Progenitor Granted Two U.S. Patents for Diagnosis of Most Common
Inherited Disease: Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Clinical Laboratory Test Available
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 5, 1998--Progenitor, Inc. (NASDAQ:PGEN - news, PGENW - news) today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued it two patents relating to the diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis, an iron overload disorder that is the most common inherited disease.
The two patents issued to Progenitor (U.S. Patent Nos. 5,705,343 and 5,712,098) relate to certain genetic variations (diagnostic markers) and methods for using these diagnostic markers to determine the presence or absence of hereditary hemochromatosis in an individual. One of these markers represents the specific genetic mutation associated with the majority of cases of hereditary hemochromatosis.
The USPTO also has issued notices of allowance for two additional Progenitor patent applications in the field of hereditary hemochromatosis. One of the allowed patent applications relates specifically to the hereditary hemochromatosis gene (HFE).
Hereditary hemochromatosis can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, diabetes, heart damage and other serious conditions, but is easily treatable if properly diagnosed. Progenitor's discoveries have led to the development of a laboratory diagnostic test, offered by SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories (SBCL), one of the nation's leading clinical laboratories. SBCL is unit of SmithKline Beecham plc (NYSE:SBH - news).
Through early diagnosis and treatment, serious consequences of hereditary hemochromatosis can be avoided, and patients can lead full, normal lives. Treatment consists of regular phlebotomy (blood withdrawal) to reduce iron stores. Over one million Americans, or one in 200, has the genetic makeup for this disease, and one in 10 is a carrier of the genetic trait.
HFE was discovered in 1996 using disease genetics methods to analyze DNA collected from hereditary hemochromatosis patients across the United States. In research to characterize HFE and its function, Progenitor has identified a novel mechanism through which the body handles iron. Progenitor is applying its findings toward development of new therapeutics for other severe blood diseases, such as anemias and thalassemias, in which iron overload occurs.
In September 1997, Progenitor licensed certain exclusive rights to SBCL to develop and perform clinical laboratory testing for hereditary
hemochromatosis in the United States and several international markets, under Progenitor's patents and patent applications covering HFE and its specific mutations.
The test can confirm the cause of iron overload in symptomatic patients. It also can be used to determine whether family members of patients are likely to be affected. Until now, diagnosis has relied on measurement of a patient's blood serum iron levels, with confirmation by liver biopsy.
Progenitor discovers and develops genomic leads and targets for new pharmaceuticals using a unique technology platform that combines developmental biology and disease genetics to identify, characterize and utilize key genes responsible for health or disease. Progenitor's genomic discoveries provide multiple product opportunities which the company pursues through a combination of partnerships, licenses and retained rights for internal product development programs.
Except for the descriptions of historical facts contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as detailed from time to time in Progenitor's SEC filings under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including the early stage of development of Progenitor's technology; need for additional funds; patent, regulatory and competitive risks; dependence on third parties; product liability; and other risks.
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Contact:
Progenitor, Inc.
Lawrence K. Cohen, Ph.D., 650/614-7003 (COO)
Mark N.K. Bagnall, 650/614-7057 (VP & CFO) |
