Pieris is the exclusive owner of a large patent estate generically covering the Anticalin as a drug class, libraries of Anticalins and all derived products. In addition, individual therapeutic Anticalin programs will give rise to more specific product and use protection, providing yet another layer of protection and an extended period of exclusivity. Further, as the exclusive owner of the entire drug class, Pieris and its partners are able to control the dissemination of the most relevant prior art, providing highly unique and attractive life cycle management strategies.
Anticalin technology, because it diverges so greatly from antibodies and antibody-like molecules, also is characterized by a very attractive freedom to operate (FTO) profile. FTO benefits apply to not only the Anticalin drug discovery platform, but also resulting drug candidates. Pieris is mindful that an attractive IP profile, alone, does not make for a good drug. However, Anticalins' ideal FTO position affords maximum flexibility in discovery strategies and target selection, while the attractive life cycle management strategies ensure that an attractive drug candidate can benefit from several years of exclusivity once on the market.
Pieris' patent portfolio consists of twelve patent families, including key patents granted in the US, Europe and Asia. In addition, Pieris has a broad license from founder Prof. Dr. Arne Skerra that provides exclusive access to all future Anticalin-related IP.