pSiMedica receives nod from US Patent Office

pSiMedica, the UK-based subsidiary of Perth nanotechnology company pSivida, has received a notice of allowance from the US Patent Office for "smart" drug delivery technology.

The main claims of the patent include a method for implanting an electronic device containing bioactive silicon, and a method of delivering a drug by placing the drug on or in a bioactive silicon structure. A potential application for the technology would be an implantable sensor device that could electronically control the release of a drug.

CEO Gavin Rezos said that while the company had focused on the slow-release properties of BioSilicon, they were aware it retained semi-conducting properties.

"This new patent will draw further attention in the US to the versatility of the BioSilicon technology platform and in particular to large value adding electronics and chip companies looking to develop 'smart' devices with potential applications in controlled drug delivery and diagnostics," he said.

Rezos noted that while pSiMedica and QinetiQ, pSivida's joint venture partner in the UK company, had the expertise to develop the 'smart' device applications, they would concentrate on the slow release applications.

Instead, the company will license the technology out to appropriate partners to develop. The company is currently in discussion with potential partners in the electronics and chip industry to develop the 'smart' devices, and collaboration with a major player in the sector is expected to result.

"It's also significant for pSivida, as we want to bring the diagnostic platform into Australia -- this patent will have applications here too," he said.