Merck has patented genetic markers on chromosome 6 linked to improved responses to treatments targeting Clostridium difficile toxin B. The patent includes methods for identifying suitable patients for TcdB antibody therapy and outlines the use of bezlotoxumab to prevent infection recurrence in genetically predisposed individuals. GlobalData’s report on Merck gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Merck, Human telomerase RT biomarker was a key innovation area identified from patents. Merck's grant share as of July 2024 was 56%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Genetic markers for clostridium difficile treatment response
The granted patent US12071666B2 outlines methods for preventing the recurrence of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections through the administration of bezlotoxumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting C. difficile toxin B (TcdB). The methods are specifically designed for patients who have tested positive for certain genetic markers, referred to as better response alleles, which include specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and HLA alleles. The patent details a process for determining a patient's likelihood of responding to TcdB treatment by analyzing biological samples for the presence of these alleles. If a patient is found to possess these markers, they may be diagnosed as susceptible to treatment with bezlotoxumab, potentially in conjunction with antibiotics effective against C. difficile, such as vancomycin, metronidazole, or fidaxomicin.
Additionally, the patent includes claims for a diagnostic kit designed to test for the presence of these better response alleles. This kit can facilitate the identification of patients who are at high risk for recurrent C. difficile infections and may benefit from targeted TcdB treatment. The claims emphasize the importance of genetic testing in personalizing treatment strategies for C. difficile infections, thereby improving patient outcomes. The methods and kits described in the patent aim to enhance the efficacy of bezlotoxumab by ensuring it is administered to patients most likely to benefit from it, based on their genetic profile.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies
