(Sharecast News) - Clinical-stage biotechnology developer Sareum announced the granting of patents for its lead kinase inhibitors in China and the United States on Monday.

The AIM-traded company said the patents would provide significant protection and expand the potential applications of its compounds.

It said the first patent, specifically related to SDC-1801, Sareum's lead TYK2/JAK1 kinase inhibitor, was granted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).

Patent number CN113056456B would safeguard SDC-1801 and its medical applications in treating inflammatory or immune disorders, the board explained.

It was the first patent grant issued to Sareum for SDC-1801 in any territory, establishing a strong foundation for its presence in the Chinese market.

SDC-1801 is a dual TYK2/JAK1 kinase inhibitor being developed as a potential therapeutic for various autoimmune diseases, with a primary focus on psoriasis.

In the US, meanwhile, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) had granted a patent covering SDC-1802, another TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor developed by Sareum.

Patent number US 11,673,870 B2 extended the scope of protection for SDC-1802 and several analogues beyond immuno-oncology.

While Sareum previously obtained international patents to safeguard the compound, the US patent would provide additional coverage and reinforce the company's position in the American market.

"We're delighted to have the first patent granted for SDC-1801, our lead development programme which recently advanced into a phase 1a clinical trial in Australia," said chief scientific officer Dr John Reader.

"We look forward to being able to strengthen our intellectual property around this asset in other territories in due course."

Dr Reader added that the company was separately pleased to have extended the scope of patent protection for SDC-1802 in the US.

"Although oncology remains the primary focus of this asset, this bulwarks our intellectual property position and gives us optionality to explore opportunities in other therapeutic areas."

At 1007 BST, shares in Sareum Holdings were up 1.18% at 129p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.