On September 25, 2025 AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) ("AIM" or the "Company") reported that the Japan Patent Office has issued a patent covering the Company’s proprietary use of Ampligen (Rintatolimod) in combination with checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies) for the treatment of cancer (Press release, AIM ImmunoTech, SEP 25, 2025, View Source [SID1234656229]).
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"We remain committed to strengthening our global intellectual property protection for Ampligen as we continue to advance its clinical development. This Japan patent – which does not expire until December 20, 2039 – further strengthens our intellectual property portfolio in one of the world’s largest oncology markets and enhances exclusivity around combination therapies that address high-need cancer indications. Importantly, this patent further reinforces our ability to advance our clinical pipeline, secure strategic collaborations, and capture value in the growing global immuno-oncology sector. The scope of this patent enhances the value for any future strategic oncology transactions," AIM ImmunoTech CEO Thomas K. Equels stated.
The allowed claims in Japan cover an agent for treating cancer consisting of Ampligen in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor. The claims are broad, encompassing multiple cancer types, including pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, breast cancer/triple negative breast cancer, head and neck tumors, bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and lung cancer. The claims also capture specific dosing regimens, administration routes, and synergistic therapeutic effects observed when Ampligen is combined with checkpoint inhibitors.
AIM also holds a U.S. patent (expires August 9, 2039) for methods involving use of Ampligen as part of a combination oncology therapy when paired with an anti-PD-L1 antibody and a patent in the Netherlands (expires December 19, 2039) for the use of Ampligen as a combination cancer therapy with checkpoint blockade inhibitors, such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Opdivo (nivolumab) and Imfinzi (durvalumab).
The combination of these compounds is designed to work synergistically to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. AIM believes this novel approach could revolutionize the treatment landscape for cancers that have historically been challenging to treat, such as pancreatic cancer and advanced recurrent ovarian cancer. In fact, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, Ampligen is in a Phase 2 clinical trial combined with AstraZeneca’s durvalumab (an anti-PD-L1) for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. AIM recently released a DURIPANC Mid-Year Interim Clinical Progress Update showing promising signs of superior Progression-Free Survival and Overall Survival, as well as no significant toxicity.
Similarly, a Phase 2 study in collaboration with Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC in advanced recurrent ovarian cancer combing Ampligen with Keytruda has been completed and we expect the final data report within the next two months.