Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) received U.S. Patent No. 12,582,632 B2 covering the prevention and treatment of neurological injuries caused by brain infections through administration of its investigational drug buntanetap.

The patent covers use of buntanetap and related compounds across infectious agents that may cause neurological injury, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and parasitic infections. Research has linked various pathogens to Alzheimer's disease development, including herpes simplex virus, HIV, COVID-19, Lyme disease bacteria, and periodontal disease bacteria.

The patent includes claims for preventive use in healthy individuals at risk of exposure and for treatment of neurological damage in those already affected by these infections. Patent protection extends through 2044.

Buntanetap works by reducing overproduction of neurotoxic proteins, including amyloid-beta and tau, at the translational level. According to current scientific understanding, brain infections may trigger overproduction of these proteins as a defense mechanism, potentially leading to neurodegeneration over time.

"This patent is an important addition to our growing intellectual property estate, and it underscores our commitment to protecting buntanetap's potential across every avenue where it may benefit patients," said Maria Maccecchini, President and CEO of Annovis.

The Malvern, Pennsylvania-based company is in Phase 3 clinical trials developing buntanetap as an oral therapy for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The drug inhibits translation of multiple neurotoxic proteins through an RNA-targeting mechanism.