Epitan files patent, Norwood Abbey granted patent

Melbourne-based Epitan (ASX:APT, ADR:EPTNY, XETRA:UR9) has filed for a full international patent to protect the commercial use of the topical formulation of its melanin producing drug EPT1647 (formerly Melanotan).

The topical formulation of EPT1647 is currently being clinically trialled in London. Preclinical studies have shown that the transdermal delivery technology, patented and developed by Florida-based Transdermal Technologies, can deliver EPT1647 through the skin and into the systemic circulation.

The full international patent for EPT1647 in topical formulation has been filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty through the Australian Patent Office. If granted, the patent will strengthen Epitan's intellectual property base for EPT1647 and will enhance the full international patent for Epitan's sustained-release delivery discovery, which was filed in February 2005.

Norwood Abbey patent granted in China

Medical technology company Norwood Abbey (ASX: NAL) has been granted a Chinese patent entitled "Laser assisted topical anesthetic composition".

The patent contains 12 claims relating to a medical device that consists of a laser and an associated delivery module, where the laser induces a small area of skin alteration or ablation and the delivery module makes drug available to the site.

The patent was granted to Transmedica International, a US company that Norwood bought in 2000.

Patents have previously been granted for this family in USA, Australia, China and Russia and applications filed in Europe, Japan, Israel and Mexico.