Norwegian biotechnology company Hemispherian AS announced on Wednesday that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance for its patent application covering use of its lead clinical candidate, GLIX1, in cancers where cytidine deaminase is not over-expressed, a profile seen in more than 90% of all tumours.

This patent strengthens protection for GLIX1 until 2040, with the possibility of up to five additional years.

Hemispherian noted that corresponding filings are pending globally and complement existing patents covering GLIX1 for central nervous system cancers, including glioblastoma, across major regions. Additional protection for GLIX1 in combination with PARP inhibitors is advancing through a pending international application that could extend to 2044.

CEO Zeno Albisser said the allowance validates GLIX1's potential and supports development efforts with partner BioLineRx (NASDAQ:BLRX) (TASE:BLRX).

GLIX1 is an orally available small molecule designed to activate TET2 and has shown potent anti-cancer effects in preclinical studies.

Hemispherian and BioLineRx plan to begin a Phase 1/2a trial in glioblastoma in Q1 2026 while expanding preclinical work in other solid tumours under the strengthened IP estate.