Trubion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TRBN)

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Trubion Pharmaceuticals Wins Patent Opposition - Genentech / Biogen Idec European Patent Revoked
Thursday September 11, 1:56 pm ET

SEATTLE, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRBN - News), today announced that the Opposition Division (OD) of the European Patent Office (EPO) has revoked Genentech and Biogen Idec's European Patent 1176981, in its entirety. This patent was generally directed to the use of an anti-CD20 antibody for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The revocation was the result of an opposition proceeding brought by Trubion and several other parties.

The OD, presiding in oral proceedings on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, ruled that the patent as granted did not meet the requirements for patentability under the European Patent Convention. Genentech and Biogen Idec have the right to appeal the decision.

"We are extremely pleased with the EPO's decision as it supports the continued development of new and innovative therapies that have the potential to improve patient outcomes for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Continued innovation will ultimately provide patients with more effective, convenient, and safer therapies," said Peter Thompson, M.D., FACP, president, chief executive officer and chairman of Trubion.