Biotech Values

[10nisman]

GENR... HUGE NEWS!! Up 17% on patent news. Congrats to all the GENR holders (only down 70% from 52 week high)

Press Release Source: Genaera Corporation

Genaera Receives Patent for Gene Variants of Interleukin-9 Receptor
Friday June 23, 8:30 am ET

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060623/phf008.html?.v=56

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genaera Corporation (Nasdaq: GENR - News) today announced issuance by the United States Patent and Trademark Office of patent number 7,056,698 entitled "Nucleic Acids Encoding Interleukin-9 Receptor Variants." The patent relates to the diagnosis, treatment and methods for discovery of new therapeutics for atopic asthma and related disorders based on variants of Interleukin-9 (IL-9) receptor. Patent expiry occurs in November 2018.
ADVERTISEMENT


"The protection provided by this patent further strengthens our intellectual property position around the naturally occurring variants of the IL-9 receptor," said Jack Armstrong, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This receptor is central to the development of diagnostic methods, research tools, and most importantly, new therapies for atopic asthma, allergy and other IL-9 related diseases. We are delighted to have secured additional value for our research efforts in allergy and respiratory diseases."

About IL-9

IL-9 has been associated with symptoms of asthma including mucous production, lung infiltration of inflammatory cells, and IgE (an immune globulin associated with allergic disease) production. It is one of at least 29 naturally occurring interleukins in the human body. Under the April 2001 collaboration and license agreement between Genaera and MedImmune, Inc., U.S. Patent Number 7,056,698 is exclusively licensed to MedImmune for the development of an IL-9 product for the treatment or prevention of asthma and other diseases and/or disorders. Genaera retains the rights to diagnostics and vaccines.