Infant Bacterial Therapeutics AB (IBT) announced that the European Patent Office has approved its patent application for Lactobacillus reuteri. The patent pertains to the drug candidate IBP-9414, currently undergoing Phase III development by IBT for the prevention of Necrotizing Entercolitis (NEC) and sustained feeding tolerance (SFT) among premature infants. The invention encompasses a unique method of activating freeze-dried bacteria.

The patent reinforces the existing protection for IBT's drug candidate I BP-9414, which has been granted both orphan drug status and data exclusivity for biological products in the USA and EU. The patent is valid until 2036, providing IBT with long-term protection and competitive advantages. The plan is to launch IBP-9414 in the European market as soon as market authorization is obtained.