Alivexis, Inc. (Headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO S. Roy Kimura) is pleased to announce that a patent application relating to a newly developed “novel cathepsin C inhibitor,” for which procedures had been underway in the US, has been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) thereby establishing patent rights in the United States.

Invention Title: Azacycloalkyl Carbonyl Cyclic Amine Compound
Patent Number: US12522593 (International Application Number: PCT/JP2023/021735)
Patent Holder: Alivexis, Inc. and Astellas Pharma Inc.

About Cathepsin C Inhibitor.
Cathepsin C, also known as dipeptidyl peptidase-1 (DPP-1), is an enzyme that activates a set of neutrophil proteases involved in tissue damage during inflammatory responses. By potently and selectively inhibiting cathepsin C, our novel inhibitor is expected to suppress excessive neutrophil‑driven tissue destruction and offer therapeutic potential across a range of immune and inflammation‑related diseases. Because cathepsin C inhibition is believed to have limited impact on neutrophils’ antimicrobial functions, this mechanism of action may help control neutrophil-driven inflammation while minimizing the risk of infection‑related side effects.
With respect to the novel cathepsin C inhibitor, we entered into an agreement Melodia Therapeutics AG (Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland; hereinafter referred to as “Melodia”) on June 21, 2024, granting Melodia worldwide rights for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Melodia is currently advancing activities toward an IND application in preparation for Phase 1/Phase 2a clinical trials targeting inflammatory diseases driven by excessive neutrophil activation.

Alivexis Announces Notice of U.S. Patent Registration for Novel Cathepsin C Inhibitor(PDF)