Acurx Pharmaceuticals shares surge 11.63% premarket after USPTO grants new DNA Polymerase IIIC inhibitor patent.

Acurx Pharmaceuticals surged 11.63% in premarket trading after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted a new patent (US 12,534,470) covering DNA Polymerase IIIC inhibitors, expanding its intellectual property portfolio. The patent, which protects compositions, methods, and formulations, reinforces the company’s position in developing antibiotics targeting Gram-positive infections. The announcement highlighted the Phase 3-ready status of its lead candidate, ibezapolstat, for C. difficile treatment, and preclinical compounds with potential applications in severe infections like MRSA and anthrax. Strengthening IP protections and advancing clinical readiness likely bolstered investor confidence in the company’s long-term prospects and competitive differentiation in the antibiotic space.