BioChem Pharma's Antiviral Patent Portfolio - Company Holds Patents on FTC and DAPD
LAVAL, June 3 /CNW/ - It was learned by the Company late this afternoon
that Triangle Pharmaceuticals and Abbott Laboratories announced that they have
entered into an alliance for the development and marketing of six antiviral
products, including FTC and DAPD. We as a company have significant
intellectual property rights in the antiviral area including rights to both
FTC and DAPD in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Amongst its intellectual property rights, the Company holds granted
patents relating to FTC and DAPD, including composition of matter patents and
several additional patents and patent applications in the U.S. and throughout
the world. With regard to DAPD, the European grant was recently upheld by the
European Patent Office at an oral hearing in an opposition proceeding against
the patent brought by Emory University, Triangle's licensor.
''BioChem's intellectual property rights covering FTC and DAPD form a
part of the Company's substantial antiviral patent portfolio and reflect the
Company's ongoing competitive efforts in the antiviral field. The Company has
been successfully asserting its antiviral patent portfolio throughout the
world and has every intention to continue to vigorously defend and enforce its
patent rights,'' declared Dr. Francesco Bellini, Chief Executive Officer,
BioChem Pharma Inc.
BioChem Pharma is renowned for its pioneering discovery of a new class of
nucleoside analogues, which includes 3TC, FTC and DAPD. 3TC (lamivudine) is
the world's most prescribed HIV drug and has recently been launched in several
markets as Zeffix for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV).
BioChem Pharma is an international biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
the research, development and commercialization of innovative products for the
prevention and treatment of human diseases with a focus in the anti-infective
and anticancer areas. The Company lists its common shares on the Montreal
Exchange and The Toronto Stock Exchange (BCH) and on the NASDAQ National
Market (BCHE).
BioChem Pharma news releases and other company information can be found
on the World Wide Web at www.biochempharma.com.
3TC and Zeffix are trademarks of the Glaxo Wellcome Group of Companies.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the
Corporation's current expectation regarding future events. The forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ
materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors,
including the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the
uncertainties related to the regulatory process and the commercialization of
the drug thereafter. Investors should consult the Corporation's ongoing
quarterly filings, annual reports and 20-F filings for additional information
on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The
reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The
Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking
statements.
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