Pharma powerhouse Alto Neuroscience has secured a new US patent covering its investigational depression therapy ALTO-207, bolstering intellectual property protection for a drug aimed at patients with treatment-resistant depression and extending exclusivity into the mid-2040s.

 

The newly issued US Patent protects methods of treating depression using ALTO-207, a fixed-dose combination of pramipexole and ondansetron. The patent specifically covers the use of ondansetron to counter pramipexole-related side effects, enabling patients to tolerate higher doses required to achieve antidepressant benefit.

 

“This patent issuance meaningfully strengthens the foundation of our ALTO-207 franchise,” said Amit Etkin, founder and chief executive officer of Alto Neuroscience. 

 

“Robust and durable intellectual property is critical as we advance precision-based treatments for depression, and this milestone reflects both the novelty of ALTO-207 and our commitment to building long-term value for patients, clinicians, and shareholders. We believe the breadth and duration of our issued and pending claims position ALTO-207 as a potentially enduring asset in the treatment landscape for depression.”

 

Alto said the new patent complements previously issued patents and pending applications in the US and internationally, collectively providing protection for ALTO-207 into the mid-2040s and reinforcing the program’s long-term commercial potential.

 

ALTO-207 combines pramipexole, a dopamine D3-preferring D3/D2 agonist approved for Parkinson’s disease with demonstrated antidepressant effects, and ondansetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist commonly used as an antiemetic. The fixed-dose formulation is designed to allow rapid titration and higher dosing by reducing dose-limiting adverse events associated with pramipexole.

 

The company said the patent issuance underscores its broader strategy of building a pipeline of precision-driven neuroscience assets supported by strong and durable intellectual property protection.