Woolsey Pharmaceuticals Gains New U.S. Patents for ALS Treatment with BRAVYL®
Woolsey Pharmaceuticals Secures Important Patent Claims for BRAVYL®
Woolsey Pharmaceuticals, a company dedicated to innovating treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, has made significant strides in securing additional patent claims for its drug BRAVYL® (oral fasudil) targeting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This breakthrough was announced on January 10, 2025, following the approval from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a series of claims related to the treatment of various forms of ALS using BRAVYL.
Overview of the New Patent Claims
The newly granted patent claims pertain to the treatment of ALS, classified under the El Escorial Revised ALS diagnostic criteria, which includes typical categorization methods like possible, probable, laboratory-supported, and definite ALS. These claims also focus on the drug's capacity to lower neurofilament light (NfL) levels—a protein often elevated in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ALS. In a recent study (REAL study), BRAVYL dosed at 180mg per day demonstrated a substantial 15% reduction in NfL levels over a six-month timeframe, indicating promising efficacy in managing the disease.
The Importance of Addressing ALS
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to the deterioration of motor neurons, affecting patients’ muscle control and leading to a swift decline in their condition. The average life expectancy for ALS patients is between two to five years post-diagnosis, which underlines the critical need for effective treatments. The recent patent claims from Woolsey Pharmaceuticals are seen as a significant leap towards improving treatment outcomes, potentially extending the lives and enhancing the quality of life of those affected by the disease.
Extended Patent Portfolio
The newly issued patent further enriches Woolsey’s intellectual property portfolio, which already includes several patents covering various methods of treating sporadic and familial forms of ALS using fasudil and specialized formulations designed to be easier for patients to ingest. These comprehensive developments position Woolsey Pharmaceuticals at the forefront of ALS research and treatment, reinforcing their commitment to combating this devastating disease.
CEO Comments on the Patent Advances
Sven Jacobson, CEO of Woolsey Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the strategic significance of these patent claims. He stated, “These robust and strategically vital patent claims are part of a 36-patent-family portfolio we have developed for fasudil, many of which are already issued. The latest claims enhance our proprietary position regarding BRAVYL's use in ALS treatment and align with its designation as an Orphan Drug in both the U.S. and Europe.”
Looking Ahead
As Woolsey Pharmaceuticals prepares to unveil data from the ongoing REAL study’s higher dosage cohort later in June 2025, the anticipation grows regarding the extensive impact BRAVYL could have on ALS treatment paradigms. With the increasing validation of fasudil in clinical research, the future appears promising, not just for the company, but more importantly, for the patients seeking effective management of ALS.
Through its innovative approach and ongoing research efforts, Woolsey Pharmaceuticals is paving the way towards a hopeful future for those impacted by neurodegenerative diseases, especially ALS.
Conclusion
In summary, the announcement of additional patent claims underscores the involvement and commitment of Woolsey Pharmaceuticals in advancing ALS treatment options through BRAVYL. With confirmed reductions in neurofilament levels and a growing patent portfolio, the company is positioned to make significant contributions in the field of neurodegenerative treatments, fostering hope for countless individuals battling this arduous disease.