Norwood Immunology patent granted for Russia

Norwood Immunology, a subsidiary of Norwood Abbey (ASX:NAL) has been granted a additional patent relating to its immunology technology for a number of Eurasian territories, including Russia.

This third patent family, already granted in Australia in May, is for the treatment of T cell disorders. The main claims relate to the use of compounds such as GnRH analogues in the treatment of cancer, infectious disease, immune dysfunction and induction of transplant tolerance.

In particular, the claims include the use of such compounds in the context of Bone Marrow (BM) or Haemopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) Transplants. The use of GnRH analogues with BM or HSC transplant is an important aspect of Norwood's immunology program and has wide-ranging applications. For example, the patent includes claims directed towards enhancing the immune response to combat infections such as AIDS-HIV by the use of genetically modifying HSC made resistant to HIV infection.

Norwood's immunology technology is based on the use of marketed GnRH analogue drugs to regenerate the thymus glad and enhance bone marrow function. This re-boots the body's immune system so it can produce new T cells, enabling patients to better respond to disease. GnRH analogue drugs including Lupron Depot marketed by TAP Pharmaceutical Products, Norwood's US partner in the Immunology project.

Norwood is also currently finalising preparations for the enrolment for its first patients in its trials for autologous (self derived) bone marrow transplant (BMT) trial (LETR-02) and the immune function study (LIMS). The LETR-02 study was granted FDA approval in early 2005 and has now received its first Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals. The LIMS study is currently being reviewed by the IRB and will determine the effect of Lupron on the immune system recovery in prostate cancer patients who require androgen deprivation therapy.