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Conduit Pharmaceuticals Receives Additional Patent Approval for Lead Autoimmune Disease Asset

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Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CDT), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, announced today that it has received further patent approval for its lead therapeutic asset targeting autoimmune conditions. The newly granted patent strengthens the company’s intellectual property portfolio and provides added protection for its innovative approach to treating autoimmune diseases such as sarcoidosis and lupus.

The patent, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), covers key methods of use and compositions relating to Conduit’s investigational drug, which is designed to modulate the immune response in patients with chronic autoimmune disorders. According to company officials, the approval not only broadens the existing patent family but also enhances the commercial potential of the lead compound as it advances through clinical development.

“This new patent grant is a major milestone for Conduit Pharmaceuticals, as it secures crucial proprietary rights over our lead autoimmune asset,” said Dr. David Tapolczay, Chief Executive Officer of Conduit Pharmaceuticals. “Our mission is to bring safe and effective treatments to patients suffering from complex autoimmune conditions, and this patent approval is a significant step forward in protecting the innovation that underpins our approach.”

The company’s lead asset, originally acquired from a major pharmaceutical partner, has demonstrated promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies. The drug works by selectively targeting pathways involved in the overactive immune response characteristic of autoimmune diseases, while minimizing systemic immunosuppression.

Conduit Pharmaceuticals has emphasized its strategy of revitalizing underutilized assets from larger pharmaceutical companies and accelerating them through late-stage development. The expanded patent protection ensures a longer runway for exclusivity, which could facilitate future licensing agreements or commercial partnerships.

Industry analysts view the patent approval as a positive development that enhances Conduit’s valuation and strengthens its position in the competitive autoimmune drug market, projected to surpass $150 billion globally by 2030.

The company plans to continue progressing its lead candidate through clinical trials, with additional updates expected later this year regarding regulatory filings and potential Phase 2 study initiations.

For more information, visit www.conduitpharma.com.

WHO and Medicines Patent Pool Support Nigerian Innovation in Health Diagnostic

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In a landmark step towards strengthening healthcare innovation in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have announced strategic support for Nigerian-led advancements in health diagnostics. This collaboration is aimed at fostering local innovation, improving access to affordable diagnostic tools, and enhancing the country’s capacity to respond to pressing public health challenges.

The initiative comes under WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health and the MPP’s commitment to equitable access to medical innovations. Nigeria has been identified as a critical partner due to its growing innovation ecosystem and urgent need for scalable, cost-effective diagnostic solutions for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, WHO Nigeria Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, emphasized the importance of locally developed technologies in transforming health outcomes. “Nigeria has demonstrated significant potential in biomedical innovation,” he stated. “By supporting homegrown diagnostic solutions, we aim to empower Nigerian researchers and entrepreneurs to develop tools that are not only technologically sound but also contextually appropriate for local health challenges.”

The partnership will provide technical assistance, funding opportunities, and pathways to intellectual property management through the MPP. Nigerian innovators will gain access to international patent licensing frameworks, regulatory support, and opportunities for technology transfer. This is expected to facilitate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of diagnostics that meet global standards while remaining affordable for local healthcare systems.

“Affordable diagnostics are a cornerstone of universal health coverage,” he said. “Through this collaboration, we aim to bridge the gap between innovation and access, ensuring that promising technologies from Nigeria can benefit both the country and the wider global South.”

Among the early beneficiaries of the initiative is a Lagos-based biotech startup that has developed a rapid point-of-care diagnostic test for tuberculosis, which uses AI-powered image recognition. Another group from Ahmadu Bello University is working on a low-cost paper-based testing kit for hepatitis B and C, tailored for use in rural and underserved communities.

Health experts have welcomed the announcement, noting that empowering local solutions can reduce dependency on imported diagnostics and improve response times during outbreaks. Dr. Amina Balogun, a public health analyst, noted: “This kind of support is crucial for building a self-reliant health system. It’s not just about the tools, but about building confidence and capacity in our institutions and scientists.”

As part of the next phase, WHO and MPP plan to host a regional innovation forum in Nigeria later this year to showcase emerging diagnostic technologies and connect local developers with global health agencies and funders.

This partnership marks a significant step in aligning Nigeria’s innovation capacity with global health goals and demonstrates how strategic international collaboration can empower local solutions to meet both national and international health needs.

Agfa Loses Patent Dispute Against Gucci Over Leather Decoration Method

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Printing technology company Agfa has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against luxury fashion house Gucci, alleging unauthorized use of its patented method for decorating natural leather. The legal battle centered on Agfa’s European patent EP 3 388 490, which covers a process for embellishing leather surfaces with decorative images—a technique the company considers vital to its future innovation strategy.

The dispute specifically involved Gucci’s Pikarar Collection, which Agfa claimed employed its patented method without authorization. However, the Local Division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Hamburg dismissed both Agfa’s infringement claim and Gucci’s counterclaim for patent invalidation (Case ID: ACT_561734/2023).

Presiding Judge Sabine Klepsch and her panel deemed both the infringement action and the revocation counterclaim admissible, but ultimately ruled against both parties. The court’s decision was based on a detailed analysis of the patent language, drawing on precedent established in earlier UPC rulings, such as the NanoString vs. 10x Genomics case. The court concluded that the interpretation of certain terms in the patent should differ from their conventional meanings, resulting in a finding of no infringement on Gucci’s part.

This case marks the first time a luxury fashion brand has been involved in litigation before the newly established Unified Patent Court. The ruling offers some relief to the fashion industry, although Agfa still has the option to appeal.

Agfa was represented by a legal team jointly led by Daan de Lange of the Netherlands and Kai Rüting of Germany. The case also marked the first major matter handled by Vossius Brinkhof UPC Litigators, a new collaboration between Dutch and German law firms. Other members of the legal team included Stefan Fickert, Ananda Landwehr, Leonie Dissmann-Fuchs, Elard Schenck zu Schweinsberg, Isabelle Kleinveld, and Alexander de Leeuw. Hans Louis Strijckers managed the case internally for Agfa.

Although the decision did not go in Agfa’s favor, the company’s aggressive defense of its patent portfolio signals its strategic focus on emerging technologies in leather decoration.

AI Tools Accelerate Insights in CAR T-Cell Therapy Research for Multiple Myeloma

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A research team focused on advancing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies has harnessed artificial intelligence tools to streamline data analysis and extract key insights in the field. Their work was highlighted as part of the late-breaking research presented at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.

The investigators explored the evolving landscape of CAR T-cell treatments for multiple myeloma (MM) by leveraging two AI-powered platforms: BiblioEngine, developed by 23Strands, and Cool.AF from Neural Hinge. These tools were used to mine publicly accessible clinical literature, with a focus on manufacturing methods, clinical trial structures, and therapeutic outcomes. The team also conducted a comprehensive review of related patent filings across jurisdictions including the United States, European Union, and India.

By utilizing AI-driven analytics, the researchers efficiently processed large volumes of data and identified emerging trends in how CAR T-cell therapies are developed and applied in real-world clinical settings. The tools enabled detailed comparisons between datasets, shedding light on factors influencing successful patent applications and highlighting the structure of collaborative networks among researchers in the field.

The analysis not only revealed current gaps in MM treatment strategies but also pointed to opportunities for future innovation and patent development. These findings are expected to guide more strategic clinical trial design and support intellectual property planning that avoids overlap with existing patents.

Moreover, the team’s work identified opportunities to foster new research partnerships by mapping the relationships among authors in the field, potentially expanding the collaborative network and accelerating progress in CAR T-cell therapy innovation.

Heron Therapeutics Reaches Patent Settlement with Mylan Over Cancer-Related Drugs

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Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HRTX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical firm valued at approximately $324 million, has resolved ongoing patent litigation with Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Viatris Inc. subsidiary.

Under the terms of the agreement, Heron has granted Mylan the right to begin selling generic alternatives to both drugs starting June 1, 2032. This resolution ends two separate legal proceedings filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, which were initiated in September 2023 and January 2024 after Mylan sought FDA approval for generics ahead of the drugs’ patent expirations in 2035. As part of the agreement, both companies will ask the court to dismiss the lawsuits.

CINVANTI® and APONVIE® are formulations of the active ingredient aprepitant, used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The deal allows for the possibility of an earlier launch of Mylan’s generics under standard conditions, although the formal market entry date remains set for 2032.

Heron, known for its focus on acute care and oncology-related treatments, continues to show signs of financial health and strategic growth. InvestingPro data shows a solid current ratio of 2.29, indicating strong short-term liquidity. The company has also reported a 13.57% increase in revenue over the last 12 months.

The patent settlement comes on the heels of a strong fourth quarter for Heron. The company reported adjusted earnings of $0.02 per share, outperforming analysts’ expectations of a $0.03 loss. Quarterly revenue reached $40.78 million—above the $37.3 million forecast—and reflected a 19.1% increase year-over-year. A significant contributor was ZYNRELEF, Heron’s pain management therapy, which brought in $8.5 million in Q4, up nearly 49% from the same period last year.

For the full year 2024, Heron posted total revenue of $144.2 million, a 13.6% increase compared to 2023. Looking ahead, the company projects 2025 revenues between $153 million and $163 million, in line with analyst expectations. Additionally, Heron estimates adjusted EBITDA between $0 and $8 million for the year.

In December 2024, the company expanded the label indications for ZYNRELEF and introduced a new vial access needle, further enhancing its product offerings. Heron closed the year with $59.3 million in cash and short-term investments, reinforcing its financial stability as it continues to grow its commercial footprint.

Baidu Explores AI Technology to Decode Animal Communication

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Ever wondered what your cat’s meows actually mean? Chinese tech giant Baidu is aiming to bridge the communication gap between humans and animals with the help of artificial intelligence.

The proposed technology would combine data on animal vocalizations, behavioral cues, and bodily responses, then process this information using AI to identify emotional states. These emotional indicators would subsequently be translated into semantic content understandable by humans.

Baidu’s patent describes the project as a step toward “deeper emotional communication and understanding between animals and humans,” potentially making cross-species interaction more accurate and efficient. While the concept has captured public interest, the company has clarified that the system remains in the research phase.
This effort is part of Baidu’s broader strategy to lead in AI innovation. The company has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence since the rise of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022. Baidu recently introduced its advanced AI model, Ernie 4.5 Turbo, claiming it performs at the top tier across industry benchmarks. Despite these advancements, Baidu’s chatbot offerings have faced challenges in gaining widespread user adoption due to intense competition.

Globally, Baidu is not alone in its quest to decode animal language. Projects like CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), launched in 2020, are working to interpret the complex communication of sperm whales using AI and statistical models. Meanwhile, the Earth Species Project, founded in 2017 and backed by tech figures like LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, is also using artificial intelligence to analyze animal communication across various species.

While the dream of talking to animals like a real-life Dr. Dolittle remains a long-term goal, advances like Baidu’s patent hint at a future where technology could help us better understand the emotional and communicative world of animals.

DCRUST Researcher Secures Patent for Energy-Efficient Clay Cooler

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Mukesh Kumar, a research scholar from the Mechanical Engineering Department at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, has developed an innovative clay-based cooler that uses only half the electricity of conventional air coolers. This eco-friendly invention has now been granted a patent by the Central Government’s Patent Office.

The energy-efficient cooler was developed under the guidance of Prof. Amit Sharma, Associate Professor in the same department. The project was recently recognized at the university, where Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prakash Singh honored both Mukesh Kumar and Prof. Sharma for their contribution to sustainable technology.

Prof. Singh highlighted the importance of research in enhancing the academic standing of universities and praised the clay cooler as an initiative aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, especially those focusing on affordable and clean energy solutions.

This innovation not only represents a step forward in green technology but also holds socio-economic promise. By involving traditional potter communities in the production process, it can potentially improve their livelihoods and create new employment opportunities. The biodegradable nature of the cooler ensures it leaves no harmful residue, contributing positively to environmental sustainability.

Describing the project as a blend of innovation and environmental responsibility, Prof. Sharma said the cooler utilizes the natural cooling properties of soil to deliver efficiency and eco-friendliness. He also emphasized its potential to support the government’s Make in India campaign by fostering domestic innovation and production.

The development of the cooler involved extensive testing and experimentation. Mukesh Kumar collected soil samples from various states. After rigorous trials, soil from Sohna, Haryana, was selected as the most suitable material. Despite facing over a hundred failed attempts, Kumar’s persistence paid off with a working model that is both practical and environmentally conscious.

This breakthrough demonstrates how traditional materials, combined with modern engineering, can lead to sustainable solutions with real-world impact.

Cybin Secures New U.S. Patent, Expands Clinical Trials for Depression and Anxiety Treatments

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Cybin Inc. has been granted U.S. patent number 12,291,499 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, bolstering its intellectual property portfolio, which now includes over 80 granted patents and more than 230 active applications. CEO Doug Drysdale underscored the significance of strong patent protections in supporting drug innovation and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to developing new mental health treatments.

Cybin’s lead clinical program, CYB003, is currently being administered to participants in its pivotal Phase 3 trial, known as the APPROACH study, targeting Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as an adjunctive treatment. A second Phase 3 trial, EMBRACE, is expected to launch in mid-2025. In addition, Cybin is advancing CYB004, a deuterated version of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), now in Phase 2 development for generalized anxiety disorder.

However, it continues to operate with a negative EBITDA of approximately -$93.87 million over the past 12 months, reflecting the high costs associated with research and development. The company has been rated “FAIR” for overall financial health and appears to maintain enough liquid assets to meet short-term obligations, suggesting operational resilience during its early-stage growth phase.

It is focused on transforming mental healthcare through innovative neuropsychiatric treatments, and has gained recognition for its early clinical data in the field.

The announcement of the new patent was accompanied by a standard disclaimer noting that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Cybin emphasized that its products are still undergoing scientific evaluation and must be reviewed and approved by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. FDA and Health Canada before any health claims can be made.

In parallel developments, Cybin has expanded its U.S. clinical trial network to include 18 sites for the ongoing APPROACH study. This move aims to accelerate patient recruitment and improve the efficiency of its Phase 3 trial timeline. Meanwhile, H.C. Wainwright has adjusted its price target for Cybin from $190 to $150, while maintaining a Buy rating, citing updated financials and promising developments in its CYB003 and CYB004 programs. A potential commercial rollout for CYB004 is tentatively projected for fiscal year 2028.

This news is based on a press release from Cybin Inc. and is intended for informational purposes only.

Supreme Court Declines to Hear Patent Officers’ Plea for CBI Probe, Suggests Moving High Court

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The Supreme Court has declined to admit a writ petition filed by the All India Patent Officers’ Welfare Association (AIPOWA), which sought a court-monitored investigation and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged unauthorized access and data leakage involving sensitive patent and trademark information.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar refused to entertain the petition under Article 32 of the Constitution. However, the Court allowed AIPOWA the liberty to approach the appropriate High Court under Article 226 for further remedies. The Court made it clear that it had not offered any opinion on the merits of the allegations or whether the petition should be admitted by the High Court.

The petition alleged that confidential data from the Indian Intellectual Property Offices (IPO) was improperly accessed and shared with Kaizen Institute, a private multinational consultancy, without following due legal and administrative procedures. According to AIPOWA, this access was facilitated by officials in the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) despite a lack of formal approval from the DPIIT.

The association claimed that Kaizen was allowed to operate within IPO premises based solely on internal email communications, which allegedly misrepresented its links to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Capacity Building Commission (CBC). In contrast, similar access was reportedly denied to a senior government officer.

The petition further argued that this arrangement breached multiple provisions of the Patents Act, 1970, and the Trade Marks Act, 1999. It contended that CGPDTM, being a subordinate office, had no authority to enter into such arrangements without explicit clearance from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Additionally, AIPOWA criticized the process through which Kaizen was engaged, stating that no competitive bidding took place, violating public procurement rules and principles of transparency and accountability. The petition also highlighted an MoU signed among CGPDTM, the CBC, and the Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS), pointing to a clause that indicated CBC’s role in coordinating with Kaizen for process improvements at CGPDTM.

The petition had urged the Court to nullify the MoU, initiate a CBI investigation, and hold those responsible accountable under Indian laws and international agreements, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty and Madrid Protocol.

Senior Advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul appeared on behalf of AIPOWA. While the Supreme Court declined to intervene directly, it left the door open for the matter to be taken up by a High Court.

Flux Power Holdings Secures Patent for Groundbreaking AI-Powered Battery Cycle Life Maximization Algorithm

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Flux Power Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLUX), a pioneering developer of advanced lithium-ion energy storage solutions, today announced that it has been granted a patent for its innovative Intelligent Battery Cycle Life Maximization Algorithm. This proprietary AI-driven technology is designed to optimize the performance and longevity of its battery systems by leveraging machine learning to adapt to real-world usage. With this breakthrough, Flux Power is positioning itself as a leader not only in energy storage but also in the development of software-driven electrification solutions for commercial and industrial sectors.

A Leap Forward in Battery Management
Flux Power’s latest patent reflects a major step forward in the evolution of battery management technologies. The Intelligent Battery Cycle Life Maximization Algorithm uses machine learning to continuously monitor and adjust the charging behavior of lithium-ion battery packs based on real-time usage data. By dynamically optimizing the maximum charge value for each battery pack depending on its actual field usage, the algorithm extends the cycle life of the batteries, improving both efficiency and operational performance.

Paulus Geantil, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Flux Power, explained the significance of the development:
“This algorithm uses real-time machine learning to tune battery cycling behavior based on actual usage patterns in the field, significantly extending system life and efficiency,” he said. “We’ve moved beyond conventional battery management systems. This algorithm not only optimizes the performance of each battery pack but learns and evolves with its application over time to deliver superior and sustainable performance.”

The new algorithm is a pivotal component of Flux Power’s broader strategy to evolve from being a battery manufacturer to a technology-driven energy solutions provider. This move aligns with the company’s goal of building smart, connected, and autonomous energy ecosystems that extend far beyond the simple manufacture of energy storage hardware.

Shaping the Future of Energy with AI
As the demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions grows, Flux Power is looking to meet this demand by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into its core products. The company’s CEO, Krishna Vanka, highlighted the shift towards AI-driven solutions, emphasizing the added value customers will gain from the new technology:

As the electrification of commercial and industrial equipment continues to accelerate, Flux Power is well-poised to capitalize on the shift towards battery-powered solutions that provide longer life cycles, improved operational efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. With the addition of this cutting-edge AI technology, Flux Power is positioning itself as a key player in the energy transformation landscape.

About Flux Power Holdings, Inc.
Flux Power Holdings, Inc. These sectors include material handling, airport ground support equipment (GSE), and stationary energy storage. Flux Power’s products provide a high-performance, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to traditional energy solutions, such as lead-acid and propane-based systems. By focusing on battery management systems (BMS), telemetry, and AI-driven innovations, Flux Power continues to expand its footprint in the energy storage industry.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that involve estimates, assumptions, risks, and other uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements are not guarantees of future results, and actual results could vary based on a range of factors including market conditions, customer acceptance, product development, and other business risks. Investors are encouraged to review the risk factors outlined in Flux Power’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for further details.