XORTX Announces Grant of European Patent

Core Viewpoint - XORTX Therapeutics Inc. has received notification of a patent grant for "Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor Formulations" by the European Patent Office, which enhances its intellectual property portfolio and supports its programs for gout and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) [1][2]. Company Overview - XORTX is a late-stage clinical pharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for gout and progressive kidney disease, with three clinically advanced products: XRx-026 for gout, XRx-008 for ADPKD, and XRx-101 for acute kidney injury [1][6]. Patent Details - The newly granted patent covers formulations using proprietary xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) aimed at treating health issues related to high uric acid levels, including gout, kidney stones, and cardiovascular diseases [2]. - With this patent, XORTX now holds five granted patents in the US and EU related to uric acid-lowering agents for gout and progressive kidney disease [2]. Market Opportunity - In North America, approximately 3.5 million people suffer from gout due to elevated uric acid levels, with XOIs being the preferred first-line treatment [5]. - Allopurinol is the most commonly prescribed XOI, with around 3 million prescriptions annually, but 3-5% of patients cannot tolerate it, creating a market opportunity for alternative XOIs like XRx-026 [5]. Health Implications of Hyperuricemia - An estimated 14% of the adult population has hyperuricemia, leading to various health issues, including gout, kidney stones, and cardiovascular diseases [3]. - Lowering uric acid levels in gout patients is strongly correlated with improved health outcomes, highlighting the need for effective treatments [3]. Genetic Factors and Precision Medicine - Recent studies suggest a link between genetic factors and the overexpression of xanthine oxidase, advocating for a precision medicine approach in treating conditions associated with hyperuricemia [4].