BioInvent International AB (STO:BINV) announced on Thursday the issue by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) of a Notice of Allowance informing the company that a patent application relating to the company's lead programme, BI-1206, has been allowed.

This patent is expected to be granted once BioInvent has responded to the notice.

According to the company, this patent covers treatment of B cell lymphoma or chronic lymphatic leukaemia using the company's drug candidate BI-1206, or one of several other anti-FcγRIIB antibodies, in combination with an anti-CD20 antibody, such as rituximab.

This patent, once issued, broadens the geographical scope of protection for BI-1206 by adding to patents previously granted in Europe, Japan, Australia and South Korea.

BioInvent added that similar patent applications are pending in further countries.

BioInvent is focused on the discovery and development of novel and first-in-class immuno-modulatory antibodies to treat cancer.