Biotechnology company Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNCY) announced on Monday that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued US Patent 12,377,082 covering UNI-494 for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

This new patent extends intellectual property protection for the compound until 2040 and follows an earlier method-of-use patent related to acute kidney injury.

Chief Executive Officer Shalabh Gupta, MD, emphasised that while the company remains focused on pursuing US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of oxylanthanum carbonate, the UNI-494 patent strengthens its broader intellectual property portfolio. He noted the asset's potential to support partnerships and further development initiatives.

UNI-494 is a novel nicotinamide ester derivative designed to selectively activate mitochondrial potassium channels. By restoring mitochondrial function, the drug candidate may address both acute and chronic kidney diseases. UNI-494 has completed a Phase 1 dose-ranging safety study in healthy volunteers and has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for the prevention of delayed graft function in kidney transplant patients.