SAN DIEGO, Dec. 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biocept, Inc. (Nasdaq:BIOC), a molecular oncology diagnostics company specializing in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) biomarker analysis, today announced that it has been granted a patent in South Korea for its fluidic microfluidic channel. The patent, Detection or Isolation of Target Molecules Using a Microchannel Apparatus, is the subject of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-7003339.
The granted patent covers manufacture and use of Biocept's proprietary microfluidic channel to capture rare cells, including CTCs shed into the blood from solid tumors, and a wide array of other biologically significant molecules. Using a blood-based, liquid biopsy, Biocept uses a simple blood draw instead of painful and expensive solid tumor needle biopsies to test for biomarkers associated with cancer and to aid in treatment decisions. Biocept has previously announced patents awarded to the Company for its core microfluidic channel technology in the U.S., the EU and China.
Lyle Arnold, Ph.D., Biocept Chief Scientific Officer, said, "The granting of this patent expands Biocept's international reach in the protection of its microfluidic channel for capturing and gathering treatment information from CTCs. The patent potentially enables Biocept to bring the power of the liquid biopsy to a new international market, thereby enabling Korean physicians to obtain valuable biomarker information to help optimize treatment outcomes."
Michael Nall, President and Chief Executive Officer said, "We are pleased to see continued success in the issuance of patents both in the U.S. and globally. This latest patent in South Korea adds to our already robust intellectual property portfolio and positions us well for international expansion, through licensing and partnership opportunities, as we continue to demonstrate a strong IP position worldwide."
About Biocept, Inc.
Biocept, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is a commercial stage oncology diagnostics company focused on providing information on patients' tumors to physicians using its proprietary technology platform to help improve individual patient treatment. Biocept has developed proprietary technology platforms for capture and analysis of circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA utilizing a standard blood sample to provide physicians with important prognostic and predictive information to enhance individual treatment of their patients with cancer. Biocept currently offers its OncoCEE-BRTM test for breast cancer and OncoCEE-LUTM for lung cancer and plans to introduce additional biomarker tests for breast, lung, colorectal, prostate and other solid tumors based on its proprietary technology platforms.
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