CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Diffusion
Pharmaceuticals LLC, a clinical-stage drug-development company
commercializing drugs utilizing a novel method of action that enhances
oxygen diffusion, today announced that it has been granted U.S. patent no.
7,351,844 entitled "Bipolar Trans Carotenoid Salts and Their Uses." This
patent includes claims to a family of first-in-class new chemical entities,
known as trans biopolar carotenoid (or TBC) molecules. In addition, the
Company also announced it has been granted corresponding patents from the
South African and the New Zealand Patent Offices.
"The issuance of these patents is a vital step in our intellectual
property development strategy, furthering our goal of bringing Diffusion
Pharmaceutical's first-in-class therapeutics to market. Our highly unique
compounds may one day treat patients with a broad range of disorders
involving hypoxia," said David G. Kalergis, Diffusion's CEO.
In addition to these newly issued patents, the Company has also filed
other U.S. patent applications and numerous corresponding foreign and
national-stage applications in major international markets.
About Diffusion Pharmaceuticals LLC
Diffusion Pharmaceuticals LLC is a clinical-stage drug-development
company commercializing a family of first-in-class drug candidates to treat
serious or life-threatening medical conditions. These proprietary small
molecules use a novel method of action to enhance oxygen diffusion to
oxygen deprived (hypoxic) tissue. Potential clinical applications include
cancer, critical care uses such as trauma, hemorrhage, stroke and heart
attack, as well as chronic conditions such as peripheral arterial and
vascular disease, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disorders.
Enhanced diffusion of oxygen into hypoxic tissue has an important
application in oncology by improving the efficacy of radiation therapy in
cancerous tumors. A Phase 1 study for its lead molecule, trans sodium
crocetinate (TSC), in healthy subjects was successfully completed in 2007.
The company is now initiating proof-of-concept and dose-finding studies in
cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and in peripheral arterial
disease patients suffering from intermittent claudication. Diffusion
Pharmaceuticals, which is privately held, is located in Charlottesville,
Virginia. For more information, visit http://www.diffusionpharma.com.
SOURCE Diffusion Pharmaceuticals LLC
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Related links:
http://www.diffusionpharma.com
CONTACT:
Tracey Linkous, Director of Communications of
Diffusion Pharmaceuticals LLC, +1-434-220-0718,
tlinkous@diffusionpharma.com
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