The EPO published application EP4262851A1, a patent covering structure-based design of long-acting cocaine hydrolase mutants for therapeutic use in treating cocaine addiction and organophosphorus poisoning. The application designates all EU member states plus other European countries. The technology involves engineered enzymes with enhanced stability and extended biological half-life compared to native cocaine hydrolase.

This publication does not create compliance obligations. Organizations developing similar cocaine-metabolizing enzyme therapeutics or researching enzyme-based addiction treatments should review the claims to assess potential freedom-to-operate implications. The publication establishes a priority date for the applicants; no third-party actions are required at this stage.