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April 4, 2007
Wayne PA, April 4, 2007 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has confirmed all the claims in its pioneering patents regarding umbilical cord blood stem cells. The Patent Office had previously granted third party requests to reexamine U.S. Patent Nos. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645 and 6,569,427, and has now concluded, after reexamination, that all of the claims are valid.
“Considering the pioneering research of our inventors which eventually led to the creation of the private and public cord blood banking industry, I was always confident that the Patent Office would confirm the validity of our patents and I am gratified that all three senior patent examiners involved in the reexamination reached the same conclusion,” said Nicholas Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem. “It is important for our licensees – of which there are over 20 – to know that the patents they have licensed are valid, and can protect them.”
Although the majority of private cord blood banks are licensed under PharmaStem’s patent portfolio, ViaCord (VIAC), Cryo-Cell (CCEL), CBR Systems and CorCell do not have a license to practice the inventions claimed in PharmaStem's patents.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, and the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood are rich in stem cells that can reconstitute human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage for therapeutic use.
To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and its licensed cord blood banks, please visit www.pharmastem.com
Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227, extension 8005
ndidier@pharmastem.com
January 5 , 2007
Larchmont, NY, January 5, 2007 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a ruling confirming the validity of PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.'s pioneering patent about the Isolation and Preservation of Fetal and Neonatal Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells of the Blood and Methods of Therapeutic Use.
>The Patent Office has issued a "Notice of Intent to Issue a Re-examination Certificate" after re-evaluating PharmaStem's U.S. Patent No. 5,192,553, thus terminating the reexamination proceeding. In its Decision the U.S. Patent Office stated that “the Prior art rejections of record have been withdrawn … The primary references in these rejections Douay, Koike, Ende, Knudtzon, do not teach or suggest that cryopreserved fetal stem cells would obtain hematopoietic reconstitution of a human…”
“I am gratified by this Decision by which the Patent Office confirms again the pioneering contributions of PharmaStem in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use,” said Nicholas Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, and the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood are rich in stem cells that can reconstitute human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage for therapeutic use.
To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and its licensed cord blood banks, please visit www.pharmastem.com.
Contact:
Nicholas Didier
CEO & President
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227
ndidier@pharmastem.com
February 10, 2006
Wayne, PA, February 10. 2006 – PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has entered into
an agreement under which Lifebank Corp, a leading provider
of processing and storage of umbilical cord stem cells, has
obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio.
This agreement will allow Lifebank to successfully market
its services in the United States.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer
in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation
and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership,
PharmaStem has received five U.S. Patents to date: No. 5 004
681, 5 192 553, 6 461 645, 6 569 427 and 6 605 275.
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem, stated:
“We are very excited about our newest license agreement
with Lifebank. It underlines the importance of PharmaStem’s
intellectual property to the industry. Its recognition by
Lifebank, a Canadian company, shows this company’s integrity
and honourable business practices. In the United States, nineteen
cord blood banks now operate under a PharmaStem license. CBR
(Cord Blood Registry), ViaCord, Cryo-Cell International and
CorCell still operate as unlicensed banks.”
For further information about PharmaStem,
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO and President, at 914-833-9227
or ndidier@pharmastem.com
For further information about Lifebank
Corp., contact F. Ernest Stacey, CEO and President, at 604-738-2722
or ernest@lifebank.com
May 9, 2005
Wayne PA, May 9, 2005 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced
today that the United States Patent Office has confirmed key
patent claims in two of its pioneering patents. In Office
communications, the Patent Office stated that the prior art
cited by third parties did not raise a new question of patentability
of these claims. These Office communications were prompted
by reexamination requests that had been filed with the Patent
Office.
“I am gratified that the Patent Office reached an early
and positive conclusion regarding the key claims in Patents
6,461,645 and 6,569,427,” said Nicholas Didier, CEO
and President of PharmaStem. “I am confident that the
Patent Office will also confirm all additional claims in these
and other PharmaStem patents in the near future.”
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, and the
pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation
and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood
are rich in stem cells that can reconstitute human blood and
immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation
of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage for
therapeutic use.
To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio
and its licensed cord blood banks, please visit www.pharmastem.com.
Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227
ndidier@pharmastem.com
April 20, 2005
Wayne PA, April 20, 2005 - PharmaStem Therapeutics,
Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement
under which The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer
Center has obtained a license to PharmaStem's patent portfolio
for the storage and use of umbilical cord blood. Under the
terms of the license and in consideration for certain royalty
payments, M. D. Anderson has acquired the rights to use the
pioneering technology claimed in PharmaStem's five U.S. patents,
Nos. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation,
and the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood
preservation and its therapeutic use. M. D. Anderson Cancer
Center has a long tradition of leading the fight against cancer.
The internationally recognized Blood and Marrow Transplantation
program at M. D. Anderson is at the forefront of medical care
for cancer patients and is one of the largest centers in the
world for blood and bone marrow transplantation.
"The License Agreement between PharmaStem
and M. D. Anderson Cancer Center covering the storage and
therapeutic use of umbilical cord blood stem cells is recognition
of the ever increasing importance of umbilical cord blood
to the treatment of cancer patients," said Nicholas Didier,
President and CEO of PharmaStem. "We are pleased that M. D.
Anderson, one of the leading cancer centers in the world,
has acknowledged the importance of the PharmaStem patents
by entering into this License Agreement." To learn more about
PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and its licensed
cord blood banks, please visit www.pharmastem.com.
Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227
ndidier@pharmastem.com
January 12, 2005
Wayne PA, January 12, 2004 - PharmaStem Therapeutics,
Inc. announced today that that it has filed a motion in the
United States District Court, District of Massachusetts against
ViaCell, Inc., requesting the Court to grant a Preliminary
Injunction against ViaCell.
PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development of umbilical
cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Nicholas
Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem stated: “Defending
our Intellectual Property rights is our highest priority and
we will continue to vigourously pursue any infringers of any
of our patents“
The Motion filed in the District of Massachusetts asks the
Court to preliminary enjoin ViaCell from future infringement
of PharmaStem’s most recently issued Patents, No. 6,461,645
and 6,569,427 and in particular to enjoin and restrain ViaCell
from cryopreserving and storing cord blood for therapeutic
use in hematopoietic reconstitution.
To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio
and licensed cord blood banks please visit www.pharmastem.com.
Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227
ndidier@pharmastem.com
January 11, 2005
Wayne PA, January 11, 2004 - PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that that it has filed
a motion in the Northern District of California against CBR
requesting the Court to grant a Preliminary Injunction against
CBR (Cord Blood Registry).
PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development of umbilical
cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Nicholas
Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem stated: “Defending
our Intellectual Property rights is our highest priority and
we will continue to vigourously pursue any infringers of any
of our patents“
The Motion filed in the Northern District of California asks
the Court to preliminary enjoin CBR from future infringement
of PharmaStem’s most recently issued Patents, No. 6,461,645
and 6,569,427 and in particular to enjoin and restrain CBR
from cryopreserving and storing cord blood for therapeutic
use in hematopoietic reconstitution.
To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio
and licensed cord blood banks please visit www.pharmastem.com.
Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227
ndidier@pharmastem.com
September 20, 2004
Wayne, PA, September 20, 2004 - PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that a Federal District
Court in the District of Delaware confirmed a Jury's previous
findings regarding the validity and enforceability of two
of its pioneering patents (U.S. Patent Nos. 5,004,681 and
5,192,553). On October 29, 2003, a Jury in Delaware found
that PharmaStem's patents were valid, enforceable and willfully
infringed by the defendants ViaCord, CBR (Cord Blood Registry),
Cryo-Cell International and Corcell. Nicholas Didier, CEO
of PharmaStem Therapeutics, stated, "I am very pleased
that the Court has ruled that PharmaStem’s patents are
valid and enforceable. It is gratifying to know that the innovative
advances made by our scientific founders have been recognized
by the Court."
With respect to infringement, the Delaware
jury found that 100% of the cord blood units collected and
stored by defendants infringed the '681 Patent, because the
Jury found that 100% of the cord blood units the defendants
collected and stored for families had enough stem cells to
be therapeutically useful for children and adults. The defendants
argued at trial that not all of the cord blood units they
stored for families contained enough stem cells for such use.
The Court ruled that the evidence "suggests that at least
some of the defendants' cord blood units infringe" the
'681 Patent, but because of procedural rulings, a partial
retrial was needed to determine the defendants' level of infringement
and resulting damages. "PharmaStem expects to obtain
an injunction prohibiting defendants from collecting and storing
cord blood units that have enough stem cells to be therapeutically
useful for children and adults," said Mr. Didier.
With respect to the ‘553 Patent, the
defendants alleged at trial that they did not infringe this
patent because they did not own the cord blood units, and
that only the owner of the units (i.e., the families who bank
with the defendants) could be liable for such infringement.
The Delaware jury disagreed with the defendants and found
that they infringed this patent. The court, however, apparently
agreed with the defendants and set aside the jury's verdict
based upon its interpretation of infringement as applied to
the '553 Patent. PharmaStem believes that the court used an
improper legal standard and is confident it will prevail on
appeal and the jury's verdict will be reinstated.
PharmaStem’s pioneering patents have
been recognized by the vast majority of the private umbilical
cord blood industry. At this time, 16 of the 20 private cord
blood banks operating in the United States have taken a license
to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. The only remaining
unlicensed banks are the defendants ViaCord, CBR (Cord Blood
Registry), Cryo-Cell International and Corcell. PharmaStem
has additional patent lawsuits pending against these unlicensed
banks.
Contact:
Nicholas Didier
CEO & President
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227 (phone)
ndidier@pharmastem.com.
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August
23, 2004
Wayne PA, August 23, 2004 - PharmaStem Therapeutics,
Inc. announced today that that 80% of the private umbilical
cord blood companies in the United States are now operating
under its licensed patents. The recent addition of CureSource
brings the number of licensed cord blood banks to 16 out of
20 private companies.
LICENSED cord blood banks are:
California Cryobank Stem Cell Services
New England Cord Blood Bank
Stembanc
Cryobanks International
LifeBank USA
Cord Blood Family Trust
Cord Partners
Alpha Cord
GeneAngel
Newborn Blood Banking
Securacell
Norton Hospitals/ Family Link
HemaStem Therapeutics
Lifestor
CORD – Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive Donors
CureSource
PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development
of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use.
Nicholas Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem stated: “We
are very pleased by the the overwhelming recognition of PharmaStem’s
innovative patented technology. These 16 companies provide
expectant parents and obstetricians with a wide variety of
choices when it comes to selecting a cord blood bank. “
On October 29, 2003, a Delaware jury unanimously
found that two of PharmaStem's pioneering patents, US Patent
Nos. 5,004,681 and 5,192,553 were valid and enforceable and
that the four defendants ViaCord,
CBR (Cord Blood Registry), Cryo-Cell and Corcell had willfully
infringed these patents. These four companies are the only
UNLICENSED cord blood banks still in operation.
To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio
and licensed cord blood banks please visit www.pharmastem.com
Contact:
Nicholas Didier
CEO & President
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227 (phone)
ndidier@pharmastem.com.
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August
2, 2004
Wayne, PA, August 2, 2004 - PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that it has initiated multiple
lawsuits for patent infringement to protect its intellectual
property rights relating to umbilical cord blood stem cells.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer
in the discovery and development of umbilical cord blood preservation
and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership,
PharmaStem has received five U.S. Patents to date for its
technological advances.
The new lawsuits assert infringement of two recently issued
patents, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,569,427 and/or 6,605,275, which
relate to the cryopreservation and therapeutic use of umbilical
cord blood stem cells. Named in the complaints are the four
remaining cord blood banks (ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International,
Inc., CBR Systems, Inc. (Cord Blood Registry), CorCell, Inc.)
who have refused to license PharmaStem’s patents and
certain obstetricians and health care providers who collect
umbilical cord blood for these unlicensed cord blood banks.
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem stated: “While
we would prefer not to sue any obstetricians or health care
providers, it is important to protect our intellectual property
rights for the benefit of our licensees. To date, we have
15 licensed cord blood banks so obstetricians and health care
providers have many choices available to them.” PharmaStem’s
license agreements provide a license to obstetricians and
health care providers for the collection of umbilical cord
blood provided they work with licensed banks.
PharmaStem currently has licensed its patent portfolio to
the following cord blood banks:
LifeBank USA
Stembanc
StemCyte / Cord Blood Family Trust
GeneAngel
Newborn Blood Banking
Securacell
Norton Hospitals Family Link
Cord Partners
HemaStem Therapeutics
Lifestor
California Cryobank Stem Cell Services
New England Cord Blood Bank
Alpha Cord
Cryobanks International
CORD – Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive Donors
On October 29, 2003, a Delaware jury
unanimously found that two of PharmaStem's pioneering patents,
US Patent Nos. 5,004,681 and 5,192,553 were valid and enforceable
and that the four defendants, ViaCell, Cryo-Cell, Corcell
and CBR Systems (Cord Blood Registry) had willfully infringed
these patents.
To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics please visit www.pharmastem.com
or contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at 914-833-9227 (phone) or
ndidier@pharmastem.com.
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April
22, 2004
Wayne, PA, April 22, 2004– –
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and California Cryobank Stem
Cell Services, Inc. today announced that they have entered
into an agreement under which CalCryo SCS, Inc. has obtained
a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem
is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the
development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation
and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership,
PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681,
5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem
stated: “We are pleased to announce the finalization
of our License Agreement with California Cryobank Stem Cell
Services, one of the most important players in the industry.
California Cryobank had approached us to ask for a License
and we are delighted to announce that two thirds of the cord
blood banking industry now operates under a PharmaStem License”.
On October 29, 2003 a Delaware jury unanimously
found ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL.OB),
CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., to willfully infringe
PharmaStem’s pioneering patents covering the technology
for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived
from umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic
use. These stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental
blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for
treating cancer and other diseases.
On February 10, 2004, PharmaStem filed a
lawsuit for patent infringement, in the United States District
Court, Northern District of California, against five companies
active in umbilical cord blood banking. Three out of the five
have settled and entered into a License Agreement with PharmaStem.
The only two remaining defendants are Cryobank for Oncologic
and Reproductive Donors, Inc. (CORD) and Cryobanks International,
Inc.
For further information about PharmaStem,
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone) or
ndidier@pharmastem.com.
For further information about California
Cryobank Stem Cell Services, Inc., contact Kaj Rydman, President
and CEO, at (310) 315-9402 x15 (phone) or krydman@cryobank.com
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March
12, 2004
Wayne, PA, March 12, 2004 – PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has entered into
an agreement under which Cord Partners has obtained a license
to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem is the
successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development
of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its
therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem
has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553,
6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.
Matthew Schissler, Chairman & CEO of
Cord Partners commented: “Cord Partners is pleased to
announce this License Agreement with PharmaStem. This license
supports our conviction to become the most respected umbilical
cord blood banking company in the world. Most importantly,
this license ensures that Cord Partners continues to be built
on ethical foundations and sets the example to all families
evaluating the life saving benefits of umbilical cord blood
stem cells.”
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem
stated: “The agreement with Cord Partners is yet another
example of our ever growing association of licensed cord blood
banks. We are pleased with Cord Partners’ decision to
take a license, based on their recognition that it was in
their shareholders’ and customers’ best interest
to acquire a license under PharmaStem’s patent portfolio.”
On October 29, a Delaware jury found unanimously
that ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL.OB),
CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., willfully infringed PharmaStem’s
pioneering patents covering the technology for collecting,
cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical
cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These
stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are
replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating
cancer and other diseases. Didier stated: “Since the
Jury found that the defendants do indeed willfully infringe
PharmaStem’s technology, an increasing number of cord
blood banks have recognized that taking a patent license was
the right decision for investors and parents. Half of the
family cord blood banking industry is now licensed under the
PharmaStem patents, with other license agreements to be announced
shortly.”
On February 10, 2004, PharmaStem filed a
lawsuit for patent infringement, in the United States District
Court for the Northern District of California, against five
companies active in umbilical cord blood banking. Named as
defendants are Alpha Cord Inc., Cryobanks International Inc.,
Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive Donors, Inc. (CORD)
and New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc. In entering into the
License Agreement, Cord Partners was dismissed from the case.
For further information about PharmaStem,
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone) or
ndidier@pharmastem.com.
For further information about Cord Partners,
Inc contact Matthew Schissler, Chairman & CEO at (310)
443-4153 or ndidier@pharmastem.com |
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March
8 , 2004
Wayne, PA, March 8, 2004 – PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has entered into
an agreement under which Norton Hospitals have obtained a
license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem
is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the
development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation
and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership,
PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681,
5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275. Norton Hospitals
also operates under the Family Link name.
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem
stated: “The agreement with Norton Hospitals is an important
addition to our ever growing association of licensed cord
blood banks. Norton Hospitals is a not-for-profit organization.
Licensees of PharmaStem’s technology now include every
spectrum of the cord blood banking industry, from private
to public banks, from for profit to not for profit, from autologous
to allogeneic, from family to donor banking.”
On October 29, a Delaware jury found unanimously
that ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL.OB),
CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., willfully infringed PharmaStem’s
pioneering patents covering the technology for collecting,
cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical
cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These
stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are
replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating
cancer and other diseases. Didier stated: “Since the
Jury found that the defendants do indeed willfully infringe
PharmaStem’s technology, an increasing number of cord
blood banks have recognized that taking a patent license was
necessary to expand their relationships with customers and
investors.”
On February 10, 2004, PharmaStem filed a
lawsuit for patent infringement, in the United States District
Court for the Northern District of California, against five
companies active in umbilical cord blood banking. Named as
defendants are Alpha Cord Inc., Cord Partners Inc., Cryobanks
International Inc., Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive
Donors, Inc. (CORD) and New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc.
Before filing the complaint, PharmaStem had made substantial
efforts to enter into licensing discussions with all of these
defendants. Based on their lack of response and the need to
protect the interest of its existing licensees, PharmaStem
has concluded that litigation was the only remaining option
to insure protection of its intellectual property and the
economic interest of its licensees.
For further information about PharmaStem
Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com),
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com
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February
12, 2004
Wayne, PA, February 12, 2004 - PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc., today announced that it has filed a lawsuit
for patent infringement, in the United States District Court,
Northern District of California, against five companies active
in umbilical cord blood banking. Named as defendants are Alpha
Cord, Inc., Cord Partners Inc., Cryobank for Oncologic and
Reproductive Donors, Inc. (CORD), Cryobanks International,
Inc. and New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc.
PharmaStem’s lawsuit is for the infringement
of United States Patents No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645
and 6,569,427. This patent portfolio covers pioneering and
fundamental inventions in the collection, preservation and
growth of umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic
use. Recently PharmaStem won a unanimous jury verdict of willful
infringement against ViaCell, Inc., Corcell, Inc., Cryo-Cell
International (NASDAQ: CCEL.OB) and CBR Systems.
PharmaStem Therapeutics is the successor
to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development and
implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic
use. Umbilical cord and placental blood is rich in stem cells
that can reconstitute the human blood and immune systems.
The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's
rapidly growing field of cord blood storage. The freezing
("cryopreservation"), after collection at or shortly
after birth, of blood from the infant's umbilical cord and
placenta enables the "hematopoietic" (blood producing)
stem cells contained in the blood to be preserved for decades.
They can later be thawed and used for the reconstitution of
the blood and the immune systems for the treatment of anemia,
leukemia and other blood disorders.
According to Nicholas Didier, President and
CEO of PharmaStem Therapeutics: "We have informed the
industry of our willingness to license and a number of umbilical
cord blood banks have acknowledged the pioneering technology
of the patents in taking a license from PharmaStem. We made
substantial efforts to enter into licensing discussions with
the named defendants. Based on their lack of response and
the need to protect the interest of our existing and future
licensees, PharmaStem has concluded that litigation was the
only option to insure protection of its intellectual property.
While we continue to prefer licensing our patent portfolio
through good faith negotiations, we also are committed to
taking all appropriate steps to protect our rights and the
economic interest of our licensees."
PharmaStem Therapeutics has engaged the firm
of IP Finance LLC, a patent and technology licensing company,
to represent it in its licensing program, and the law firm
of Perkins Coie to handle the lawsuit.
For further information about PharmaStem
Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com),
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com.
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February
4, 2004
Wayne, PA, February 4, 2004 – PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc. and Securacell, Inc. today announced that
they have entered into an agreement under which Securacell,
Inc. has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer
in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation
and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership,
PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681,
5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.
Francis Quicci, President and CEO of Securacell
stated: “Securacell is pleased to announce this License
Agreement with PharmaStem. As a company owned and operated
by medical professionals, we value the technology and security
that the license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio provides.
More importantly our clients and their families, and all the
families considering umbilical cord blood banking can be assured
Securacell continues to build a company with an ethical and
firm foundation. This License ensures our continued leadership
in the cord blood banking industry.”
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem
stated: “The Cord Blood Banking industry is now divided
into two: Banks who recognize PharmaStem’s pioneering
invention and are licensed and others who still seem to believe
that they can ignore the Patents. But ever since the Jury
found that the defendants do indeed willfully infringe on
PharmaStem’s technology, an increasing number of cord
blood banks have recognized that taking a license under the
patents was the right thing to do and move on with their business.”
On October 29, a Delaware jury found unanimously
that ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL.OB),
CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., willfully infringed PharmaStem’s
pioneering patents covering the technology for collecting,
cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical
cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These
stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are
replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating
cancer and other diseases.
For further information about PharmaStem
Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com),
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com
For further information about Securacell,
Inc., contact Francis Quicci, President and CEO, at (330)
649-9444 (phone) or fquicci@securacell.com. |
|
January
30, 2004
Wayne, PA, January 30, 2004 –
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and Newborn Blood Banking, Inc.
today announced that they have entered into an agreement under
which Newborn Blood Banking has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s
patent portfolio. This represents the 5th license PharmaStem
has granted to umbilical cord blood banks. PharmaStem is the
successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development
of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its
therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem
has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553,
6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.
Jon Suits, President of Newborn Blood Banking,
Inc. stated: "We are happy to announce our acquisition
of a License from PharmStem. With this important agreement
in place, parents can take comfort in knowing that Newborn
Blood Banking, Inc. is now licensed under this important PharmaStem
cord blood patent portfolio. We plan to use this agreement
to enhance our valuable service and expertise in the life
saving banking of newborn cord blood."
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem
stated: “Ever since the Jury found that the defendants
do infringe on PharmaStem’s Technology, which is the
foundation of the Cord Blood Banking Industry, and that they
did so willfully, cord blood banks have stepped forward to
secure a license from PharmaStem. Newborn Blood Banking is
yet another example in this industry trend.
On October 29, a Delaware jury had found
unanimously that PharmaStem's pioneering patents were valid
and enforceable and that the four defendants, ViaCell, Inc.,
Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL), CorCell, Inc. and CBR
Systems, Inc., willfully infringe the patents covering the
technology for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem
cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for
future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in umbilical
cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant
source for treating cancer and other diseases.
"This verdict is a resounding affirmation
of PharmaStem's strong intellectual property position,"
said CEO Nicholas Didier. "Even before this verdict,
PharmaStem had three license agreements with leading industry
participants. Now, the combination of the jury’s decision
and three additional pioneering patents issued to PharmaStem
since the inception of the lawsuit leads me to expect that
we will soon reach favorable resolution with all industry
participants so that we can focus on growing the industry
together. A number of parties have already come forward for
discussions.”
About PharmaStem
(www.pharmastem.com): For further information about
PharmaStem Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com),
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com.
About Newborn Blood Banking
(www.newbornbloodbanking.com):
For further information about Newborn Blood Banking (www.newbornbloodbanking.com)
contact Jon Suits, President, at (813) 948-2673 or newbornbbi@aol.com. |
|
December
3, 2003
Wayne, PA, December 3, 2003 –
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and GeneAngel, Inc. today announced
that they have entered into an agreement under which GeneAngel
has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio.
This represents the 4th license PharmaStem has granted to
umbilical cord blood banks. PharmaStem is the successor to
Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical
cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic
use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received
five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645,
6,569,427 and 6,605,275.
Aniko Kaiser, Vice President of GeneAngel
stated: “Obtaining a PharmaStem license ensures that
GeneAngel can continue to position itself as a leading cord
blood banking company. GeneAngel now provides a level of comfort
to a parent not offered by non-PharmaStem licensed companies.
Consider that some of those cord blood companies were ordered
just this month to pay millions of dollars in damages for
willful infringements of PharmaStem’s patents, and one
can appreciate how anxious parents have now become. One direct
effect of this judgment has been a heightened concern amongst
parents who already stored with the infringing banks, and
what might happen to their child's stored stem cells in the
future. This concern led GeneAngel to bring forward the launch
of the GeneSentinel transfer program that allows those parents
to transfer their child’s stored stem cells to a GeneAngel’s
secure facility. Given the recent turmoil, GeneAngel is offering
to collect and transfer those stem cells at no cost to parents.”
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem
stated: “Ever since the Jury found that the defendants
do indeed infringe on PharmaStem’s Technology, and that
they did so willfully, cord blood banks have stepped forward
to secure a license from PharmaStem. GeneAngel is the first
of this ‘new wave’ of licensees, with more to
come in the near future.”
On October 29, a Delaware jury had found
unanimously that PharmaStem's pioneering patents were valid
and enforceable and that the four defendants, ViaCell, Inc.,
Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL), CorCell, Inc. and CBR
Systems, Inc., had willfully infringed patents covering the
technology for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem
cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for
future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in umbilical
cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant
source for treating cancer and other diseases.
About PharmaStem
(www.pharmastem.com): For further information about
PharmaStem Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com),
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com.
About
GeneAngel (www.geneangel.com):
For further information about GeneAngel (www.geneangel.com),
contact Aniko Kaiser, VP, at (310) 312-9522 ext 923 (phone),
(310) 861-5606 (fax) or aniko.kaiser@geneangel.com. |
|
November
4, 2003
In an important victory for the growing
field of therapeutic use of umbilical cord stem cells, PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc. and Perkins Coie LLP announced today that
they had won a major patent infringement lawsuit in Delaware.
The Delaware jury unanimously found that
PharmaStem's pioneering patents were valid and enforceable
and that the four defendants, ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International,
CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., had willfully infringed
patents covering the technology for collecting, cryopreserving
and storing stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental
blood for future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in
umbilical cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow
as a transplant source for treating cancer and other diseases.
"A jury finding of willful infringement
is extremely rare and represents a compelling validation of
PharmaStem's claims," said Paul Andre of Perkins Coie,
lead attorney on the case. "The legal determination that
the patents are valid and enforceable further confirms that
the inventors made an innovative scientific contribution,
one that the scientific community has recognized for over
fifteen years.”
The defendants are ordered to pay in excess
of $7 million in past damages. The finding of willful infringement
permits the Court to treble the damages and award attorneys’
fees to PharmaStem.
"This verdict is a resounding affirmation
of PharmaStem's strong intellectual property position,"
said CEO Nicholas Didier. "Even before this verdict,
PharmaStem had three license agreements with leading industry
participants. Now, the combination of the jury’s decision
and three additional pioneering patents issued to PharmaStem
since the inception of the lawsuit leads me to expect that
we will soon reach favorable resolution with all industry
participants so that we can focus on growing the industry
together. A number of parties have already come forward for
discussions.”
About PharmaStem
(www.pharmastem.com): PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development
and implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic
use.
About Perkins
Coie (www.perkinscoie.com):
Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm, with nearly
600 attorneys serving clients from 14 offices across the United
States and China. The firm represents clients that range in
size from Fortune 100 companies to startups and has historically
represented market leaders in traditional and cutting-edge
technology industries. The firm's patent litigation department
was recently named among the top 10 firms in the country for
plaintiff work by IP Law and Business magazine.
For further information about PharmaStem,
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone), (914)
833-3175 (FAX) or ndidier@pharmastem.com. |
|
September
23, 2003
Wayne, PA, September 23, 2003 –
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and StemCyte, Inc. today announced
that they have entered into an agreement under which StemCyte
has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer
in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation
and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership,
PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681
issued on April 2, 1991; No. 5,192,553 issued on March 9,
1993, No. 6,461,645 issued on October 8, 2002; No. 6,569,427
issued on May 27, 2003 and No. 6,605,275 on August 12, 2003.
Kenneth Giacin, President and CEO of StemCyte
stated: “We are pleased to announce the agreement to
license the blood and placenta preservation patent portfolio
from PharmaStem. With this important agreement in place StemCyte
can actively and without restrictions pursue our business
objectives of becoming a worldwide leading provider of Umbilical
Cord Blood Stem Cells for life saving therapies”.
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem
stated: “StemCyte’s decision to license PharmaStem’s
Patents is an important milestone in our efforts to promote
this life saving technology and make it available to the broadest
extent possible so that patients in need get adequate treatment.”
StemCyte, based in Arcadia, CA, specializes
in providing stem cells and stem cell technology for transplantation
therapy and research and development, . A major area of focus
is umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation, a substitute
for traditional bone marrow transplantation. Umbilical cord
blood stem cell transplantation is now a recognized alternative
in the field of transplantation medicine.
For further information about PharmaStem,
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone), (914)
833-3175 (FAX) or ndidier@pharmastem.com.
For further information about StemCyte,
contact Dr. Robert Chow at (626) 821-9860 or rchow@stemcyteinc.com. |
|
September
8, 2003
WAYNE, PA – (September 8, 2003)
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has
issued two additional patents related to cryopreserved stem
cells and progenitor cells to PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.,
a privately held corporation. Patents Nos. 6,569,427 and 6,605,275
relate to the therapeutic use of fetal and neonatal stem cells
for hemapoietic or immune reconstitution and hematopoietic
reconstitution in gene therapy.
According to Nicholas V. Didier, Chief Executive
Officer of PharmaStem Therapeutics, "The issuance of
these new patents is a further validation of the significance
of PharmaStem’s contributions to the therapeutic use
of umbilical cord and placental blood. The transplantation
of cord blood stem cell compositions is a rapidly growing
field as an alternative to bone marrow transplants. This blood
and its derivatives are useful for the reconstitution of the
blood and the immune systems, among others, for the treatment
of anemia, leukemia and other disorders. PharmaStem’s
patent portfolio comprising now five patents will enable us
to further enhance the protection of our intellectual property
rights and its licensees."
The newly issued patents build on the pioneering
and fundamental inventions in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,004,681,
issued on April 2, 1991, and 5,192,553, issued on March 9,
1993. The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have been asserted
by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement, filed
on February 22, 2002, in the United States District Court
for the District of Delaware. Named as defendants are ViaCell,
Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (CCEL.OB), CorCell, Inc.,
StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems, Inc.
(also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc.,
and Birthcells Technology, Inc. The ‘681 patent was
re-examined by the USPTO after Cryo-Cell International, Inc.,
(CCEL.OB) one of the defendants, filed such a request on grounds
of invalidity. Following re-examination, the USPTO issued
a re-examination certificate on April 11, 2000, reaffirming
the novel contributions of PharmaStem’s patent. Since
the filing of the lawsuit, PharmaStem has entered into licensing
agreements pertaining to the patent portfolio with a number
of entities which otherwise would be infringing the patents.
PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development
and implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic
use. Umbilical cord and placental blood are rich in stem cells
that can reconstitute human blood and immune systems. The
Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly
growing field of cord blood storage.
PharmaStem Therapeutics’ licensing
program is developed and managed by IP Finance LLC, a patent
and technology licensing company, while the law firm of Perkins
Coie handles the litigation.
For further information about PharmaStem,
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone), (914)
833-3175 (FAX) or ndidier@pharmastem.com. |
|
February
20, 2003
Wayne, PA, February 20, 2003 –
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and Stembanc, Inc. today announced
that they have entered into an agreement under which Stembanc
has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer
in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation
and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership,
PharmaStem has received three U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681,
issued on April 2, 1991; No. 5,192,553, issued on March 9,
1993, and No. 6,461,645 issued on October 8, 2002. Other patent
applications are pending.
Archibald A. (Archie) Grabinski, President
and CEO of Stembanc stated: “This patent portfolio complements
our existing patent pending intellectual property exceptionally
well. Stembanc is now uniquely positioned to assume leadership
in the newborn stem cell banking industry.”
“While we believe that the patented
PharmaStem processes are needed for the successful reanimation
of cryopreserved newborn stem cells, it is noteworthy that
virtually all prior companies in this industry are operating
without a license to use these critical technologies. Parents
who entrust Stembanc with their child’s precious, irreplaceable
stem cells may be comfortable knowing that Stembanc is the
only company in the industry that has operated from its inception
with a license to use this vital technology.”
“Newborn stem cells have the
proven potential for lifesaving family therapeutic uses. However,
potentially more significant are exciting recent advances
in the field of regenerative medicine that point to the use
of these stem cells as the future seed material for perfectly
matched replacement tissues and organs for that newborn donor
– thereby offering the possibility of very significant
life extension.”
“These scientific and technological
developments have leapt ahead of business attempts at widespread
commercialization of newborn stem cell cryopreservation technology.
This is due both to the rapidity of the scientific developments
and to the limited success of unlicensed companies to effectively
reach and educate most expectant parents. Consequently, to
the detriment of parents and their newborn children, these
stem cells are typically discarded.”
“Stembanc is uniquely positioned
to remedy this situation, thereby bringing forth a positive
to society as well as opportunity to its shareholders.”
Stembanc, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a
pioneer in the widespread commercialization of technologically
superior and ethically sound biological material cryopreservation.
The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have
been asserted by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement,
filed on February 22, 2002, in the U.S. District Court for
the District of Delaware. Named as defendants in the lawsuit
are ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (NASDAQ-CCEL),
CorCell, Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc.,
CBR Systems, Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.),
Bio-Cell Inc., and Birthcells Technology, Inc. Stembanc is
not a defendant in the lawsuit.
For further information about PharmaStem,
contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone), (914)
833-3175 (FAX) or ndidier@pharmastem.com.
For further information about Stembanc,
contact Archibald A. (Archie) Grabinski, President and CEO,
at (216) 529-8015 (phone), or grabinski@stembanc.com. |
|
November
25, 2002
Wayne, PA, November 25, 2002 - PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc. and Anthrogenesis Corporation today announced
that they have entered into an Agreement under which Anthrogenesis
has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer
in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation
and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership,
PharmaStem has received three U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681,
issued on April 2, 1991; No. 5,192,553, issued on March 9,
1993; and No. 6,461,645, issued on October 8, 2002. Other
patent applications are pending.
John R. Haines, President and CEO of Anthrogenesis,
stated: “We are very pleased about this License Agreement
with PharmaStem, which was entered into amicably and without
the need for litigation. Importantly, parents who entrust
their children’s cord blood to our Lifebank division
can be secure in the knowledge that we are the first company
to obtain a license under the important PharmaStem patent
portfolio. This gives Lifebank a substantial competitive advantage
over others in the field that are not licensed. This license
provides a firm base for Lifebank to use in building its cord
blood banking lines of business.”
Umbilical cord and placental blood is rich
in stem cells that can reconstitute the human blood and immune
systems. PharmaStem provided the roadmap for the creation
of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage. A
number of cord blood banks have been established since the
‘681 and ‘553 patents were issued in the early
1990’s, including autologous banks that store cord blood
for family use as well as allogeneic banks that collect cord
blood for public use. The cryopreservation, at or shortly
after birth, of blood from the infant's umbilical cord and
placenta enables the "hematopoietic" stem cells
contained in the blood to be thawed at a later time and used
among other things, for the reconstitution of blood and immune
systems to treat anemia, leukemia and other disorders.
Nicholas Didier, CEO of PharmaStem Therapeutics,
commented: "This License Agreement is a recognition of
the pioneering and valuable contributions evidenced by PharmaStem’s
patent portfolio. This agreement is an important milestone
in our program to enforce our patents and prevent the unlicensed
use of our proprietary technology."
Anthrogenesis, based in Cedar Knolls, New
Jersey, is a biotherapeutics company that through its Lifebank
division, a state-licensed blood bank, is engaged in the collection
and cryopreservation of umbilical cord and placental blood
stem cells for later therapeutic use after thawing. On November
13, 2002, Anthrogenesis announced that it had signed a definitive
agreement to be acquired by Celgene Corporation an independent
biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery,
development and commercialization of novel therapies for the
treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through gene
and protein regulation.
“Anthrogenesis expects to aggressively
build up its existing umbilical cord and placental blood banking
lines of business as part of its combination with Celgene,”
according to Mr. Haines.
The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have
been asserted by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement,
filed on February 22, 2002, in the United States District
Court for the District of Delaware. Named as defendants in
the lawsuit are ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc.
(Nasdaq-CCEL), CorCell, Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies,
Inc., CBR Systems, Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry,
Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc., and Birthcells Technology, Inc. Anthrogenesis
is not a defendant in the lawsuit.
For further information, contact Nicholas
Didier, President, IP Finance LLC, at (212) 432-7088 (phone),
(914) 833-3175 (fax), or ndidier@ip-finance.com.
For further information about Anthrogenesis, contact John
Haines, President and CEO, at (973) 267-8200 (phone), (973)
267-8201 (fax), or
jhaines@anthrogenesis.com. |
|
November
11, 2002
WAYNE, PA – (November 11, 2002)
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has
issued a third patent, related to cryopreserved stem cells
and progenitor cells, to PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc., a
privately held corporation. Patent No. 6,461,645 is for pharmaceutical
compositions of human hematopoietic stem cells derived from
umbilical cord or placental blood, cryopreserved for future
therapeutic use.
According to Nicholas V. Didier, Chief Executive
Officer of PharmaStem Therapeutics, "The issuance of
this third patent is a further validation of the importance
of PharmaStem’s contributions to the therapeutic use
of umbilical cord and placental blood. The transplantation
of cord blood stem cell compositions is a rapidly growing
field. This blood and its derivatives are useful for the reconstitution
of the blood and the immune systems, among others, for the
treatment of anemia, leukemia and other disorders. Additional
patent applications are pending. This patent portfolio will
enable us to protect our intellectual property rights for
the Company and its licensees."
The newly issued patent builds on the pioneering
and fundamental inventions in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,004,681,
issued on April 2, 1991, and 5,192,553, issued on March 9,
1993. The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have been asserted
by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement, filed
on February 22, 2002, in the United States District Court
for the District of Delaware. Named as defendants are ViaCell,
Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (CCEL), CorCell, Inc.,
StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems, Inc.
(also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc.,
and Birthcells Technology, Inc. The ‘681 patent was
re-examined by the USPTO after Cryo-Cell International, Inc.,
(CCEL) one of the defendants, filed such a request on grounds
of invalidity. Following re-examination, the USPTO issued
a re-examination certificate on April 11, 2000, reaffirming
the novel contributions of PharmaStem’s patent.
PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development
and implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic
use. Umbilical cord and placental blood are rich in stem cells
that can reconstitute human blood and immune systems. The
Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly
growing field of cord blood storage.
PharmaStem Therapeutics has engaged the
firm of IP Finance LLC, a patent and technology licensing
company, to represent it in its licensing program, while the
law firm of Quinn Emanuel handles the lawsuit.
For further information,
contact Nicholas Didier, President, IP Finance LLC, at (212)
432-7088 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (fax), or ndidier@ip-finance.com. |
|
April
3, 2002
DEL MAR, CA, April 3, 2002 - PharmaStem Therapeutics,
Inc., a privately held corporation, has received official
notification from the United States Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) of the allowance of its third patent. The patent is
for pharmaceutical compositions of human hematopoietic stem
cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for
future therapeutic use. The Company expects the patent to
be issued shortly. This patent builds on the pioneering and
fundamental inventions in Patent Nos. 5,004,681, issued on
April 2, 1991, and 5,192,553, issued on March 9, 1993.
The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have
been asserted by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement,
filed on February 22, 2002, in the United States District
Court for the District of Delaware. Named as defendants are
ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (CCEL), CorCell,
Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems,
Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc.,
and Birthcells Technology, Inc. The ‘681 patent was
re-examined by the USPTO after Cryo-Cell International, Inc.,
one of the defendants, filed such a request on grounds of
invalidity. Following re-examination, the USPTO issued a re-examination
certificate on April 11, 2000, reaffirming the novel contributions
of PharmaStem’s patent.
The predecessor of PharmaStem, Biocyte Corporation,
was the pioneer in the development and implementation of cord
blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord
and placental blood is rich in stem cells that can reconstitute
the human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the
roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field
of cord blood storage.
According to Steven D. Reich, M.D., President
of PharmaStem Therapeutics, "The allowance of this third
patent is a further validation of the importance of the contributions
of PharmaStem and its founders and inventors, who pioneered
the therapeutic use of umbilical cord and placental blood.
The transplantation of cord blood stem cell compositions is
a rapidly growing field. This blood is useful in treating
various fatal or crippling diseases that involve the blood
or immune systems. Additional patent applications are pending,
and this growing portfolio will enable the Company to protect
its intellectual property rights."
PharmaStem Therapeutics has engaged the
firm of IP Finance LLC, a patent and technology licensing
company, to represent it in its licensing program, and the
law firm of Quinn Emanuel to handle the lawsuit.
For further information,
contact Nicholas Didier, President, IP Finance LLC, at (212)
432-7088 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (fax), or ndidier@ip-finance.com. |
|
February
25, 2002
DEL MAR, CA, February 25, 2002 - PharmaStem
Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held corporation, has filed
a lawsuit for patent infringement, in the United States District
Court for the District of Delaware, against eight companies
active in umbilical cord blood banking. Named as defendants
are ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc., CorCell,
Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems,
Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc.,
and Birthcells Technology, Inc.
PharmaStem’s lawsuit is for the infringement
of United States Patent No. 5,004,681, issued on April 2,
1991 and Patent No. 5,192,553, issued on March 9, 1993. The
two patents cover pioneering and fundamental inventions in
the collection, preservation and growth of umbilical cord
and placental blood for future therapeutic use. The ‘681
patent was re-examined by the United States Patent and Trademark
Office after Cryo-Cell International, Inc., one of the defendants,
filed such a request on grounds of invalidity. Following re-examination,
the Patent Office issued a re-examination certificate reaffirming
the novel contributions of PharmaStem’s patent.
Biocyte Corporation, the predecessor of
PharmaStem, was the pioneer in the development and implementation
of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical
cord and placental blood is rich in stem cells that can reconstitute
the human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the
roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field
of cord blood storage. The freezing ("cryopreservation"),
at or shortly after birth, of blood from the infant's umbilical
cord and placenta enables the "hematopoietic" (blood
producing) stem cells contained in the blood to be thawed
at a later time and used for the reconstitution of the blood
and the immune systems for the treatment of anemia, leukemia
and other blood disorders.
According to Steven D. Reich, M.D., President
and CEO of PharmaStem Therapeutics: "We have informed
the industry of our willingness to license our technology
and made substantial efforts to enter into license agreements.
Based on the infringers’ lack of response, PharmaStem
has concluded that litigation is its only remaining option
to insure protection of its intellectual property. While we
would have preferred to license our portfolio through good
faith negotiations, we are committed to taking all appropriate
steps to protect our rights."
PharmaStem Therapeutics has engaged the
firm of IP Finance LLC, a patent and technology licensing
company, to represent it in its licensing program, and the
law firm of Quinn Emanuel to handle the lawsuit.
For further information,
contact Nicholas Didier, President, IP Finance LLC, at (212)
432-7088 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (fax), or ndidier@ip-finance.com. |
|
|