I saw that...though this does not appear to be the "big" news
Vion Pharmaceuticals Awarded Key Patent For New HIV Agent
NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:VION) today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent covering the method of use of B-L-Fd4C, the Company's novel L-2', 3'-didehydro-dideoxy-5-fluorocytidine nucleoside analog, against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This patent complements an earlier patent issued relating to the composition of matter and method of use against the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Patent # 5,627,160 is assigned to Yale University and is exclusively licensed to Vion. The Company now has exclusive worldwide rights to the two patents covering the composition and use of B-L-Fd4C for HBV and HIV.
B-L-Fd4C is Vion's lead nucleoside analog. In preclinical trials, B-L-Fd4C exhibits potent inhibition against the replication of the Hepatitis B and HIV viruses, with a favorable toxicity profile. Further results indicate that B-L-Fd4C, when used in combination with other antiviral agents, is capable of synergizing their antiviral effects against HIV in a similar mechanism to that of 3TC (lamivudine), but at much lower dosage levels.
``This recent patent issuance for use of B-L-Fd4C in HIV complements our original patent for composition and HBV use and completes our patent strategy for this compound,'' commented John A. Spears, President and CEO of Vion. ``The compound has demonstrated 12-20 times the potency of 3TC against HBV and HIV, and has synergistic activity with other agents used for HIV treatment.''
Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing novel products and technologies for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases. The Company has focused its research efforts in five principal areas: hypoxic cancer cell therapeutics (Promycin(TM)), nucleoside analogs, TAPET(TM) (Tumor Amplifying Protein Expression Therapy) cancer therapy, ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors and alkylating agent prodrugs. Vion's lead anticancer agent Promycin (porfiromycin) is currently in Phase III clinical trials. For additional information on Vion and its research and product development programs, visit the Company's Internet web site at vionpharm.com. |
