Rainbow BioSciences, LLC Target Amarantus BioSciences, Inc. Wins MANF Patent Challenge in Europe

NOKOMIS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rainbow Coral Corp. (OTCBB: RBCC) joint venture target Amarantus Bioscience, Inc. (OTCQB: AMBS) recently won a major victory when its patent for MANF, the company’s proprietary anti-apoptosis therapeutic protein, was challenged in Europe. The Opposition Division of the European Patent Office upheld Amarantus’ European Patent relating to the neurotrophic factor following opposition by rival Hermo Pharma OY of Finland. The Opposition Division held that Hermo Phrama’s arguments did not prejudice the maintenance of the patent as originally granted, with broad claims covering MANF and its derivatives. The Opponent had not contested the validity of the patent on the basis of novelty or inventive step, but had objected to the broad scope of the claims. After due consideration, the Opposition Division rejected the Hermo Pharma’s arguments and upheld the claims without restriction.