NanoBodies Patent Boosts Argent’s Immune Modulation Pipeline Amidst Competitive Pressure

Strategic Patent Filing

Argent BioPharma Ltd (ASX: RGT) has taken a significant step forward in its research and development efforts by filing a provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its NanoBodies platform. This filing, under Application No. 63/979,136, secures priority protection for a novel approach targeting septic shock and systemic inflammatory disorders, a critical area of unmet medical need.

What Are NanoBodies?

NanoBodies are single-domain antibodies characterised by their small size and remarkable stability, which allow them to access tissues and signalling pathways that conventional antibodies cannot easily reach. Argent’s platform focuses on vascular and peptide-mediated signalling mechanisms that play a pivotal role upstream of the inflammatory cytokine cascade, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which are commonly implicated in septic shock.

Complementing Existing Therapies

This new platform complements Argent’s existing immune-modulatory portfolio, which includes CimetrA®, a therapy primarily aimed at modulating cytokine pathways. By expanding into upstream signalling control, Argent is broadening its scientific scope and reinforcing the structural depth of its pipeline. This dual approach could provide a more comprehensive strategy for managing complex immune and inflammatory conditions.

Preclinical Validation Ahead

Argent plans to validate the NanoBodies platform using a cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) septic shock model, a well-established preclinical model that mimics human septic shock. This will allow the company to assess vascular stability and immune modulation effects in a controlled setting, providing crucial proof-of-concept data to support further development.

Strategic Implications

CEO Roby Zomer emphasised that the patent filing not only strengthens Argent’s internal R&D capabilities but also enhances its long-term intellectual property position in the U.S., a key market for biopharmaceutical innovation. Chief Pharma Development Officer Amir Polak highlighted the scientific differentiation of targeting upstream pathways, which may offer new therapeutic leverage in acute inflammatory conditions.

Overall, this development signals Argent BioPharma’s commitment to advancing a unified neuro-immune strategy that addresses inflammation at multiple regulatory levels, potentially positioning the company as a leader in immune modulation therapies.