
Publication of patent application for Phal-501
The European Patent Office (EPO) has now published PharmaLundensis’ patent application that protects Phal-501 and similar heavy metal binding compounds. As can be seen from the application text, the application is broad, covering a large number of possible substances, which provides flexibility for PharmaLundensis while making it difficult for potential competitors.
Phal-501 consists of a mercury binding ring with five sulfur atoms and a linker that attaches the ring to a small plastic bead (approx. 0.1 mm in diameter). We have attached thousands of sulfur-containing rings on each plastic bead, which provide a very effective and strong binding of the mercury. The plastic beads are so large that they just pass straight through the gut without being absorbed into the bloodstream.
On the Phal-501, the sulfur ring is attached to a plastic bead made of Hypogel, which is a plastic that is highly hydrophilic (water soluble). Our tests have shown that hydrophilic carriers are more effective at binding water-soluble mercury compounds than hydrophobic (water-repellent) carriers. The most common organic mercury compounds are hydrophobic in their natural state. However, this changes when the liver tries to excrete them via the bile. The liver then adds a glutathione group, which makes the complex much more water-soluble. In this situation, a hydrophilic carrier (plastic bead) is therefore appropriate to effectively capture the mercury excreted from the liver into the bile.
In certain situations, binding organic mercury variants that do not have glutathione may also be desirable. Some organic Hg likely passes from the blood through the intestinal wall directly into the intestinal fluid without going through the liver. That certain heavy metals can pass straight through human tissue is clearly shown by an example where a chemist got a few drops of dimethylmercury on her glove, whereby the mercury passed right through both the glove and the skin, leading to her death. The example also shows the extreme toxicity of dimethylmercury! Our patent also protects a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic carriers.
In summary, we are delighted that the EPO intends to approve our patent, as we are confident that they will enable the treatment of a range of diseases, and generate considerable revenue!