Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals Inc. (fka RCPIQ)

[starcig]

Star Scientific Announces Patent Claims for Synthesis of Anatabine Granted by US PTO
A PR from May of last year Here are some excerpts from the PR:
http://www.starscientific.com/2012-05-16-Star-Scientific-Announces-Patent-Claims-for-Synthesis-of-Anatabine-Granted-by-US-PTO
Star Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGX) announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("PTO") issued a Notice of Allowance on May 11, 2012 to Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, in Application No. 12/729,346, covering an improved method for the synthetic preparation of anatabine.

Dr. Curtis Wright, Senior Vice President and Medical Director of Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals commented, "I have been working with the problems of natural extracts and plant products for over 20 years, and I cannot overemphasize the value of having properly secured intellectual property for the synthesis and purification of compounds of interest to our company. I continue to be impressed by work done by our staff and that of our research partners in adding to the value of this company."

The allowed '346 application discloses an improved process for synthesizing anatabine that facilitates larger scale, commercial production. The method, therefore, represents an improvement over the prior art, which allowed for smaller scale production at lower yields, and in a manner that limited the ability to scale-up the process. The company, through Rock Creek, is also pursuing several additional patent applications covering anatabine salts, dietary formulations containing anatabine, and methods of administering anatabine for the nutritional management of disorders associated with unhealthy levels of inflammation.

Paul L. Perito, Rock Creek's Chairman and CEO stated: "We cannot overstate the significance of these US PTO approved patent claims since the anatabine in our dietary supplement, Anatabloc®, is made utilizing the process covered by these claims. Further, all of our ongoing clinical trials utilize anatabine that has been manufactured utilizing this protected process. Given our focus on this unique alkaloid over the last several years, and the role that we believe it can play in assisting in maintaining healthy levels of inflammation, having an available source of anatabine that is protected by a patent is an important step forward for Star Scientific and its shareholders. In a parallel fashion, we continue to pursue a number of related patent applications for anatabine, anatabine citrate, and its isomers and salts that we believe will strengthen and expand our intellectual property rights. Our existing and expanding patent portfolio constitutes the crown jewels of our company. Those treasured assets, merit our continuing commitment to establish, maintain, and defend our intellectual property and existing patents from potential infringers."

And then a little over a month later another PR-
PTO Issues New Patent to Star Scientific Covering Synthesis of Anatabine
http://www.starscientific.com/2012-06-26-PTO-Issues-New-Patent-to-Star-Scientific-Covering-Synthesis-of-Anatabine

And an excerpt from that PR:
Star Scientific is pursuing additional U.S. patent applications through Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals covering anatabine salts, dietary formulations containing anatabine, and methods of administering anatabine for the nutritional management of disorders associated with unhealthy levels of inflammation.