STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 19, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- NeuroNova, a privately held biopharmaceutical company, announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued and assigned to NeuroNova U.S. Patent Number 6,541,247 entitled "Method of isolating ependymal neural stem cells."
"It is the first time the USPTO has granted a patent that covers a specific stem cell type in the adult brain. The patent protects some of the Company's proprietary adult neural stem cell technology and in the world's largest pharmaceutical market. Corresponding patents are pending in all major jurisdictions worldwide," said Dr. Anders Haegerstrand, CEO and President of NeuroNova.
Patent No. 6,541,247 covers a method for isolating ependymal stem cells from adult brains. The patent is based on seminal work by Jonas Frisen and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1999, Dr. Frisen, a co-founder of NeuroNova, reported in the prestigious scientific journal Cell the discovery of neural stem cells in the ependymal layer lining the fluid filled cavities of the adult brain. Daughter cells of ependymal cells develop into all the cell types of the brain. Because of their clear therapeutic potential, adult neural stem cells are NeuroNova's key focus both as targets for novel drugs that trigger neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons from stem cells) as well as cells for transplantation.
About NeuroNova
NeuroNova is pioneering the development of therapies based on neurogenesis to treat a variety of disorders of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke. The company's long-term vision is to translate its validated neurogenesis discoveries into new therapies that will enhance the quality of life of millions of people with as yet incurable disorders. NeuroNova has established research and development laboratories for a range of commercial programs aimed at capturing the regenerative potential of adult neural stem cells. The company has developed a significant technological expertise in neurogenesis and is well recognized as one of the world leading companies in this field.
For more information, please contact: Anders Haegerstrand, CEO and President, NeuroNova AB www.neuronova.com Tel: +46-8-786900, +46-70-5755037