Why the Anatara (ASX:ANR) share price is rocketing 19% today

The Anatara Lifesciences Ltd (ASX: ANR) share price is one of the best performers on the ASX today. This comes after the company announced it has secured an Australian patent for its animal health product, Detach and provided an update on its piglet challenge study.

At the time of writing, the life sciences company’s shares are swapping hands for 21.5 cents, up 19.4%.

New patent grant

Anatara shares are pushing higher after investors appear pleased with the company’s latest progress.

According to its release, Anatara advised it has been granted a patent to add to its portfolio. Approved by IP Australia, the patent will seek to protect Anatara’s intellectual property, and provide a pathway for future commercialisation.

The new patent is titled, ‘Anti-diarrhea formulation which avoids antimicrobial resistance’ (patent number AU2019204496).

Anatara stated that its product, Detach uses the patent as a non-antibiotic solution to assist in controlling diarrheal disease. The patent covers using bromelain, an extract from pineapple stems, as a way to treat and prevent diarrhea caused by pathogenic microbes. However, the company noted that the new formulation does not kill pathogenic microbes.

The AU2019204496 patent is wholly-owned by Anatara, and is set to expire on 24 August 2038.

Anatara CEO, Steven Lydeamore commented:

The granting of the patent secures our intellectual property position and is a significant milestone towards commercialising our Detach animal health product. Scour in piglets is an expensive, debilitating and in some cases, life-threatening condition, and having a product that is registered for use in Australia, we are well placed to leverage our patent as we work towards a commercial deal.

Piglet challenge study commences

In further news boosting Anatara shares, the company revealed that its BONIFF-SMEC (bromelain-based formulation) (semi-moist extruded creep) study has begun. The project aims to test the formulated feed additive on piglets under an enterotoxigenic E. coli model. Anatara will closely evaluate the efficacy of the modified additive on piglet health, welfare, and performance after weaning.

The study is being conducted in partnership with Ridley Corporation, and is expected to be completed in June 2021.

Lydeamore commented:

Having focused our efforts on research and development over a number of years, we have developed a strong animal health pipeline and I look forward to providing the market with an update on the commercial significance of both the pig and poultry challenge trials in the coming months.

Anatara share price review

Over the past 12 months, the Anatara share price has gained over 20%, with year-to-date jumping 26%. The company’s shares reached a 52-week high of 28 cents during the middle of last year, before treading lower.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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