Immutep (ASX:IMM) share price backtracks despite patent approval

The announcement of a new European patent was not sufficient to keep the biotech in the green today.

| More on:
woman carrying out an experiment with a pipette and petri dish

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Immutep Ltd (ASX: IMM) share price slipped today, despite the biotechnology company announcing it has secured another European patent.

At market close, the Immutep share price finished the day 0.71%lower at 69.5 cents.

Immutep further patent protection

Investors appear unfazed by the company's latest update, sending the Immutep share price lower on Wednesday.

According to its release, Immutep has been granted its second European patent for eftilagimod alpha (efti or IMP321).

Efti is Immutep's lead immunotherapy candidate, and plays a vital role in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Now approved by the European Patent Office, securing this latest patent further builds on the company's intellectual property portfolio.

Immutep received approval of the European parent patent back in November 2018. Corresponding patents for the United States followed in December 2020 and March 2021.

Immutep CEO Marc Voigt commented on the positive outcome, saying:

Again, this new divisional patent in Europe is very important as it specifically covers the combination of active ingredients being evaluated in many of our clinical trials, including those being reported at the upcoming ASCO 2021 Annual Meeting.

It also highlights the critical investments we are making to protect efti which underpin further clinical development and commercialisation of this asset. Building a robust patent estate is a priority for our business and a key part of the process of bringing innovative medicines to the market to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The patent announced today will be active until 8 January 2036.

About the Immutep share price

It has been a strong 12 months for Immutep investors, with the company's share price jumping by more than 280%. Year-to-date performance has also been pleasing, with shareholders recording gains of around 67%.

Based on today's share price, Immutep has a market capitalisation of roughly $484 million, ranking 438 on the ASX. The company currently has a touch over 648 million shares on its registry.

Should you invest $1,000 in Brainchip Holdings Limited right now?

Before you buy Brainchip Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Brainchip Holdings Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

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.

More on Healthcare Shares

Two doctors wearing white coats look closely at a medical imaging x-ray as the share prices of ASX 200 healthcare shares improve in FY23
Healthcare Shares

Pro Medicus shares climb 33% in less than a month, have I missed the dip?

Pro Medicus shares have soared. Is it the right time to invest?

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX All Ords share just rocketed 19% on BIG news

Investors are sending this ASX All Ords share flying on Monday. But why?

Read more »

A young male ASX investor raises his clenched fists in excitement because of rising ASX share prices today
Healthcare Shares

Why is this ASX All Ords stock surging 14% today?

This stock is starting the week strongly. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face. as he raises his hands up to his face in response to the high fluctuations in the Galileo share price today
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX All Ords stock is rocketing 58% on big US news

What is getting investors excited today? Let's find out.

Read more »

Cropped shot of an attractive young female scientist working on her computer in the laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

3 reasons to buy this quality ASX 200 healthcare share today

A leading expert expects this outperforming ASX 200 healthcare share will keep running hot.

Read more »

A woman reclines in a comfortable chair while she donates blood holding a pumping toy in one hand and giving the thumbs up in the other as she is attached to a medical machine to collect her blood donation.
Healthcare Shares

Brokers tip 4 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy now

Healthcare is a defensive sector that can provide useful cover for investors when the market is volatile.

Read more »

Shot of a scientist using a computer while conducting research in a laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

How Trump's tariffs have created 'upside potential' for CSL shares

A leading expert says CSL shares are now looking ‘cheap’.

Read more »

Shot of a young scientist looking stressed out while working on a computer in a lab.
Healthcare Shares

Telix shares crash 8% on US FDA blow

This high-flying stock has been hit with some bad news.

Read more »