Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. Receives Issued U.S. Patent Broadly Covering New Method Of Artery And Vein Dilation

WALTHAM, Mass. & KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 27, 2006--Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that a key patent has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The U.S. patent (No. 7,063,838) broadly covers the use of a class of proteins known as elastases for dilating arteries and veins in humans. Proteon Therapeutics owns the issued patent, after receiving an assignment of the underlying technology from Johns Hopkins University. The patent stems from groundbreaking research performed by F. Nicholas Franano, M.D., a founder of Proteon Therapeutics. This work demonstrated in pre-clinical models that treatment of blood vessel segments with elastases leads to a rapid, controlled, and permanent vasodilation. Dr. Stephen S. Rabinowitz of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver, and Jacobson served as lead patent counsel for the application.