Phio wins U.S. patent allowance for INTASYL compound PH-894

Phio Pharmaceuticals said Aug. 13 it received a U.S. Notice of Allowance for a patent covering PH-894, a BRD4-targeting INTASYL compound. The move strengthens the company’s intellectual property around a platform it wants to advance in cancer and other proliferative and infectious diseases.

Why it matters: - The patent allowance adds protection around PH-894’s chemical structure, genetic sequencing and broader use claims in the U.S. - Phio Pharmaceuticals is trying to strengthen the long-term value of its INTASYL gene-silencing platform. - Stronger intellectual property can support future development plans and potential partnerships.

What happened: - Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. said Aug. 13 it received a U.S. Notice of Allowance for a patent covering PH-894. - PH-894 is designed to selectively silence BRD4, a regulator of gene expression tied to proliferative and infectious disease. - The company said the allowance strengthens its intellectual property portfolio.

The details: - Phio said its patent estate now includes 54 issued patents. - Those patents cover INTASYL chemistry, specific gene targets, immuno-oncology compounds and therapeutic applications across major global markets. - PH-894 is part of Phio’s proprietary INTASYL platform. - The company’s lead clinical program remains PH-762, an INTASYL compound that silences the PD-1 gene. - PH-762 is being studied in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. - The Phase 1b trial for PH-762 carried the identifier NCT# 06014086. - Phio says PH-762 is a potential non-surgical treatment for skin cancers. - More information is available in the company’s announcement. - Phio’s website is phiopharma.com.

Between the lines: - The patent step gives Phio more room to defend a core platform asset while it works to expand the INTASYL pipeline. - CEO Robert Bitterman framed the allowance as support for both U.S. development and possible international collaborations. - The move also signals that Phio is still leaning on intellectual property as a key part of its growth strategy rather than on near-term commercialization.

What's next: - Phio said it plans to advance PH-894 in the U.S. - The company also plans to pursue strategic collaborations internationally. - The announcement included forward-looking statements tied to clinical development, regulatory progress, manufacturing, financing and intellectual property protection. - Phio said actual results could differ materially because of FDA interactions, market conditions, collaboration outcomes and other risks.