Rexahn adds to cancer patent portfolio

[Metropolitanjury]

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Inc. has won its third patent for a cancer treatment in nine months.

The Rockville-based company said the Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent for RX-0183 and related compounds, small molecules that inhibit the proteins that signal cancer cells to grow. Based on the preclinical data, RX-0183 demonstrates potent anti-cancer activity for treating multiple cancers, Rexahn said.

Last month Rexahn announced its patent for RX-0047, a compound it says may inhibit cancer cell growth and radiation resistance. In November, it received patent protection for its lead cancer drug, Archexin.

Rexahn shares rose as much as 28 cents, or 17 percent, to $1.90 per share Monday.

Rexahn, which went public in 2005, also has research agreements with the National Institutes of Health and is working on a treatment for male sexual dysfunction.

By Ms.Bobby Aanand, Metropolitan Jury.