Genflow Biosciences, a UK-based biotechnology company focused on longevity research, has announced significant progress in securing patent protection for its SIRT6 gene variant technology across multiple international jurisdictions. These advancements represent crucial steps in the company's strategy to develop novel therapeutics for age-related diseases.
European Patent Application Advances Without Questions
The company's European patent application (EP 22 808 414.1) for "Variants of SIRT6 for Use in Preventing and/or Treating Age-Related Diseases" has successfully completed the Supplementary European Search Report phase without further inquiries from the European Patent Office (EPO). Originally filed on May 13, 2022, the application can now progress to the national phase of the patent process, a critical milestone in securing market-specific protections across Europe.
The application is jointly owned by the University of Rochester, The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, with Genflow holding exclusive licensing rights to the intellectual property.
"This positive outcome represents a significant step forward in securing broad intellectual property protection for our innovative work on SIRT6 variants," said Dr. Eric Leire, CEO of Genflow. "This milestone strengthens our position in SIRT6-based therapeutics and accelerates our mission to develop effective treatments for age-related diseases."
Japanese Patent Application Reaches National Examination Phase
In a parallel development, Genflow announced that the Japanese Patent Office has advanced the same SIRT6-related patent application (Application No. JP 2024515284) to the national examination phase. This progression is particularly strategic given Japan's status as one of the world's most rapidly aging populations, making it a priority market for longevity-related innovations.
"We are pleased to see continued momentum in the protection of our SIRT6 intellectual property," commented Dr. Leire. "Japan represents a strategically important jurisdiction for Genflow, and advancing this patent application strengthens our global positioning as a leader in longevity gene therapy."
The Science Behind SIRT6 and Age-Related Diseases
The SIRT6 gene and its protein product play critical roles in DNA repair, metabolism, and longevity. Research has identified certain variants of SIRT6 that appear to be associated with extended lifespan and reduced incidence of age-related diseases.
Genflow's approach focuses on these beneficial variants, particularly through its lead compound GF-1002, which delivers a centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene. Preclinical studies have yielded promising results, suggesting potential applications in treating various age-related conditions.
Clinical Development Plans
Genflow is preparing to initiate clinical trials for GF-1002 in 2025, with an initial focus on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as NASH. MASH represents the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally and currently lacks effective treatment options.
The company's gene therapy approach aims to address the underlying mechanisms of aging rather than merely treating symptoms of age-related diseases, potentially offering a more comprehensive solution to age-related health challenges.
Market Implications and Company Position
Founded in 2020 and headquartered in the UK with R&D facilities in Belgium, Genflow Biosciences (LSE:GENF)(OTCQB:GENFF) is the only publicly listed longevity company in Europe. The advancement of these patent applications strengthens the company's intellectual property portfolio and market position in the competitive field of longevity research.
The longevity sector has seen increasing investment in recent years as demographic shifts toward aging populations create urgent needs for innovative therapeutic approaches to age-related diseases. Genflow's focus on SIRT6 gene therapy represents a distinctive approach within this growing field.
The company must prepare its intention to advance the European application by July 7, 2025, as it continues to develop its pipeline of longevity-focused therapeutics. Genflow has indicated it will provide further updates as the patent applications progress through their respective approval processes.
