Proud To Be Supporting Innovation In The North East

Dr. David Mansell, patent scientist at Murgitroyd, explains the importance of patent work to support the expansion of biotechnology firm, Iksuda Therapeutics.

Murgitroyd have been working with Iksuda Therapeutics (formerly Glythera), a biotech company developing next generation Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), for about five years but David actually worked as a Senior Development Chemist for Iksuda before joining Murgitroyd – so he has a long history and understanding of the company.

This is helped greatly by his BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Forensic Science and PhD in Synthetic Chemistry, which was put to good use while working on Iksuda’s propriety technology portfolio. David comments: “Although, I’m currently working towards being a fully qualified patent attorney in the UK and Europe, my technical background is an asset that I rely upon on a daily basis. And, it’s this experience and background that enables me to understand the needs of the companies I work with so that I can represent their interests in the best possible way.”

Dr Jenny Thirlway, Senior Director at Iksuda Therapeutics Ltd describes one such case where David and the team’s experience was helpful in dealing with a ‘tricky’ examiner in the US: “We worked closely with Murgitroyd during the prosecution of a US application and in this particular case the examiner consistently responded with what we felt were unreasonable objections against granting the patent. The Murgitroyd team responded in a prompt and professional manner, disputing their arguments and suggesting that a statement from outside of the company should be sourced to support the application. The application subsequently proceeded to grant, providing us with patent protection in what is a crucial market for our technology.”

Biotherapeutics are an integral part of modern medicine, particularly in the oncology space, due to their efficacious properties and ability to target specific molecules within the human body. This has led to a significant drive in the development and manufacture of new effective and safe biologics. Murgitroyd have driven forward successful patent applications for Iksuda’s PermaLink® and PermaCarb® technologies.

The team at Murgitroyd works closely with Iksuda to identify any requirements for new or existing patent applications, sounding out next steps on projects and technologies and working on ‘Freedom to Operate’ searches.

Jenny comments: “Because Iksuda is focussed on developing highly active, yet safe ADCs for treatment of difficult to treat solid tumours, we are constantly innovating to improve the prospects of this important class of biotherapeutics. We work closely with the subject matter experts at Murgitroyd, conveniently located here in Newcastle, to define our IP strategy from the conceptual stages through to grant, which has allowed us to not only expand our patent estate but to develop valuable drugs for patients living with cancer.”

Iksuda is currently based in the Herschel Annex but will shortly be one of the first regional biotech companies to occupy the ‘Helix Biosphere’. From there the company is looking to expand its drug portfolio, driving a growth in headcount and taking its ADCs through into clinical trials.

“Since working with Iksuda we’ve helped them grow a substantial patent portfolio. It’s fantastic to be working with and enabling such innovative product development and I look forward to continuing this work and seeing the benefits that the application of this technology can achieve,” concludes David.

Now in its 10th year, Murgitroyd’s Newcastle team is based in the heart of the city and assists businesses and organisations of all types and sizes in getting the most from their intellectual property – they can advise on patent, trade mark, design and copyright issues and offer a free initial consultation.