• Patent protects Imugene's CD19-expressing oncolytic virus in Asia's largest market
• Patent covers method of composition & method of use protection through to 2038
• Imugene's OASIS dose escalation trial of onCARlytics ongoing in the US

Imugene Limited, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, has announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the Chinese Patent Office for City of Hope's patent application number 201880064280.9, which protects the CD19-expressing oncolytic virus, onCARlytics. The patent, titled 'ONCOLYTIC VIRUS EXPRESSING A CAR T CELL TARGET AND USES THEREOF', covers the method of composition and method of use of onCARlytics through to 2038. OnCARlytics is an oncolytic virus that enters solid tumour cells and forces them to express the CD19 protein on the cell surface, presenting a target for CD19 targeting therapies. Imugene's OASIS dose escalation trial of onCARlytics is currently being conducted at up to ten sites in the United States, with up to approximately 40 patients proposed to take part in the trial. Imugene's Managing Director and CEO, Leslie Chong, stated that intellectual property has remained a priority for the company's innovative range of immuno-oncology assets, and having onCARlytics protected in a major market like China is an integral part of this strategy.