Novogen scores new US patent

Biopharma Novogen has been granted a US patent for isoflavone treatment for fibroids and endometriosis specific to women.

The patent, aimed at specifically at therapeutics for estrogen-dependent disorders, covers Novogen's work on the discovery that natural red clover estrogens (isoflavones) can antagonise the ability estrogen to fuel the growth of abnormal reproductive organ tissues.

The patent applies to the isoflavones genistein, daidzein, formononetin and biochanin, all of which are contained in Novogen's red clover isoflavone supplements.

Novogen research director, Prof Alan Husband, said that isoflavones have been found to provide a both a surrogate estrogen and estrogen reducing effect, reducing the likelihood of abnormal tissue growth in both young women and menopausal women.

"Part of Novogen's discovery is that the isoflavones found in red clover compete weakly for estrogen receptors and in the absence of endogenous hormone estrogen, as occurs in women after menopause, can stimulate these receptors to provide a surrogate estrogen effect," he said.

In younger age groups, fibroids symptoms affect 25 per cent of women, and occur as a result of excessive stimulation of the reproductive organs by endogenous estrogen. This causes benign outgrowth of ovarian tissue which can result in abdominal swelling and pain. Current treatments usually involve surgery.

"In younger women, when most of the receptors are being stimulated by their own estrogen, the plant estrogens compete for the binding sites. But when they stimulate the receptors they produce only a weak estrogenic signal, thus dampening the overall estrogenic stimulus," noted Husband.

Novogen managing director, Christopher Naughton, said the patent would create new commercial opportunities by extending the company's product range into the younger woman's market.