Using red algae to fight the flu

Founded in 2006, Marinomed is an Austrian biopharmaceutical spin-off from the University of Vienna. The company’s main technology platform is based on the natural polymer Carragelose, which is isolated from red algae and is active against respiratory viruses. As a drug discovery company, Marinomed is heavily dependent on patent protection. It has three main patents, which have been validated in almost 100 countries, and a trade mark registered in around 50 countries. The company actively manages its patent portfolio and grants licences for its technology. Marinomed has experienced infringement of its patents, but was able to resolve the cases without going to court.