(Sharecast News) - Biotechnology firm Sareum announced on Friday that it has received a notice of allowance from the Japan Patent Office for a patent associated with SDC-1801, its primary TYK2/JAK1 kinase inhibitor.

The AIM-traded company said the newly approved Japanese patent, 'Special Application 2021-543577', would protect SDC-1801 and its potential medical applications in treating inflammatory or immune disorders.

Earlier this year, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) granted patent 'CN113056456B' for the same protections.

Patent applications for SDC-1801 in Europe, the United States and other regions remained under review.

Pending the completion of certain formalities, the firm said it expected the patent would be officially granted shortly.

"The recent notice of allowance from the Japan Patent Office bolsters our growing confidence in SDC-1801, our lead TYK2/JAK1 kinase inhibitor," said chief scientific officer Dr John Reader.

"Our phase 1a clinical trial in Australia is progressing well, and this latest patent recognition in Japan supports our intellectual property around this programme."

At 1350 GMT, shares in Sareum Holdings were up 8.67% at 62.49p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.