Island Pharmaceuticals secures Singapore patent covering ISLA-101 for Dengue and Chikungunya
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore has granted a patent protecting the use of ISLA-101 for the treatment of flavivirus, including Dengue, and Chikungunya virus infections.
The patent, entitled “Method of Viral Inhibition” (Singapore Patent No. 10202011533P), extends protection beyond Dengue to now include Chikungunya. It remains in force until 16 April 2034.
The patent is owned by Monash University and forms part of Island’s exclusively licensed intellectual property portfolio supporting the development and commercialisation of ISLA-101.
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What the patent covers and why it matters
The patent includes claims directed to the use of ISLA-101 “in the absence of another antiviral agent”, protecting the drug as a standalone antiviral therapy. This framing strengthens the Company’s exclusivity around ISLA-101 as a treatment in its own right.
The grant broadens Island’s IP protection to a second mosquito-borne indication. Both Dengue and Chikungunya are mosquito-borne viral diseases with significant global health impact and no widely available antiviral treatment.
| Patent Detail | Specification | Investment Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Singapore (key Asia-Pacific market) | Exposure to an endemic disease region |
| Indications covered | Flavivirus (incl. Dengue) + Chikungunya | Broadened market scope |
| Protection type | Standalone antiviral use | Strengthens exclusivity |
| Expiry | 16 April 2034 | Long-term commercial runway |
| Patent owner | Monash University (exclusively licensed to Island) | Island holds the rights, not ownership |
Why Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region matter
Singapore represents a strategically important jurisdiction within the Asia-Pacific region, where Dengue and other mosquito-borne viral diseases continue to present a significant public health burden. The endemic nature of these diseases makes the market particularly relevant for an antiviral candidate like ISLA-101.
Protection in this market complements Island’s broader intellectual property strategy to secure commercial exclusivity across key territories with high disease prevalence and commercial relevance.
For investors, securing IP protection in high-burden markets can underpin future partnering and commercialisation value as the program advances.
Understanding ISLA-101 and the antiviral opportunity
ISLA-101 is an antiviral with a well-established safety profile, being repurposed for the prevention and treatment of Dengue fever and other mosquito (or vector) borne diseases. Repurposing an existing molecule can shorten development timelines by drawing on prior safety data.
PROTECT study data presented at the 9th Asia Dengue Summit in Singapore showed that all three subjects in the prophylaxis and treatment group avoided fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting, with earlier ISLA-101 administration producing statistically greater viral suppression.
Chikungunya, the newly covered indication, is a mosquito-borne viral disease with significant global health impact and no widely available antiviral treatment. Its inclusion widens the range of conditions ISLA-101 could potentially address.
Patents matter for a clinical-stage drug developer because they create a window of commercial exclusivity. A protected asset is more attractive to potential partners and supports long-term value as the drug moves through development.
Island is executing a dual development strategy across two assets. Alongside ISLA-101, the Company holds Galidesivir, a clinical-stage antiviral molecule with a broad spectrum of activity across more than 20 RNA viruses, including high-priority threats such as Ebola, Marburg, MERS, Zika and Yellow fever.
What this means for Island’s investment case
The patent grant reinforces Island’s intellectual property estate, enhancing the Company’s long-term commercial position as ISLA-101 advances through clinical development. Strengthened exclusivity is intended to support future partnering and commercial opportunities across Asia.
CEO Commentary
“The grant of this Singapore patent further strengthens the IP supporting ISLA-101 and expands protection in a strategically important region where Dengue and other flavivirus infections remain a significant health challenge. As we continue advancing ISLA-101 through clinical development, maintaining and expanding our patent portfolio remains an important component of our strategy to maximise the long-term commercial value of the program. This patent further enhances the exclusivity surrounding ISLA-101 and supports future partnering and commercial opportunities across Asia,” said Dr David Foster, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
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The road ahead for ISLA-101
Island continues to advance ISLA-101 through clinical development while actively building and protecting its intellectual property portfolio as a core component of its strategy.
The Company’s stated strategic priorities include:
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Advancing ISLA-101 through clinical development
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Expanding patent protection across key high-prevalence territories
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Pursuing partnering and commercialisation opportunities across Asia-Pacific
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Maximising long-term value across multiple viral disease indications
No specific new clinical timelines or financial figures were disclosed in this announcement. The grant reflects an addition to Island’s existing IP portfolio rather than a first patent, broadening coverage as the Company works to maximise the long-term commercial value of the program.
For investors exploring how Island is funding its dual-asset strategy, our detailed coverage of the $9M Galidesivir funding round explains how the placement, combined with existing cash reserves, positions the company to reach NDA submission for Marburg without further dilutive raises.
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