WARRINGTON, Pa., Oct. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Windtree Therapeutics, Inc. WINT, a biotechnology company focused on advancing multiple late-stage interventions in acute cardiovascular disease, reported today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a statement of acceptance of new patent claims for the administration of istaroxime. The USPTO issues a letter of acceptance to indicate that the application passed the examination.

Istaroxime is an investigational drug candidate being studied in early cardiogenic shock and acute heart failure. It has a novel dual mechanism of action that increases both systolic contraction and diastolic relaxation (the latter through the unique treatment of SERCA2a dysfunction associated with heart failure). SERCA2a activation facilitates calcium sequestration during diastole, favors relaxation, and makes more calcium available for the next contraction, further improving cardiac ventricular function. Phase 2a and phase 2b studies in acute heart failure have shown significant improvements in cardiac function, as well as an increase in blood pressure and preservation or improvement in kidney function.

The U.S. Patent, entitled: “Istaroxime-Containing Intravenous Formulation for the Treatment of Acute Heart Failure (AHF)” is a continuing patent application to Windtree’s accelerated U.S. Track One application, which led to the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 11,197,869 B2 filed December 14, 2021. The claims cover longer infusion durations of istaroxime for improved outcomes in the treatment of acute heart failure. In particular, the claims are directed to an improvement in cardiac diastolic function after administration of istaroxime by intravenous infusion for at least 6 hours, which Windtree attributes to the SERCA2a mechanism of action of isaroxime and its metabolites.

“We are pleased to receive this notice of approval of a new patent that will further strengthen the isaroxime patent portfolio,” said Craig Fraser, President and…