The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted a gold standard patent for Alterity Therapeutics’ (ASX: ATH) lead clinical asset ATH434 to treat the underlying pathology of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple system atrophy (MSA), Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. The patent provides commercially significant composition of matter protection for a crystalline structure of the mesylate salt form of ATH434, as well as protection for methods for treating neurological conditions using it. Composition of matter claims are widely recognised as one of the strongest forms of pharmaceutical patent protection. It also enables future development opportunities in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases where iron dysregulation and protein aggregation are implicated. Alterity chief executive officer Dr David Stamler said the new patent would extend the commercial life and revenue potential of ATH434.