Lantern Pharma (NASDAQ: LTRN) announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance for a patent application covering methods of selecting and treating patients with ovarian, primary liver, kidney, and thyroid cancers using its investigational therapy LP-184 (zirdafulven) based on a three-gene biomarker signature. The allowed claims cover the use of elevated expression of PTGR1, PTPN14, and ASPH to identify patients who may benefit from treatment with LP-184. This development underscores the company's commitment to precision oncology and the potential to improve patient outcomes by targeting therapies to those most likely to respond.
Lantern's RADR(R) artificial intelligence platform played a crucial role in identifying the biomarker signature used in the patent, supporting the development of a precision medicine approach for LP-184. The company reported a 45% disease control rate among patients treated at or above the effective therapeutic dose in its Phase 1a trial and plans to advance LP-184 into multiple Phase 1b/2 precision oncology studies during 2026 while continuing to expand its intellectual property portfolio. The patent allowance strengthens Lantern's position in the competitive oncology landscape and validates its AI-driven drug discovery and development methodology.
According to Lantern Pharma, the RADR(R) platform leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze vast datasets, identify novel biomarkers, and streamline the drug development process. By enabling the selection of patients with specific genetic signatures, the company aims to increase the probability of clinical success and deliver more effective treatments to patients with hard-to-treat cancers. The biomarker signature for LP-184 is a key component of this strategy, potentially allowing for more targeted and personalized treatment regimens.
The implications of this patent allowance extend beyond Lantern's pipeline. It highlights the growing importance of AI and biomarker-driven approaches in oncology, where traditional one-size-fits-all treatments often yield limited success. By securing intellectual property around a specific biomarker signature, Lantern not only protects its investment but also sets a precedent for how AI can be used to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets. This could encourage further innovation and investment in AI-powered drug discovery across the industry.
Lantern Pharma plans to use the patented methods to guide patient enrollment in upcoming clinical trials, potentially accelerating the development of LP-184 for multiple cancer indications. The company's pipeline includes other candidates such as LP-284 and LP-300, which are being evaluated in various settings, and its subsidiary Starlight Therapeutics is developing LP-184 for pediatric CNS cancers. Additionally, Lantern has commercialized its withZeta.ai platform, a multi-agentic AI co-scientist tool now available as a subscription service, representing a new revenue stream. The company operates an AI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, India, and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
For more details, the full press release is available at https://ibn.fm/LRGUo. Further information about Lantern Pharma can be found at their newsroom: https://ibn.fm/LTRN.
