Lantern Pharma Secures EU Patent for AI-Developed Cancer Therapy, Strengthening Global IP Position

Lantern Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRN), a clinical-stage oncology company, has received significant patent protection for its drug candidate LP-284. The European Patent Office (EPO) has issued a notice of allowance for a composition of matter patent, which is expected to be granted within the next few months and remain in effect until early 2039. This development strengthens Lantern’s global intellectual property (IP) portfolio and supports the commercialization path for LP-284, a novel therapy aimed at treating relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), particularly mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and high-grade B-cell lymphomas (HGBL). Background and Development of LP-284 LP-284 is a next-generation acylfulvene, a class of compounds known for their potential anticancer properties. The drug was optimized using Lantern’s proprietary RADR® artificial intelligence (AI) platform, which identified its unique mechanism of action—targeting cancer cells with DNA damage repair deficiencies. Preclinical studies have shown LP-284’s promising potential in addressing aggressive NHL subtypes, including MCL and double-hit lymphoma (DHL), which are often resistant to conventional treatments. Currently, LP-284 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT06132503). The primary objectives of this trial are to evaluate the safety profile, determine the optimal dosing, and assess preliminary efficacy in patients with aggressive NHL subtypes who have failed standard therapies. The drug candidate has already earned Orphan Drug Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both MCL and HGBL, underscoring its significance in addressing rare and severe cancer conditions with limited treatment options. Expanding Global Patent Protection The EU patent is part of a broader international strategy to protect LP-284’s intellectual property. In June 2024, a composition of matter patent was granted in Japan, and a similar patent was awarded in the U.S. in April 2023. Additional patents have been approved in India and Mexico, with applications still pending in China, Australia, Canada, and South Korea. This extensive patent portfolio is crucial for securing exclusive rights and fostering global commercialization and strategic partnerships. Statement from Leadership Panna Sharma, President and CEO of Lantern Pharma, emphasized the importance of the EU patent allowance. "This is a critical milestone that enhances our ability to deliver this AI-advanced therapy to patients globally," Sharma said. "Our RADR® platform has enabled us to rapidly advance LP-284's unique mechanism, achieving clinical trial readiness in less than three years and at a significantly lower cost compared to traditional methods." Addressing a Significant Market Need Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a substantial health concern, affecting an estimated 800,000 new patients each year worldwide. Aggressive subtypes like MCL and DHL, which are characterized by rapid recurrence and resistance to standard treatments, pose a particular challenge. The global market for blood cancers is estimated at $4 billion annually, driven by the increasing incidence of NHL and the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Role of RADR® Platform Lantern’s RADR® platform is a key differentiator in its drug development process. Utilizing over 200 billion oncology-focused data points and more than 200 machine learning algorithms, the platform streamlines the identification of drug candidates and patient populations likely to respond to specific therapies. This has allowed Lantern to reduce the time and cost of developing LP-284, achieving clinical trial readiness in under three years at a cost range of $1.5 to $2.0 million. The platform’s capabilities are expected to attract further investment and collaborations with biotech and pharmaceutical companies looking for cutting-edge oncology solutions. About LP-284 LP-284 is an investigational drug designed to exploit synthetic lethal interactions in cancer cells with DNA damage repair deficiencies. The term "synthetic lethality" refers to a situation where the combination of two genetic abnormalities leads to cell death, but neither abnormality individually causes the cell to die. By targeting these interactions, LP-284 aims to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal, healthy cells. This precision approach enhances the drug’s effectiveness and reduces side effects, making it a potentially transformative therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory NHL and other hematologic malignancies. Strategic Partnerships and Commercial Potential The expanding international IP protection for LP-284 paves the way for global commercialization and strategic partnerships. Biotech and pharma companies are increasingly interested in leveraging AI for drug discovery, and Lantern’s RADR® platform offers a compelling solution. The company’s ability to rapidly advance drug candidates and maintain low development costs makes it an attractive partner for organizations seeking to expedite the introduction of novel cancer therapies to the market. About Lantern Pharma Lantern Pharma is an AI-driven biotechnology firm dedicated to accelerating the discovery, development, and commercialization of cancer therapies. With its RADR® platform, the company aims to uncover new therapeutic opportunities, speed up drug development, and improve patient outcomes. Founded with a focus on precision oncology, Lantern continues to innovate and bring forward advanced treatments for challenging cancers. Industry Evaluation Industry insiders view the EU patent allowance for LP-284 as a significant step forward for AI-driven drug development. The combination of Lantern’s efficient and cost-effective processes, backed by robust global IP protection, positions the company to make substantial contributions to the field of oncology. Analysts anticipate that this milestone will enhance lantern’s attractiveness to investors and potential partners, potentially leading to increased funding and collaborative opportunities. In summary, the EU patent allowance for LP-284 is a pivotal achievement that reinforces Lantern Pharma's commitment to precision oncology and underscores the growing role of AI in drug discovery and development. The company’s strategic focus on international patents and efficient R&D processes sets a strong foundation for the commercial success of LP-284 and other future pipeline candidates.