Peregrine’s Patent
Portfolio
The
Following Patents are listed on the Company Website:
Tumor
Necrosis Therapy (TNT)
5,019,368 Detection of
necrotic malignant tissue and associated therapy
5,882,626 Detection of
necrotic malignant tissue and associated therapy
6,017,514 Detection of
necrotic malignant tissue and associated therapy
6,071,491 Detection of
necrotic malignant tissue and associated therapy
Vascular
Targeting Agents (VTAs)
5,855,866 Methods for
treating the vasculature of solid tumors
5,863,538 Compositions for
targeting the vasculature of solid tumors
5,877,289 Tissue factor
compositions and ligands for the specific coagulation
5,965,132 Methods and
compositions for targeting the vasculature of solid tumors
6,004,554 Methods for
targeting the vasculature of solid tumors
6,004,555 Methods for the
specific coagulation of vasculature
6,261,535 Diagnostic methods
for targeting the vasculature of solid tumors
6,132,729 Combined tissue
factor and chemotherapeutic methods and compositions for coagulation and tumor
treatment
6,051,230 Compositions for
targeting the vasculature of solid tumors
Vasopermeation
Enhancing Agents (VEAs)
6,007,817 Vasopermeability
enhancing immunoconjugates
6,008,319 Vasopermeability
enhancing peptide of human interleukin-2 and immunoconjugates thereof
6,274,343 Vasopermeability
enhancing immunoconjugates
LYM
Antibodies (Oncolym®)
4,724,212 Murine hybridoma
Lym-2 and diagnostic antibody produced thereby
4,724,213 Murine hybridoma
Lym-1 and diagnostic antibody produced thereby
(Note: If you receive an error message on the US Patent
Webpage regarding “Maximum Number of Users”… hit “Refresh” several times or try
again later.)
I have found Press
Releases by Peregrine on the following Patents but they are not listed on the
website:
I have not found
Press Releases by Peregrine on the following Patents and they are not listed on
the website.
They are listed on
the US Patent and Trademark Website as belonging to Dr. Thorpe.
ANYONE WITH RELIABLE INFORMATION REGARDING THE STATUS OF
THESE PATENT QUESTIONS OR PRESS RELEASES, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT
[email protected]
. THANK YOU.
Use the following link to search for the patents yourself: Search by Patent No.
PRESS RELEASES
US 5,776,427
August 3, 1998 - Techniclone Corporation (now Peregrine
Pharmaceuticals - NASDAQ:PPHM), a developer of leading-edge, unique
therapeutics for the advanced treatment of cancer, announced today the issuance
of a U.S. patent covering a portion of its Vascular Targeting Agent Technology.
The patent, US 5,776,427 issued on July 7, relates
to methods and compositions for targeting the vasculature of solid tumors.
Specifically, the patent covers targeting therapeutic agents to markers induced
on the tumor blood vessels and compliments an earlier issued patent, US
5,660,827 that also covers methods for targeting specific tumor blood vessel
markers. Dr. Philip Thorpe, Director, Oncology Research and Associate Director Center for
Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, published an
article in May's Cancer Research presenting this form of vascular targeting
including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF).
VTA technology is designed to kill the tumor by causing
a blood clot to form in the tumor. Most anti-angiogenesis therapies are
designed to stop new tumor blood vessels from forming, thus stopping or slowing
tumor growth. These agents do not kill the existing tumor, as do VTAs. In
preclinical or animal studies, VTA's have produced clots in the tumor
vasculature and the tumor cells begin to die within hours of administration.
Within days, large tumor masses have been shown to disintegrate and have left
nearby healthy tissue intact and fully functional.
TUSTIN, Calif.--January 6, 1999--Techniclone
Corporation (NASDAQ:PPHM), a developer of leading-edge, unique therapeutics for
the advanced treatment of cancer, today announced the issuance of a U.S. patent
which grants Techniclone coverage on a broad range of Vascular Targeting Agents
(VTA's). This U.S. patent, number 5,855,866 issued on January 5th, relates to
methods for potentially treating all solid tumors. Specifically covered are
VTA's that use antibodies to deliver a wide variety of therapeutic agents, such
as chemotherapeutic agents, biologic agents, toxins and radioisotopes, to
markers expressed on or associated with solid tumor blood vessels.
"We believe that this broad patent solidifies Techniclone's intellectual
property coverage for our VTA technology and provides the flexibility to fully
realize VTA's potential in conjunction with a number of therapeutic agents,
such as chemotherapy, for the treatment of solid tumors," stated Larry O.
Bymaster, President and CEO of Techniclone.
"We are particularly excited about the
issuance of this patent because it covers broad classes of tumor targets and
therapeutic agents rather than individual targets and therapeutic agents. This
patent greatly enhances Techniclone's position as the leader in the VTA area
and could bring increased licensing opportunities," stated Dr. John N.
Bonfiglio, Vice President of Business Development.
Dr. Philip Thorpe, Director, Oncology Research and Associate Director, Center
for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute and inventor of
the technology, stated, "Based on preclinical studies conducted to date on
Techniclone's VTA, we believe that this type of therapy has the potential to
destroy established primary tumors throughout the body. Essentially, VTA's bind
to existing tumor blood vessels and induce clotting which eventually leads to
massive tumor death, instead of only inhibiting new blood vessel formation as
does the anti-angiogenesis approach."
"While anti-angiogenesis therapy has been widely proposed as a cure for
solid cancers, in reality this form of treatment is likely to be most effective
against smaller tumors which are dependent on new blood vessel formation,
rather than larger tumors which have an established blood supply," Thorpe
concluded. In pre-clinical/animal studies, VTA's have occluded (blocked) tumor
blood vessels and the tumor cells begin to die within hours of administration.
Within days, large tumor masses have been shown to disintegrate and have left
nearby healthy tissue intact and functional. All solid tumors in excess of 2mm
are believed to be vascularized and therefore potential candidates for VTA
therapy. Techniclone currently has several VTA candidates that are being
evaluated for advancement to clinical trials.
TUSTIN, Calif.--March 3,
1999--Techniclone Corporation (NASDAQ:PPHM), a developer of
leading edge, unique therapeutics for the advanced treatment of cancer, today
announced the issuance of a second U.S. patent which grants Techniclone
coverage on a broad range of Vascular Targeting Agents (VTA’s). Issued on March
2, 1999, this U.S. patent, number 5,877,289, complements the broad patent
issued earlier this year for potentially treating all solid tumors.
Specifically covered under this patent are VTA’s that use antibodies to deliver
a human coagulation protein, Tissue Factor, to markers expressed on or
associated with solid tumor blood vessels. As previously announced, a patent
was issued on January 5, 1999, covering VTA’s that use antibodies to deliver a
wide variety of therapeutic agents such as; chemotherapeutic agents, toxins,
and radioisotopes to markers expressed on or associated with solid tumor blood
vessels.
"With the issuance of this patent,
substantially all agents targeted to any molecule on tumor vasculature for
therapeutic or diagnostic applications are covered by Techniclone’s VTA patent
portfolio. This patent further enhances Techniclone’s broad patent coverage in
VTA technology, which represents a potentially major opportunity in cancer
treatment," stated Larry O. Bymaster, President and CEO of Techniclone.
Dr. Philip Thorpe, Director, Oncology Research and Associate Director, Center
for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute and inventor of
the technology stated "Tissue Factor- based VTA’s bind to existing tumor
blood vessels and induce clotting which leads to massive tumor cell death in
contrast to the anti-angiogenesis approach which is designed to inhibit new
blood vessel formation in tumors. In pre-clinical studies we have been able to
occlude tumor blood vessels in several types of tumors resulting in massive
tumor cell death and remarkable anti-tumor effects."
In pre-clinical/animal studies, VTA’s using
Tissue Factor have occluded (blocked) tumor blood vessels and the tumor cells
begin to die within hours of administration. Within days, large tumor masses
have been shown to disintegrate and have left nearby healthy tissues intact and
functional. All solid tumors in excess of 2mm are believed to be vascularized
and therefore potential candidates for VTA therapy. Techniclone currently has
several VTA candidates that are being evaluated for advancement to clinical
trials.
Tustin, CA.- April 15,
1999– Techniclone Corporation (NASDAQ:PPHM) a developer of leading-edge unique
therapeutics for the advanced treatment of cancer, today announced the issuance
of a TNT (Tumor Necrosis Therapy) patent for the "Detection of Necrotic
Malignant Tissue and Associated Therapy" (U.S. Patent 5,882,626 on March
16, 1999), which provides coverage for diagnostic applications. The patent
utilizes the proprietary TNT antibody technology that Techniclone currently
employs in its Cotara™ therapeutic product.
Jan. 31, 2000 - today announced that the U.S.
Patent Office has granted two patents, US Patent #6,004,554 and US Patent
#6,004,555, that extend patent coverage for Techniclone's Vascular Targeting
Agent (VTA) technology. The VTA technology is one of Techniclone's platform
technologies for the treatment of solid tumors. It is designed to specifically
target and occlude tumor blood vessels resulting in an anti-tumor effect.
Techniclone's VTA patent portfolio covers agents
designed to target a tumor blood vessel and agents designed to kill a tumor
through the disruption of the tumor endothelial cells or by causing a blood
clot to form in the tumor blood vessels. These newly issued patents
specifically cover further cancer treatment methods using compositions that
target the blood vessels of solid tumors and enhance the already impressive
Techniclone portfolio of 14 issued and a number of allowed US patents in this
area. US Patent #6,004,555, in particular, strengthens Techniclone's patent
coverage for therapies designed to induce clot formation in tumor vasculature,
and covers the use of a wide range of targeted effectors that directly or
indirectly induce tumor vessel-specific coagulation.
The VTA technology was developed to be used as a
front-line therapy or in conjunction with other cancer therapeutic agents for
the treatment of solid tumors. Preclinical studies in animal models have shown
that treatment with a VTA therapeutic agent can result in significant
anti-tumor effects and in some cases complete remission of the treated tumor.
Animal studies for the VTA technology were conducted at the University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas under the leadership of Dr.
Philip Thorpe, the inventor of
the VTA technology. Dr. Thorpe stated "We are presently investigating
several tumor blood vessel markers that in conjunction with the appropriate
killing agent or coagulating factor could become clinical candidates in the
near future. These newly issued patents ensure our ability to move these
candidates forward. "
Tustin, CA.- January 6, 2000 - Techniclone
Corporation (NASDAQ:PPHM), today
announced that the U.S. Patent Office has granted a US Patent #6007817 for
Techniclone's Vasopermeation Enhancement Agent ("VEA") technology.
The VEA technology is one of Techniclone's platform technologies, which will be
used to enhance drug uptake in solid tumors. This broad patent covers the use
of the VEA agents for the treatment of all solid tumors in conjunction with
chemotherapeutic agents, monoclonal antibodies, cytokines and other therapeutic
agents.
The technology was developed to be administered prior to the administration of
most existing cancer therapies. Preclinical studies in animal models have shown
that drug uptake can be increased up to 400% in specific instances by using the
VEA technology as a pretreatment.
The New England Research Application Center (Source: Geriann P. Park and Anna
Crull, "Cancer Treatment and Diagnostic Products," report YC-047N)
estimates that $7.6 billion will be spent annually on chemotherapeutic
treatments in the year 2000, reflecting a 9% annual growth rate - a market
Techniclone will target with its proprietary and patent-protected technology.
Tustin, CA.-
February 15, 2000 - Techniclone Corporation (NASDAQ:PPHM) today announced it has completed an exclusive worldwide
licensing transaction with the University of Southern California for its
Permeability Enhancing Protein (PEP). The Company also disclosed that US Patent
#6008319 was issued for this protein and will become part of Techniclone's
intellectual property under the terms of the licensing agreement. The terms of
the licensing agreement were not disclosed.
The PEP technology is a vital piece of Techniclone's Vasopermeability Enhancing
Technology which is designed to increase the uptake of chemotherapeutic agents
into tumors. It is designed to be used in conjunction with Techniclone's
Vasopermeation Enhancement Agent (VEA) technology platform. Techniclone
recently announced the issuance of a key patent in the VEA area. Alan Epstein, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Pathology at the University of Southern
California and the inventor of both the VEA technology and the discoverer along
with colleague Dr. Leslie Kwhali, of the PEP molecule, stated, "The PEP
technology in conjunction with the overall VEA platform technology completes an
already strong package with high potential for application in the field of
cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. I am excited about working with the new
Techniclone management to bring this technology to commercialization."
The PEP molecule is a segment of a cytokine (cell messenger) called IL-2. The
PEP molecule appears to allow the tumor to become more permeable to the uptake
of drugs while not having toxic side-effects. The PEP patent covers the use of
the molecule in conjunction with targeting molecules such as antibodies to
specifically enhance the uptake of drugs in most solid tumors. Preclinical
studies in animal models have shown that drug uptake can be increased up to
400% in specific instances by using the VEA technology (including the PEP
molecule) as a pretreatment.
The New England Research Application Center (Source: Geriann P. Park and Anna
Crull, "Cancer Treatment and Diagnostic Products," report YC-047N)
estimates that $7.6 billion will be spent annually on chemotherapeutic
treatments in the year 2000, reflecting a 9% annual growth rate - a market
Techniclone will target with its proprietary and patent-protected technology.
All preclinical studies for the VEA technology were conducted at the University
of Southern California (USC), under the leadership of Dr. Alan Epstein, M.D.,
Ph.D., the inventor of the VEA technology. Results of the Dr. Epstein's
preclinical studies in the VEA technology have been corroborated by two
physicians at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. These researchers achieved
similar increases in tumor uptake of anti-cancer agents through pretreatment
with the Vasopermeation Enhancement concept. Findings of this study, which was
conducted independently from Techniclone, were presented in 1997 at the Annual
Society of Nuclear Medicine Meeting.
Tustin, CA.- February 9, 2000- Techniclone
Corporation (NASDAQ:TCLN) today announced that the U.S. Patent Office has
granted a patent, US Patent #6,017,514, that extends patent coverage for
Techniclone's Tumor Necrosis Therapy (TNT) technology. The TNT technology is
one of Techniclone's platform technologies for the treatment and diagnosis of
solid tumors.
The newly issued patent broadens Techniclone’s coverage for the use of TNT as
an imaging agent to determine the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapy.
Tumor Necrosis Therapy is based on the principle that all solid tumors build
poor vascular networks and eventually outgrow their blood supply leading to the
development of a core of dead and dying tumor cells (necrotic tissue). In
experimental models, when a labeled TNT antibody has been administered to an
animal bearing a solid tumor, the TNT antibody has localized to the necrotic
core of the tumor enabling the tumor to be imaged or treated depending on the
antibody label. Clinical testing has also confirmed that TNT effectively
targets necrotic tissue in cancer in humans. Effective cancer therapy with
chemotherapy or radiation results in the killing of additional tumor cells
leading to more necrotic tissue in the tumor. The newly created necrotic tissue
becomes an even larger target for subsequent administrations of TNT imaging or
therapeutic agents.
According to the newly issued patent, a labeled TNT antibody is used to obtain
an initial image of the tumor. Following a course of therapy, another TNT image
of the tumor is obtained. If the cancer therapy has been successful, the
post-therapy image should show increased areas of necrosis. If the therapy has
not been successful, the post-therapy image will appear much like the initial
image. Techniclone believes that this use of TNT will eventually make it
possible for physicians treating cancer patients to make an earlier estimate of
the effectiveness of a given treatment regimen. This would allow the physician
more quickly to switch to alternative treatment options should the initial
treatment be ineffective.
There are many different compounds being developed by other companies that can
be used to image solid tumors, including radioactive isotopes, phosphorescent
dyes and MRI and PET image enhancers. Techniclone scientists believe that TNT
will have the ability to deliver these and other compounds directly to the
necrotic tissue present in solid tumor cancers. Techniclone believes there may
be significant opportunities for working with partners to commercialize solid
tumor cancer imaging and diagnostic products.
US 6,036,955
20 Mar 2000 Techniclone Corporation was issued
U.S. Patent No. 6,036,955 on March 14, 2000 entitled "Kits and Methods for
the Specific Coagulation of Vasculature" by the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office.
This patent covers particular methods of inducing
molecules on tumour blood vessels for subsequent targeting and destruction and
is a valuable addition to Techniclone's existing broad patent portfolio on its
Vascular Targeting Agent (VTA) technology.
Dr. John Bonfiglio, Interim President, stated,
"We are very happy to have received another patent for Techiclone's
proprietary VTA technology platform. This patent continues to strengthen our
already strong patent position in this field. Clearly the value of
Techniclone's patent position is evidencing itself through negotiations in
progress and recently signed letters of intent with Oxigene, Inc. and SuperGen,
Inc."
The VTA technology is Techniclone's proprietary
therapeutic platform designed to specifically target tumour vasculature and
subsequently destroy the tumour with various attached therapeutic agents.
Although VEGF alone is being examined by many companies as a target for
anti-angiogenesis agents, Techniclone holds the patents for attaching most
therapeutic agents to VEGF for the purpose of targeting them to the tumour
vasculature.
Dr. Philip Thorpe, Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Texas, Southwestern
Medical Centre at Dallas, and the lead inventor of the VTA technology has shown
proof of principle with this technology in several animal models, the results
of which studies have been published in peer reviewed scientific journals,
including Science in 1997.
April 19, 2000--Techniclone Corporation (now
Peregrine Pharmaceuticals) (NASDAQ:PPHM) today announced the issuance of U.S.
Patent No. 6,051,230 that broadly covers Vascular Targeting Agent
("VTA") compositions. Techniclone's VTA technology is a platform
technology for the treatment of solid tumors based upon targeting components
that deliver a wide variety of therapeutic agents to tumor blood vessels. The
localized therapeutics then specifically destroy or occlude the tumor vessels,
leading to significant anti-tumor effects.
The "seek and destroy" compositions
specifically covered by U.S. Patent No. 6,051,230 complement Techniclone's
earlier broad claims directed to cancer treatment methods employing VTAs (e.g.,
U.S. Patent No. 5,855,866). The new patent encompasses a wide range of VTA
therapeutics, including diverse targeting components such as Vascular
Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and anti-cellular agents. Also covered are
diagnostic-therapeutic combinations, for use in forming an image of the tumor
vasculature prior to administration of the VTA therapeutic.
Dr. Philip Thorpe, professor of pharmacology and researcher in the Harold C.
Simmons Cancer Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
and inventor of the VTA technology expressed both excitement and satisfaction
with the new issuance. "Cancers, in order to grow, must have an intact
functioning blood supply. VTA can employ a variety of targeting agents,
including monoclonal antibodies and growth factors such as VEGF, to deliver a
variety of effector molecules specifically to the blood vessels feeding the
tumor. Some of our most promising VTA cause the vessels to clot. This
interrupts the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cancer, which in animal
models abruptly stops the tumor from growing and leads to tumor death. We have
tested this approach in a variety of actively growing and established
cancers."
Dr. John Bonfiglio, Interim CEO of Techniclone was
equally positive. "The issued claims are particularly valuable at this
time as they provide specific coverage for the growth factor-based (VEGF-based)
therapeutics. Techniclone's recently announced licensing deal with Supergen for
the VEGF-based VTA therapeutics will benefit from this enhanced patent
coverage. I personally am looking forward to working with our joint venture
partner Oxigene and with our licensees Supergen and Scotia to bring this VTA
approach into human clinical trials in a variety of different arenas. In
developing this technology, our goal was to construct a series of patents
completely surrounding this approach. So far no less than seven have issued,
including the key core technology patents. Others are pending, and the fact
that they continue to issue is very encouraging. These patents make the barrier
to entry into this area very high. Other companies wishing to enter this field
will more than likely need to develop a collaborative arrangement with
Techniclone."
Dr. Bonfiglio further stated "There are two ways
of attacking the blood supply of cancers. One is 'anti-angiogenesis' that
attempts to stop the induction by the cancer of new tumor vessel growth. There
has been a great deal of excitement about anti-angiogenesis over the last few
years but progress has been slower than some anticipated due to unexpected
technical issues. We believe the next evolutionary step in anti-angiogenesis
research is to attack both new and existing blood vessels causing them to
occlude, thus blocking blood flow. This is what our VTA technology does.
Indeed, the fact that other companies have actively sought to partner with us
is evidence that they also believe not only in the value of the VTA approach as
a logical next step, but also in the strength of our patent position.
Tustin, CA. -
June 7, 2000 - Techniclone Corporation (NASDAQ:PPHM), today
announced that the U.S. Patent Office has issued U.S. Patent #6,071,491, that
extends the usage of its Tumor Necrosis Technology (TNT) platform, as a
diagnostic and imaging agent. The TNT technology is one of Techniclone's
platform technologies for the treatment and diagnosis of solid tumors.
According to Steven King, Techniclone's Vice
President of Technology and Product Development, "The issuance of this
patent strengthens Techniclone's proprietary position in the use of Tumor Necrosis
Therapy for use as a diagnostic and imaging agent. TNT is unique as a
diagnostic agent because it is capable of detecting the existence of necrotic
tissue which is found at the core of most solid tumors. We believe TNT has the
potential to be an excellent imaging and diagnostic agent with broad
applicability to different types of tumors."
Dr. John Bonfiglio, President and Chief Executive
Officer, stated, "This patent further demonstrates the potential
versatility of the TNT technology as both a diagnostic as well as therapeutic
agent for solid tumor cancers. Techniclone is committed to expanding its
intellectual property to estate in all of our platform technologies. This will
allow us to execute our licensing and development strategies to ultimately provide
relief to cancer patients and increase shareholder value."
According to Alan Epstein, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Pathology at the University of Southern
California, "We believe giving oncologists the ability diagnose and image
multiple tumor types utilizing one single universal agent may be instrumental
in affecting the positive outcome cancer therapy. We look forward to moving our
imaging and diagnostic agent into human clinical testing in the future."
TUSTIN, Calif. Oct. 26, 2000--Techniclone
Corporation (NASDAQ:PPHM) today announced the issuance of two U.S. Patents No.
6,132,729 and 6,132,730 that cover the use of the coagulation protein truncated
tissue factor (tTF) to treat solid tumors. This technology is related to
Techniclone's Vascular Targeting Agent (VTA) technology and is based on the
finding that tTF is capable of localizing to tumor blood vessels and inducing
coagulation (blood clots) of the tumor blood vessels leading to significant
anti-tumor effects.
These new patents encompass the discovery that tTF itself, without a targeting
agent, and its ability to coagulate tumor blood vessels. This non-targeted tTF
could potentially be used alone, in conjunction with other coagulation proteins
or in combination with other anti-cancer agents. The coverage afforded by these
new patents complements Techniclone's earlier issued patents directed to cancer
treatment methods employing tTF attached to a targeting agent as a VTA
molecule. The earlier VTA patents are now part of the Techniclone/OXiGENE joint
venture named ARCUS. The new patents referenced in this release are the sole
property of Techniclone and could be either developed by Techniclone or
licensed to a partner.
"The issued claims are particularly important because they cover cancer
therapeutic agents with a mechanism of action closely related to VTAs. We feel
that there is potentially a good synergy between this new type of agent and a
wide variety of anti-cancer treatments including the VTAs that our joint
venture is currently developing. These new agents could generate new product
opportunities for Techniclone and further solidify our position in the field of
cancer therapeutics." stated Mr. Steven King, Vice President of Technology
and Product Development at Techniclone and co-inventor on the patents.
TUSTIN, Calif., November 12, 2001 -- Arcus
Therapeutics, LLC, a (former) joint venture between Peregrine Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (Nasdaq: PPHM) and OXiGENE, Inc., today announced the issuance of a U.S.
Patent covering additional aspects of its Vascular Targeting Agent (VTA)
technology. The new patent, No. 6,312,694, covers VTAs that deliver therapeutic
compounds such as toxins, chemotherapeutic agents and coagulation proteins to
specific tumor blood vessel markers, known as aminophospholipids. The patent
was assigned to Arcus by the University of Texas Southwestern.
Vascular Targeting represents a new technology for the treatment of solid
tumors. At the core of the technology are therapeutic agents that aim to
destroy or occlude blood vessels within the tumor, thereby depriving it of
oxygen and nutrients and triggering an avalanche of tumor cell death. The patent,
entitled "Cancer Treatment Methods Using Therapeutic Conjugates That Bind
To Aminophospholipids," extends Arcus' coverage of vascular targeting
treatment methods and complements the company's existing patent position.
Patent 6,312,694 discloses and claims methods for treating vascularized tumors
by administering VTAs that target aminophospholipids such as phosphatidylserine
(PS). Researchers discovered phosphatidylserine to be a specific marker of
tumor vasculature. Targeting PS on tumor blood vessels has become a major focus
of Arcus in its effort to develop a VTA for clinical evaluation.
Tustin, CA.- January 29,
2002 - Peregrine Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:PPHM) today announced the issuance of
U.S. Patent No. 6,342,219 covering the use of new antibodies for cancer
treatment. The patent, entitled "Antibody Compositions for Selectively Inhibiting
VEGF," specifically covers antibodies that bind to and selectively
neutralize the actions of VEGF (vascular endothelial cell growth factor), a key
molecule in tumor development and progression.
VEGF is a growth factor that promotes blood vessel development, known as
angiogenesis, a process exploited by tumor cells to obtain oxygen and nutrients
and to form an established tumor mass. This VEGF-stimulated process facilitates
tumor cell migration through the blood stream and the development of metastatic
tumors at distant sites. However, VEGF also has beneficial roles in the body,
such as maintaining effective immune responses and healthy bone metabolism.
U.S. Patent No. 6,342,219 claims a new category of antibodies, which are able
to inhibit angiogenesis and induce tumor regression as effectively as other
anti-VEGF antibodies, and yet may have improved safety due to their specific
blocking properties. These effects are achieved by inhibiting VEGF binding to
only one of the two primary VEGF receptors, the components that mediate VEGF
actions on target cells. By inhibiting VEGF binding to receptors on tumor blood
vessels, but not other cell types, the specificity of the anti-tumor effect is
enhanced. Dr. Philip Thorpe, a co-inventor on the patent
stated, "This new, more specific anti-VEGF antibody has excellent
anti-tumor activity in preclinical studies. We expect this antibody will be an
effective anti-cancer drug in patients and have a good safety profile."
The new patent extends Peregrine's exclusive coverage of unique
biopharmaceuticals and complements the company's other platform technologies
for the treatment of solid tumors. The new antibodies provide a particularly
powerful approach when used in combination with Peregrine's existing Vascular
Targeting Agent (VTA) technology, which specifically targets and occludes tumor
blood vessels. When used in concert, VTA therapeutics and the new antibodies
provide a means to both destroy existing tumor blood vessels and inhibit
further blood vessel growth, thus exerting a powerful effect against primary
tumors and preventing the metastatic spread of cancer.
"The issuance of this patent expands Peregrine's already strong
intellectual property position in the area of cancer therapeutics and in
particular our Vascular Targeting Agent technology platform," said Edward
J. Legere, Peregrine's President and CEO. "This patent strengthens our
anti-vascular technology platform by giving Peregrine an anti-angiogenesis
agent with potentially superior and unique properties. We intend both to
continue our pre-clinical research in this area and to prepare several antibody
candidates for evaluation in human clinical studies."
TUSTIN, Calif., - March 4, 2002 - Peregrine
Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: PPHM) today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No.
6,342,221 covering the use of a new category of therapeutic agents within its
Vascular Targeting Agent (VTA) technology. The new patent covers VTAs that
deliver therapeutic agents such as toxins, chemotherapeutic agents and
coagulation proteins to VEGF (vascular endothelial cell growth factor), a
specific marker within tumor blood vessels.
Peregrine's VTA technology is centered on specific targeting agents that
deliver attached therapeutic agents to tumor blood vessels, destroying or
occluding the blood vessels within the tumor, causing widespread tumor cell
death. The new patent, entitled "Antibody Conjugate Compositions for
Selectively Inhibiting VEGF," extends Peregrine's coverage of vascular
targeting agents and treatment methods and strengthens its already strong
patent position.
The VTAs covered by the new patent bind to VEGF, a prominent marker of tumor
blood vessels, and target therapeutic agents to the tumor by virtue of this
specific binding. Although VEGF is a key factor in tumor blood vessel growth,
this molecule has beneficial effects on other cell types in the body, such as
cells that maintain effective immune responses and healthy bone metabolism. The
new category of VTAs protected by U.S. Patent No. 6,342,221 have the advantage
of targeting VEGF within tumor blood vessels without impairing the effects of
VEGF on other cell types, and these specific blocking properties further
enhance the safety profile of the VTAs.
"The new patent extends Peregrine's coverage of Vascular Targeting Agent
therapeutics, now protected by numerous issued or allowed U.S. and
international patents and patent applications," said Edward Legere,
president and CEO of Peregrine. "We look forward to continuing to expand
our technology and intellectual property coverage in the VTA field."
Tustin, CA. - June 17, 2002 - Peregrine
Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:
PPHM) today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent
No. 6,403,096 covering the use of Permeability Enhancing Peptide (PEP) as a
Vasopermeation Enhancement Agent (VEA).
The patent, entitled "Vasopermeability Enhancing Peptide of Human
Interleukin-2 and Immunoconjugates Thereof," covers novel methods of
targeting tumors using PEP, which is a synthetic fragment of interleukin-2 that
lacks cytokine activity yet maintains permeability inducing activity. When the
PEP molecule is joined to a monoclonal antibody and targeted at solid tumors,
it enhances tumor vasculature permeability prior to administering
chemotherapeutic drugs, toxins, or radionuclides. The patent, assigned to the
University of Southern California (USC) and licensed exclusively to Peregrine,
specifically covers the use of the PEP molecule as part of a VEA construct.
Data on the use of PEP in conjunction with Peregrine''s VEA technology was
presented at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting last May.
Researchers Drs. Alan Epstein and Leslie Khawli of
the Keck School of Medicine of USC created PEP while designing a drug compound
that would have the ability to induce tumor vascular permeability only at the
site of a tumor. Researchers identified, isolated, and synthesized the specific
region of interleukin-2 that causes vasopermeability. Vasopermeability is where
massive leaking of blood takes place outside of the blood vessel network. By
attaching PEP to a monoclonal antibody that targets tumors, the scientists are able
to localize vasopermeability specifically at the tumor site. By increasing
permeability of the blood vessels that feed the tumor, uptake of cancer
therapeutic drugs can be increased, thereby potentially leading to improved
efficacy of therapeutics and reduced dosage requirements.
"We are pleased with the issuance of this
patent. Exclusive rights to the PEP patent further expand and strengthen
Peregrine''s coverage of Vasopermeation Enhancement technology," stated
Edward Legere, Peregrine''s president and CEO. "We are continuing the
pre-clinical work on our lead PEP-based Vasopermeation Enhancement compound
under a sponsored research agreement with the University of Southern
California, and we plan to file an IND to start human clinical studies with
this compound later this year."
US 6,406,693
TUSTIN, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--June
18, 2002--Peregrine Pharmaceuticals PPHM today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent
No. 6,406,693 covering new methods for treating vascularized tumors using
antibodies that bind to a particular group of lipids, termed
aminophospholipids, specific markers of tumor blood vessels. The patent was
issued to the University of Texas System and is licensed exclusively to
Peregrine. Entitled, "Cancer Treatment Methods Using Antibodies to
Aminophospholipids," the patent also provides aminophospholipid-targeted
diagnostic and therapeutic constructs for use in tumor intervention and further
fortifies Peregrine's extensive patent portfolio of Vascular Targeting Agents
(VTAs), a platform technology for the diagnosis and treatment of vascularized
tumors.
The patented treatment methods
were developed by Dr. Philip E. Thorpe, professor of pharmacology, and Dr.
Sophia Ran, assistant professor of pharmacology, at the University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. The patent describes the use of
"naked" (unmodified) antibodies to target aminophospholipids, such as
phosphatidylserine, located on the walls of tumor blood vessels. The antibodies
act by localizing in tumor vasculature and destroying tumor blood vessels while
leaving healthy tissue intact. Animal studies have shown that administration of
the anti-aminophospholipid antibodies alone, without conjugation to toxins or
other agents, is sufficient to induce specific damage to tumor vasculature and
tumor regression. The new technology provides single-agent therapeutics for use
in the safe and effective treatment of a wide range of solid tumors.
"This is the important new
Vascular Targeting molecule that Peregrine has been publicizing over the last
few weeks and Dr. Thorpe and Dr. Ran have discussed at international
conferences," said Edward Legere, Peregrine's president and CEO. "The
patent extends the company's already strong intellectual property position of
Vascular Target Agents as we continue to research and develop
aminophospholipids as viable targets for the treatment of tumors."