approved bispecific antibody teclistamab, supplied by Johnson and Johnson at no cost to Poolbeg.
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This first patent grant provides early validation of Poolbeg’s intellectual property strategy around POLB 001 and adds tangible value as the programme advances. With clinical data expected in summer 2026, the combination of strengthening IP protection and upcoming trial catalysts could support partnering interest and wider commercial potential.