Microbix sues Novartis in Europe over Virusmax patent
Ticker Symbol: C:MBX
Microbix sues Novartis in Europe over Virusmax patent
Microbix Biosystems Inc (C:MBX)
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Last Close 7/9/2014 $0.38
Thursday July 10 2014 - News Release
Mr. Vaughn Embro-Pantalony reports
MICROBIX SUES NOVARTIS FOR INFRINGEMENT OF ITS VIRUSMAX PATENT IN EUROPE
Microbix Biosystems Inc. has commenced a new patent litigation in the Court of Dusseldorf, Germany, against Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, alleging infringement of its VIRUSMAX patent in Europe. Microbix filed its first complaint against Novartis in the Eastern District of Texas on January 6, 2014, alleging infringement of its VIRUSMAXtrademark patent in the United States.
Microbix successfully defended its European VIRUSMAXtrademark patent against Novartis' Opposition at the European Patent Office in January 2014 when, following a hearing in Munich, the Office rendered a decision in favour of Microbix and confirmed that the VIRUSMAXtrademark technology is a novel, useful and non-obvious invention. Novartis has now appealed that decision. Microbix was also granted patents for the VIRUSMAXtrademark technology in twenty-one countries between 2006 and 2011.
Microbix' VIRUSMAXtrademark technology is used for increasing virus yields in egg-based vaccine manufacture. The patent application was first published internationally in 2004. At that time, governments, the World Health Organization and public health authorities worldwide expressed growing concern about limited global vaccine manufacturing capacity and supply, especially in light of a potential influenza pandemic. An independent study published in the Journal of Vaccine in 2007 reported that the application of VIRUSMAXtrademark technology led to a significant increase in flu virus production in eggs. These trials used methods comparable to those employed in seasonal influenza vaccine manufacture. The Company has also demonstrated substantial yield increases over conventional manufacturing processes for a number of influenza vaccine strains using its technology.
Vaughn Embro-Pantalony, President and Chief Executive Officer said, "Microbix discovered the presence of large quantities of flu virus in eggs that was previously unrecognized by the industry. VIRUSMAXtrademark is the innovative manufacturing process developed by Microbix for the vaccine industry based on that discovery. Following the successful defense of our European patent in January 2014, we are taking this next step to enforce our intellectual property rights in Europe."
We seek Safe Harbor.
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