Missouri Patent of the Month – April 2025
LPOXY Therapeutics, Inc. has unveiled a novel approach to combat Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections, a significant health concern responsible for over 30,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Their innovation, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12,274,726, titled “Enteric aerobization therapy,” introduces an oral treatment designed to alter gut oxygen levels, inhibiting the growth of harmful anaerobic bacteria.
Innovative Oxygen Delivery Mechanism
The patented therapy employs a capsule-within-a-capsule design, separating an oxygen-releasing agent from a catalyst until it reaches the intestines. This configuration ensures targeted oxygen release, creating an environment less conducive to C. difficile proliferation. By increasing oxygen levels in the gut, the therapy aims to prevent infections without relying on traditional antibiotics, which often disrupt beneficial gut flora.
Advancing Through Clinical Trials
Having completed Phase 1 trials demonstrating safety and tolerability, LPOXY is preparing for Phase 2 studies focusing on high-risk patients, such as the elderly undergoing antibiotic treatments. The company plans to utilize the FDA’s Limited Population Pathway for Antibacterial and Antifungal Development (LPAD) to expedite the approval process for this targeted therapy. Additionally, LPOXY seeks the Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation, which could extend market exclusivity and facilitate faster regulatory review.
Potential Impact on Public Health
By introducing a method that prevents C. difficile infections through environmental modification rather than antibiotic intervention, LPOXY’s approach could significantly reduce infection rates and associated healthcare costs. This strategy not only addresses a pressing medical need but also contributes to the broader effort of combating antibiotic resistance.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
