- Secures long‑ term ownership and protection of Link_TSG6, strengthening its global IP position in key markets
- De‑ risks development and enhances long‑ term value, supporting advancement towards clinical development
London, UK – 6 May 2026 – Link Biologics (“Link” or “the Company”), the biotech company developing first-in-class TSG-6-based therapies that have a unique combination of anti-inflammatory, tissue-protective and tissue-reparative properties, today announces the successful assignment of intellectual property (IP) from the University of Manchester alongside a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) covering Link_TSG6 for the treatment of Dry Eye Disease (DED).
Together, these significantly strengthen the Company’s global IP estate around Link_TSG6, for the treatment of DED, supporting long-term value creation.
Link_TSG6 is a protein biologic that modulates multiple aspects of disease by harnessing the protective biology of the TSG-6 protein. The Company’s lead programme is in DED, which has progressed through key manufacturing, formulation and regulatory milestones, including GMP production at clinical scale, generation of PK and BD data across multiple species, and completion of 4-week GLP toxicology in two species. The programme is planned to advance into a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in the first half of 2027, which has been validated by the FDA as Phase 3-enabling.
Reuben Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer of Link Biologics, commented: “Securing this IP protection underpins the long-term value and development pathway of Link_TSG6, for the treatment of Dry Eye Disease. With clear ownership and protection in major markets, including Europe, Japan, and now the US, we are well positioned to advance our lead asset towards clinical development and move closer to bringing a novel treatment to patients underserved by current standards of care. ”
Full assignment University of Manchester IP
Under the terms of the agreement, Link Biologics has acquired full ownership of key patent rights for Link_TSG6 in the treatment of DED originally developed at the University of Manchester. This marks an important milestone in the Company’s evolution from university spin-out to independent biotech.
US patent Notice of Allowance
In parallel, the USPTO has issued a Notice of Allowance for a patent covering Link_TSG6, which, once granted, is expected to provide patent protection in the United States until at least 2039. This patent further reinforces Link’s growing patent portfolio for Link_TSG6 and complements existing patents granted in Europe and Japan.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Optimum Strategic Communications
Nick Bastin, Eleanor Cooper, Henry Williams
Tel: +44 20 4604 4016
Email: link@optimumcomms.com
About Link Biologics
Link Biologics is pioneering the development of protein biologics that harness the protective biology of tumour necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) and set new standards of care via multi-pathway modulation of inflammation, tissue protection and repair. With broad potential across inflammatory and degenerative conditions, the Company’s lead programmes focus on Dry Eye Disease (DED) and Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD); together these represent multi-billion-dollar global markets with significant unmet needs. Its lead asset, Link_TSG6, for the treatment of DED, is expected to reach the clinic in 2027 with a clear path to key, value-creating, milestones.
Led by a world-class team with decades of academic and commercial experience in TSG-6 biology and drug development, Link Biologics combines deep scientific and pharma leadership with a collaborative, outcome-driven culture, positioning the Company to deliver game-changing therapies.
Harnessing TSG-6 Biology
The TSG-6 protein has an endogenous role to protect tissues from inflammatory damage and promote repair. Link Biologics’ TSG-6-based therapies have enhanced activities compared to the native protein. Unlike conventional therapies that block single pathways, these biologics modulate multiple aspects of disease by combining anti-inflammatory, tissue-protective and tissue-reparative properties. Moreover, they do not act as a simple on/off switch but rather as a biological rheostat, fine-tuning intrinsic pathways to promote tissue repair and regulate inflammation.
