N※N

Oncotelic Secures Broad Patent Protections for Cancer Therapy

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. broad-patent-protections-for-cancer-therapy.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 3:44 GMT by Toronto Star
      Locales: CANADA, UNITED STATES

TORONTO, ON - February 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oncotelic Therapeutics Inc. (OTCQB:OTLC) today announced a substantial broadening of its intellectual property (IP) protections, solidifying its position within the rapidly evolving biotechnology sector and highlighting potential for significant advancements in cancer treatment. The Canadian biotechnology firm, focused on the development and commercialization of innovative cancer therapies, has received newly granted patents both within the United States and internationally. These patents strategically encompass its groundbreaking work targeting the 'death receptor' pathway - a crucial area of cancer research.

The newly secured patents aren't simply incremental additions; they represent a robust defense of Oncotelic's core technology. The protection extends beyond the fundamental composition of matter to include advanced formulations and innovative delivery methods for their therapeutic candidates. This comprehensive IP coverage is vital in a competitive biotech landscape where patent strength often translates directly into market value and investor confidence.

"We are delighted to announce this important milestone for Oncotelic," stated Dr. Peter Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Oncotelic Therapeutics. "The granting of these new patents significantly expands our IP coverage, reinforcing our position in the biotechnology landscape and providing a competitive advantage as we advance our lead drug candidate, OL101, towards clinical trials. The new patents encompass both composition of matter and method of use, allowing for significant flexibility to broaden therapeutic applications and market reach."

Understanding the 'Death Receptor' Pathway and Oncotelic's Approach

The 'death receptor' pathway is a naturally occurring mechanism within the human body designed to trigger programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in damaged or cancerous cells. However, cancer cells frequently develop mechanisms to evade this pathway, effectively becoming immortal and allowing unchecked growth. Oncotelic's research focuses on re-activating this pathway, forcing cancerous cells to self-destruct. This approach is particularly promising as it aims to leverage the body's own defense systems, potentially minimizing side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy or radiation.

OL101, Oncotelic's lead drug candidate, is specifically designed to target this pathway in solid tumors. While details of the drug's exact mechanism are proprietary, the expanded patent coverage suggests a novel approach to stimulating death receptor activation. The inclusion of patents covering delivery methods indicates the company is addressing potential challenges related to drug bioavailability and targeted delivery to tumor sites - crucial factors for efficacy and minimizing off-target effects.

The Significance of Broad Patent Protection

The breadth of Oncotelic's new patents - encompassing both the substance itself and how it's administered - is a key differentiator. Many biotech companies secure patents on the chemical composition of a drug, but fail to adequately protect the unique methods of delivering that drug to the affected tissues. This allows competitors to potentially develop "workarounds" or similar formulations that circumvent the original patent. Oncotelic's strategy appears to be to create a more formidable barrier to entry for rivals.

The "method of use" patents also open doors to exploring additional therapeutic applications for OL101 beyond its initial target indication. This flexibility is invaluable, as it allows Oncotelic to adapt its development strategy based on clinical trial results and emerging scientific understanding of cancer biology.

Implications for the Biotech Sector & Future Outlook

Oncotelic's advancements come at a critical juncture in cancer research. Immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer, has revolutionized treatment for some cancers, but many patients still don't respond. Targeting the death receptor pathway, as Oncotelic is doing, represents a complementary approach that could potentially overcome resistance mechanisms and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

With these new patents secured, Oncotelic is now poised to accelerate its journey towards clinical trials. The company will need to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of OL101 in human studies, a process that is both time-consuming and expensive. However, successful clinical trials could pave the way for regulatory approval and commercialization, potentially transforming the landscape of cancer treatment. Investors and industry observers will be closely watching Oncotelic's progress as it moves forward. The expansion of intellectual property suggests a strong foundation for growth and innovation in the fight against cancer.

About Oncotelic Therapeutics Inc.

Oncotelic Therapeutics Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative cancer therapeutics. The company's core focus is on leveraging the body's own mechanisms to combat cancer, with OL101 as its lead drug candidate currently in pre-clinical development.

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary. See company filings for more details.