WAKEFIELD, MA, March 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp. today announced a new patent covering NUCRYST's proprietary nanocrystalline silver for use in the treatment of acne. Granted by the US Patent and Trademark office, this is the third dermatology patent issued to the company since 2004. These three issued patents pertain to the use of NUCRYST's unique silver for the treatment of acne, inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, and hyperproliferative skin disorders such as psoriasis.
NUCRYST now possesses 18 issued patents and 22 pending patent applications in the United States as well as 60 corresponding patents and 38 corresponding pending patent applications in other major markets around the world.
"The pursuit of patent protection for the results of our ongoing pharmaceutical discovery and development efforts is an important part of our growth strategy," said Scott H. Gillis, President & CEO, NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals. "We now have patents covering use of our unique form of nanocrystalline silver for the three therapeutic areas which comprise the largest share of the US prescription dermatology market."
For dermatology indications, NUCRYST now holds the following patents: - US Patent number 6,692,773 covers the use of NUCRYST's silver for the treatment of hyperproliferative skin disorders and diseases such as psoriasis. - US Patent number 6,939,568 covers the use of NUCRYST's silver for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. - US Patent number 7,008,647 covers the use of NUCRYST's silver for the treatment of acne and rosacea.
According to IMS data, the top 10 dermatology topical products generated $1.6 billion in US sales in 2004. Of this total, more than 70 per cent of product sales were for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and acne. NUCRYST now holds patents covering all three indications.
Currently, NUCRYST is engaged in its second Phase 2 clinical trial for a cream formulation of NPI 32101, a powder form of NUCRYST's unique nanocrystalline silver, for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Results from this trial are expected by the end of 2006. Preclinical and formulation research is being conducted on NPI 32101 for psoriasis and acne.
NUCRYST is also researching potential pharmaceutical products containing NPI 32101 for use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and, in particular, has begun to explore its use to treat inflammatory bowel disease, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals develops, manufactures and commercializes medical products that fight infection and inflammation using its patented atomically disordered nanocrystalline silver technology. Smith & Nephew plc sell a range of advanced wound care products under their Acticoat(TM) trade mark: Acticoat(TM) products incorporate NUCRYST's SILCRYST(TM) coatings and are sold in over 30 countries. NUCRYST is also developing pharmaceutical products to address medical conditions that are characterized by both infection and inflammation. The company has developed its nanocrystalline silver in a powder form for use as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, referred to as NPI 32101.
Acticoat(TM) is a trademark of Smith & Nephew plc
SILCRYST(TM) is a trademark of NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Some of the statements above may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the United States and Canada. In particular, the statement regarding the timing of the results of our Phase 2 clinical trial may be a forward-looking statement for purposes of the U.S. and Canada securities laws or otherwise. Clinical trials may be suspended or terminated at any time due to the actions of the FDA, other regulatory authorities, our collaborators, or due to our own actions. Our clinical trial could be delayed or prevented by several factors, including: delays in identifying and reaching agreement on acceptable terms with prospective clinical trial sites; insufficient quantities of study product; scheduling conflicts with participating clinicians and clinical institutions; improper enrollment practices resulting in protocol management problems and statistical analysis problems; death of, or serious adverse effects experienced by, one or more patients during the clinical trial even if the reasons are not related to the study product candidate, including the advanced stage of the patient's disease or medical condition; and other factors described under "Risk Factors" in our Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. NUCRYST disclaims any intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp.CONTACT: Investor Relations: David Wills, (416) 504-8464,info@nucryst.com, www.nucryst.com; Media Contact: Evan Ard, SouthardCommunications, (212) 777-2220, evan@southardinc.com
