Hoth secures Japan patent for RNA cancer therapy targeting KIT gene

NEW YORK - Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH), a micro-cap biotech company with a market capitalization of $10.2 million, has obtained a new patent from the Japan Patent Office, reinforcing its intellectual property rights in the field of RNA-based therapeutics for cancer and immunological diseases. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 9.2, indicating robust short-term financial stability. The patent covers antisense oligomers targeting the KIT gene, known to play a role in various cancers, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors and leukemia.

The granted patent encompasses antisense RNA molecules that can modify pre-mRNA splicing or downregulate KIT protein expression. These molecules range from 10 to 50 nucleotides in length and include morpholino and chemically modified variants, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and expression vectors. The scope of the patent extends to applications in both human and veterinary medicine. Despite recent developments, InvestingPro analysis shows the stock has faced challenges, declining 37% over the past year, though analysts maintain optimistic price targets between $4-5 per share.

Robb Knie, CEO of Hoth Therapeutics, stated that this patent is a significant step in enhancing the company’s position in the RNA therapeutics landscape and is a key component of their global strategy. The company believes that targeting the KIT pathway with antisense technology offers a precision-driven approach with considerable potential in oncology and other fields.

The KIT gene is associated with aggressive and hard-to-treat cancers. Hoth’s antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) strategy aims to overcome resistance mechanisms that often limit the effectiveness of small molecule treatments. With this patent, Hoth now has exclusive rights to develop and commercialize ASO-based therapies targeting the KIT gene.

Hoth Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative RNA-targeted precision therapies. The company’s approach includes collaborating with scientists, clinicians, and key opinion leaders to advance promising therapeutics from early research stages to clinical trials.

The information in this article is based on a press release statement from Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. and does not include any speculative content or subjective assessments. The patent grant is expected to contribute to the company’s momentum in developing RNA-targeted therapies and may open up opportunities for licensing and partnerships in the future. InvestingPro rates the company’s overall financial health as "Fair" with a score of 2.22 out of 5, highlighting both opportunities and challenges ahead. Subscribers can access 8 additional ProTips and comprehensive financial metrics to better evaluate the company’s investment potential.

In other recent news, Hoth Therapeutics announced positive interim results from its Phase 2a clinical trial for HT-001, aimed at treating pruritus associated with EGFR inhibitor skin toxicities in cancer patients. Patients experienced a notable reduction in pruritus severity, with some achieving complete symptom resolution within 21 days. The treatment was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported. In addition, Hoth Therapeutics revealed promising preclinical results for its Alzheimer’s drug candidate, HT-ALZ, which improved cognitive functions and reduced neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s models. The company is planning to advance HT-ALZ into clinical development for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. Hoth also filed amended patent claims for its drug candidate HT-KIT to enhance intellectual property protection, while initiating a toxicity study to evaluate its safety profile. Furthermore, Hoth reported significant preclinical results for HT-KIT in treating gastrointestinal stromal tumors, showing a reduction in tumor growth and KIT protein expression. Lastly, Hoth plans to submit an Expanded Access application for HT-001 to make it available to patients with serious conditions who lack alternative treatments.

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