LAG-3 antagonists by cancer treatment: a patent review

Introduction: LAG-3 is checkpoint inhibitor in cancer that coordinates the downregulation of the proliferation of antigen-specific lymphocytes. There is a great need to discover and develop new therapies focused on inhibiting the action of LAG-3 and consequently improving the immune response in the various types of cancer. Areas covered: The patent literature reveals novel therapies, which provide information on cancer therapies. The authors used the patent databases of the six main patent offices of the world: United States Patent and Trademark Office, European Patent Office, World Intellectual Property Organization, Japan Patent Office, State Intellectual Property Office of China and Korean Intellectual Property Office, to generate a detailed landscape of patents and patent applications of active companies related to LAG-3 inhibitors. Specific patents have been grouped into innovative patents and adopting patents. Expert opinion: There is a continuing development of LAG-3 inhibitors, and these inhibitors are being used in combination with other cancer treatment schemes, for example, antibodies against PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. Immutep and IO Therapeutics were the leaders in generating innovator patents, followed by Gustave Roussy Institute, and Applied Research Systems ARS. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was the leader in the generation of adopter patents, followed by Novartis.