Protein Polymer Issued Two More Key U.S. Patents
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 15, 1996 -- Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc.(Nasdaq: PPTI), today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has
issued to the Company two additional pioneering patents encompassing its
protein polymer biomaterials technology. PPTI currently has four issued U.S.
patents, two about to be issued, and thirteen additional patent applications
pending. Corresponding patent applications have been filed in major
international markets.
Patent No. 5,496,712 "High Molecular Weight Collagen-Like Protein
Polymers" describes the recombinant production of synthetic high molecular
weight collagen-like polymers that incorporate into the molecular structure
new synthetic properties while retaining selected natural "collagen"
properties. In nature, collagen makes up more than 80 percent of the body's
connective tissue. Collagen extracted from animals (primarily from cow hides)
has been widely used for such medical purposes as an hemostatic agent and for
a variety of tissue augmentation procedures. Medical researchers have long
sought an effective substitute for animal-derived collagen due to mechanical
limitations and its potential to cause immunological reactions. PPTI's
collagen-like materials have the potential to avoid immunological problems and
to provide significantly better mechanical and formulation properties.
Patent No. 5,514,581 "Functional Recombinantly Prepared Synthetic Protein
Polymers" describes structural protein polymer backbones containing multiple
functional peptide sequences, such as cell growth promoters and attachment
sites for mammalian cells. PPTI's ProNectin(R)F -- a protein polymer with a
crystalline, silk-like backbone containing multiple cell attachment sites from
human fibronectin -- is incorporated in this patent as an example and a new
composition of matter. It is sold commercially for biomedical research
requiring the growth of mammalian cells outside the body.
"These patents demonstrate the exceptional depth and breadth of our
protein polymer technology and reinforce our pioneering position in the field
of biomaterials," said J. Thomas Parmeter, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. "We continue to protect our
technology through a patent strategy that involves a layered approach
covering, respectively, protein and DNA compositions, polymer design and
recombinant DNA methodology, and applications and products. We believe that
this approach has resulted in an exceptionally strong proprietary position
that will protect the Company's commercial interests in both the short and
long term."
Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. is a development stage biomaterials
company focused on tissue repair and drug delivery. PPTI's genetically
engineered, protein-based biomaterials can be designed specifically for use as
biocompatible implants directing the activities of mammalian cells. Products
being developed include tissue adhesives and sealants, wound healing matrices,
surgical adhesion barriers, and drug delivery devices. PPTI also markets a
line of protein polymer-activated cell culture products under the trade names
of ProNectin(R) and SmartPlastic(R).
For more information on these and other issued patents, visit PPTI's online Patents page. |