Anatara Lifesciences has been granted a key Australian patent for its GaRP gastrointestinal health product, reinforcing its intellectual property portfolio ahead of pivotal clinical trial results expected in March 2025.
- Australian patent granted for GaRP valid until 2040
- European patent secured in September 2024, with ongoing global patent prosecution
- GaRP-IBS Phase II trial headline results anticipated in Q1 2025
- GaRP targets a significant US$8 billion non-prescription gastrointestinal market
- Stage 2 enrolment confirmed at 71 participants, trial recruitment currently paused
Patent Milestone Strengthens GaRP’s Market Position
Anatara Lifesciences (ASX: ANR) has achieved a significant intellectual property milestone with the grant of an Australian patent for its Gastrointestinal ReProgramming product, GaRP. Officially certified on 23 January 2025, the patent protects the product’s unique composition and mechanism of action until 2040. This follows a European patent granted in September 2024, extending Anatara’s IP coverage to key markets including the UK and Hong Kong.
The Australian patent solidifies Anatara’s commercial proposition for GaRP, a multi-component complementary medicine designed to restore and maintain the gastrointestinal tract lining and microbiome balance. This protection is crucial as the company advances its Phase II clinical trial targeting irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition with limited effective treatments and a large unmet need.
Clinical Trial Progress and Market Potential
The GaRP-IBS trial is currently in Stage 2, with 71 Intent-To-Treat participants enrolled, aligning with the company’s target range of 60-100. Stage 1 results were promising, showing over 50% reduction in IBS symptoms among 61 patients, alongside a confirmed safety profile. The trial is designed to be sufficiently powered to demonstrate statistically significant efficacy versus placebo, with headline results expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Should the trial confirm GaRP’s efficacy, Anatara stands to tap into a substantial commercial opportunity. The non-prescription gastrointestinal disorder market in the United States alone is estimated at US$8 billion, underscoring the product’s potential reach. GaRP’s disease-modifying approach, focusing on the GIT lining and microbiome homeostasis, could extend its applicability beyond IBS to other chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
Looking Ahead: Global Patent Strategy and Commercialisation
Beyond Australia and Europe, Anatara is actively prosecuting patents in multiple jurisdictions to broaden its exclusivity and commercial leverage. The company has indicated it will provide updates as these processes advance. Executive Chair Dr. David Brookes emphasized the uniqueness of GaRP’s formulation and the importance of the ongoing clinical trial in differentiating the product in a competitive market.
With recruitment currently paused as final patient numbers are assessed, the coming months will be critical for Anatara. The successful conclusion of the GaRP-IBS trial could unlock significant shareholder value and position the company as a leader in innovative gastrointestinal health solutions.
Bottom Line?
Anatara’s strengthened patent portfolio and advancing clinical trial set the stage for a pivotal moment in gastrointestinal health innovation.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the GaRP-IBS trial deliver statistically significant efficacy to support commercial claims?
- How quickly can Anatara expand patent coverage in other major markets beyond Australia and Europe?
- What are the company’s plans for scaling manufacturing and distribution if GaRP gains regulatory approval?