Lund, September 30, 2026, Active Biotech (NASDAQ STOCKHOLM: ACTI) today announced that the Japan Patent Office has formally granted the company's patent application covering an ophthalmic formulation of the clinical drug candidate laquinimod, under development for the treatment of severe inflammatory eye diseases, e.g. non-infectious uveitis. The patent, granted under patent number 7918190, provides intellectual property protection and potential market exclusivity in Japan until 2042.
“This patent grant in Japan represents an important milestone in our strategy to establish strong global intellectual property protection for laquinimod and enhance the long-term value of our portfolio,” said Helén Tuvesson, CEO of Active Biotech.
“Japan is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical markets and an important territory for ophthalmology. Securing patent protection in Japan strengthens the commercial potential of laquinimod and supports future partnering and development opportunities in the region,” she continued.
The patent relates to an innovative eye drop formulation of laquinimod optimized to facilitate trans-corneal scleral passage of laquinimod to the posterior parts of the eye. The formulation is intended for use in the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases in the posterior parts of the eye, including conditions such as uveitis, wet AMD and other ocular inflammatory disorders. Corresponding patents were recently granted in Europe.
Active Biotech plans to advance into Phase II development in patients with uveitis together with a commercial partner. Efforts to establish such partnerships are ongoing.