Mesoblast granted stem cell patent

Melbourne based adult stem cell company, Mesoblast (ASX:MSB), has been granted what it says is a key adult stem cell patent.

IP Australia has granted a patent that covers the composition of matter relating to a unique population of adult stem cells known as mesenchymal precursor cells, as well as methods associated with purifying and enriching these cells.

The granted patent is fundamental to Mesoblast's commercial model of creating its adult stem cell platform technology which has been developed over a 10-year period.

The platform is based on an individual donating a small amount of bone marrow in much the same way as blood is donated, according to the company. Using this technology, adult stem cells are isolated and expanded or multiplied to produce clinically therapeutic doses for many hundreds of unrelated recipients. The new stem cells may be frozen and held in storage for later use as an 'off the shelf' product to generate a host of new tissues for the repair and treatment of many diseases. These treatments cover markets associated with bone repair, arthritis, spine disease, and heart or vascular diseases.

Solbec US patent

Solbec has been granted a US patent relating to a manufacturing process used to separate its lead anti-cancer compound Coramsine's triglycoalkaloid components. Solbec is able to isolate Coramsine's precursor triglycoalkaloid compounds in purified from and then re-blend them together in any desired ratio. In the case of Coramsine the ratio of these precursor compounds is a 1:1 mix.

The company is currently waiting for approval for equivalent patent applications in Australia, Canada and Europe, while the patent has already received approval in New Zealand.