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Oncotelic Bolsters IP Portfolio, Signals Biotech Investment Shift

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 10:12 GMT by Toronto Star
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

TORONTO, ON - February 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB:OTLC) is making strategic moves to capitalize on the growing importance of intellectual property (IP) within the biotechnology sector. Today, the company announced significant progress in its IP portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in cancer treatment and signaling a potential shift in how investors evaluate biotech assets.

In recent years, the biotech industry has witnessed a pronounced trend toward valuing companies based not solely on clinical trial results, but increasingly on the strength and breadth of their intellectual property. This shift acknowledges the inherent risks in drug development - the high failure rates of clinical trials and the lengthy, expensive process of bringing a drug to market. A robust IP portfolio provides a crucial layer of protection, exclusivity, and potential for return on investment, even before a drug reaches commercialization.

Oncotelic's portfolio centers around a novel approach to cancer therapy: targeting the tumor microenvironment. This is a burgeoning area of oncology research, moving beyond directly attacking cancer cells to disrupting the support system that allows tumors to grow and spread. The company's lead compound, OT-01, and its subsequent derivatives, have demonstrated encouraging results in both preclinical studies and early-stage clinical trials, suggesting a promising pathway towards effective cancer treatments.

Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Scientific Officer of Oncotelic Therapeutics, emphasized the importance of this IP in a statement released today. "We believe that our IP portfolio represents a significant and de-risked asset for the company," she said. "The biotech industry is increasingly recognizing the value of strong IP as a key driver of long-term success. By highlighting the advancements we've made and the strength of our IP, we're confident that we can unlock greater shareholder value."

The company's IP strategy isn't simply about securing patents; it's about building a defensible moat around its core technology. This includes not only patents covering the OT-01 compound itself but also patents related to formulations, methods of use, and potential combinations with other therapies. The breadth of protection offered by such a strategy is crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving oncology market.

Analysts note that Oncotelic's focus on the tumor microenvironment is particularly compelling. Traditional chemotherapy and radiation often face challenges related to drug resistance and side effects. By targeting the microenvironment, Oncotelic aims to overcome these hurdles, potentially improving treatment efficacy and reducing patient toxicity. This approach could be applicable across a wide range of cancers, expanding the potential market for OT-01 and its derivatives.

Beyond strengthening its existing IP, Oncotelic plans to continue investing in research and development, with a focus on expanding the scope of its patent coverage. This may include exploring new indications for OT-01, developing next-generation compounds, and forging strategic partnerships to accelerate development. The company is actively seeking opportunities to license its technology to larger pharmaceutical companies, which could provide funding for clinical trials and ultimately bring its therapies to patients.

This proactive IP strategy positions Oncotelic within a growing number of biotech firms prioritizing intangible assets. Other companies are taking similar steps, including aggressively defending patents, pursuing patent thickets (multiple overlapping patents around a core technology), and leveraging data exclusivity rights.

Investors are encouraged to visit the Oncotelic Therapeutics website at [ https://www.oncotelictherapeutics.com/ ] for more detailed information about the company, its pipeline, and its IP portfolio. However, it's important to note that, as with all biotechnology investments, there are inherent risks involved. The company's future success depends on factors such as successful clinical trial results, regulatory approvals, and market acceptance of its therapies.

Disclaimer: This press release includes forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. Investors are cautioned not to rely unduly on forward-looking statements.