Biocept, Inc. Strengthens Its Circulating Tumor Cell IP Position In Europe
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 3, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biocept, Inc. (Nasdaq:BIOC), a molecular oncology diagnostics company specializing in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) biomarker analysis, today announced that the opposition period has expired for challenging the validity of its European Patent No. 1838442, entitled, "Cell Separation Using Microchannel Having Patterned Posts." This patent supports the proprietary microfluidics blood-based technology Biocept uses to capture CTCs.
In Europe, once a granted patent is published, there is a nine-month period during which other parties are able to oppose its validity. Opposition may be raised for a number of reasons, most commonly based on relevant references not considered during prosecution. Consequently, surpassing the "opposition period" significantly increases the strength of the Company's granted patents in Europe.
"This patent helps strengthen our already solid IP portfolio as we transition Biocept from a development to a commercial-stage company," said Michael Nall, Biocept President and CEO. "In addition, it positions us well as we begin to identify potential partners and collaborators in the attractive European market - an important aspect of our commercialization strategy."
Lyle Arnold, Ph.D., Biocept Chief Scientific Officer, said, "The opposition-free granting of this patent in Europe expands the geographic area where Biocept can effectively provide key biomarker and genetic information for individual patients suffering with cancer beyond the U.S."
About Biocept, Inc.
Biocept, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is a commercial-stage oncology diagnostics company focused on providing information on patients' tumors to physicians using its proprietary technology platform to help improve individual patient treatment. Biocept has developed proprietary technology platforms for capture and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) utilizing a standard blood sample to provide physicians with important prognostic and predictive information to enhance individual treatment of their patients with cancer. Biocept currently offers its OncoCEE-BRTM test for breast cancer and plans to introduce tests for lung, colorectal, prostate and other solid tumors based on its proprietary technology platforms.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, Biocept can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words like "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. To the extent that statements in this release are not strictly historical (including, without limitation, statements as to the strength of the Company's patents, the Company's ability to establish partnerships and collaborations in Europe, the expansion of the geographic area in which we serve patients, and the Company's ability to introduce additional tests for new indications), such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous risk factors as set forth in Biocept's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including without limitation the Company's need to grow its business and operations, the Company's need for capital, and the effects of reimbursement limitations and other health care statutory and regulatory initiatives. The effects of such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Readers are advised to review the Company's filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at the SEC's website located at www.sec.gov.
CONTACT: Investor Contact: The Ruth Group David Burke/Lee Roth (646) 536-7009 / (646) 536-7012 dburke@theruthgroup.com/lroth@theruthgroup.com Media Contact: The Ruth Group Melanie Sollid-Penton (646) 536-7023 msollid@theruthgroup.comHey, check out all the research scientist jobs. Post your resume today!