Extended Patent Protection Raises Stakes for Island’s Galidesivir Antiviral Program

Long-Term Patent Protection Secured

Island Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX, ILA) has achieved a significant milestone with the US Patent and Trademark Office granting patent number 12,472,197. This patent covers the use of Galidesivir in treating SARS-CoV-2 infections, commonly known as Covid-19, and extends the company’s intellectual property protection in the United States through to July 2042.

The patent grant follows Island’s strategic acquisition of the Galidesivir program in July 2025, which brought with it a robust portfolio of issued patents and pending applications. This latest approval not only secures long-term exclusivity for Galidesivir’s Covid-19 application but also bolsters the company’s position in the competitive antiviral drug landscape.

Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Potential

Galidesivir is a clinical-stage antiviral molecule with demonstrated activity against more than 20 RNA viruses, including high-profile pathogens such as Ebola, Marburg, MERS, Zika, and Yellow fever. The new patent reinforces its versatility as a broad-acting antiviral, a key attribute as global health agencies seek treatments capable of addressing multiple viral threats.

Island’s CEO, Dr David Foster, highlighted the strategic value of the patent, noting that it complements ongoing efforts to advance Galidesivir’s regulatory pathway, particularly for its lead indication as a countermeasure against the Marburg virus. The recent confirmation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Galidesivir’s eligibility under the Animal Rule pathway further supports this development trajectory.

Strategic Implications and Next Steps

The patent extension provides Island Pharmaceuticals with a solid foundation to pursue commercialisation and regulatory approvals in the US market, a critical step given the ongoing global demand for effective antiviral therapies. While the announcement does not specify timelines for clinical trials or market launch, it signals confidence in Galidesivir’s potential to address urgent public health needs.

Island’s dual development strategy also includes ISLA-101, targeting mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, but Galidesivir remains the flagship asset with its broad-spectrum antiviral promise. Investors and industry watchers will be keen to monitor upcoming regulatory filings and clinical data releases to gauge the program’s momentum.