New patent filing secures composition of matter protection for AZD5904, a potent myeloperoxidase inhibitor in Conduit’s pipeline, unlocking up to 20 years of new IP runway and enabling enhanced formulation strategies to target a broad range of diseases.

NAPLES, Fla. and CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, May  08, 2025  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: CDT) ("Conduit Pharmaceuticals", "Conduit" or the “Company”) today announces the filing of a new composition of matter patent covering a novel solid form of AZD5904, a clinical-stage myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitor in the Company’s pipeline.

This novel solid form offers significantly enhanced solubility relative to previously studied forms of AZD5904. This improved solubility enables new formulations that were previously not feasible, better aligning the compound’s pharmacokinetics with targeted disease biology and patient needs. The filing represents a significant development for AZD5904, which previously had limited intellectual property coverage restricted to its use in idiopathic male infertility. This composition of matter patent now positions Conduit to potentially secure a new intellectual property runway for the asset of up to 20 years, enabling a renewed strategic focus on broader clinical development opportunities.

AZD5904, a highly potent and selective MPO inhibitor, was originally developed by AstraZeneca for multiple sclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In five Phase 1 clinical studies, the compound demonstrated robust target engagement with no major safety or tolerability concerns. Myeloperoxidase is a key oxidative enzyme implicated in a range of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions. In preclinical human models of idiopathic male infertility (IMI), AZD5904 demonstrated significant positive effects on sperm function, with improvements in both motility and penetration. Globally, 15% of couples are infertile, with male infertility contributing to 50% of cases. With a current lack of effective treatments available, AZD5904 could enable a new therapeutic option for this recognized medical unmet need.

“This new patent application represents a meaningful advance in the life cycle of AZD5904, with composition of matter protection now in place, we have the ability to fully unlock the therapeutic and commercial potential of this compound, including through novel formulation strategies that better suit the underlying disease mechanisms,” said Dr. Andrew Regan, Chief Executive Officer of Conduit Pharmaceuticals.

Conduit expects the improved solid form of AZD5904 to play a central role in its clinical development strategy, not only in male infertility, but in additional indications where oxidative stress and MPO-driven inflammation contribute to disease pathology.

About Conduit Pharmaceuticals

Conduit is a dynamic, multi-asset clinical stage, life science company delivering an efficient model for compound development. Conduit both acquires and funds the development of Phase 2-ready assets, building an integrated and advanced platform-driven approach powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and cybernetics, and seeking an exit through third-party license deals following successful clinical trials. Led by a highly experienced team of pharmaceutical executives including Dr. Andrew Regan and Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, this novel approach is a departure from the traditional pharma/biotech business model of taking assets through regulatory approval.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding Conduit's future results of operations and financial position, Conduit's business strategy, prospective product candidates, product approvals, research and development costs, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations, future results of current and anticipated studies and business endeavours with third parties, and future results of current and anticipated product candidates, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to; the inability to maintain the listing of Conduit's securities on Nasdaq; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination completed in September 2023, which may be affected by, among other things, competition; the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth economically and hire and retain key employees; the risks that Conduit's product candidates in development fail clinical trials or are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other applicable authorities on a timely basis or at all; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Conduit may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties to be identified in the proxy statement/prospectus (as amended and supplemented) relating to the business combination completed in September 2023, including those under "Risk Factors" therein, and in other filings made by Conduit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, Conduit operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond Conduit's control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and except as required by law, Conduit assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Conduit gives no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

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