Peptech awarded third patent for male dog contraceptive

Peptech Animal Health, a subsidiary of Peptech (ASX:PTD), has been granted an additional United States patent increasing the intellectual property protection of its peptide-based male dog contraceptive implant Suprelorin.

The product is now protected until 2020 by patents in the US, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, with additional patents pending in other countries.

The US Patent further protects the formulation of Suprelorin which was grated its core IP in 2002. The product received initial US patent in 1999 covering its unique slow-release mechanism that allows the active ingredient to be slowly released and to remain effective for at least six months.

The third patent family, already granted in Australia and South Africa, protects Peptech from competitors circumventing the existing formulation by replacing certain elements. The patent also extends to the active agents that can be incorporate in the system.

The six-month version of Suprelorin was launched on the Australian market in December 2004. Final registration of the 12-month version is expected later this year following successful completion of clinical studies.