PharmAla Biotech Holdings Inc. announced that it has received approval to move its PharmAla-1 (P1) molecule through the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Prosecution Highway pathway based on the positive Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) initial office action previously announced by PharmAla. The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) speeds up the examination process for corresponding applications filed in participating intellectual property offices. Under PPH, participating patent offices have agreed that when an applicant receives a ruling from a first patent office indicating that at least one claim is allowable, the applicant may request fast track examination of corresponding claims. PharmAla-1 was first discovered through computational in-silico modelling exercises via PharmAla Biotech?s partnership with the University of Windsor, for which PharmAla has also received a grant from the Ontario Centres for Innovation.

Proof-of-concept testing for P-1 showed significant efficacy and pro-social effect at dosage levels far lower than MDMA, PharmAla?s primary comparator molecule, as well as excellent safety pharmacology. P-1 is not considered a controlled substance anywhere in the world.