Vermillion Receives Notice of Allowance for Patent on Platelet Biomarkers of Angiogenesis
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Vermillion, Inc. has received a notice of allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a patent, "Platelet biomarkers for cancer."
The patent resulted from a collaboration with the late Dr. Judah Folkman, a renowned cancer expert, and identifies three biomarkers that can be used to assess changes in endogenous angiogenesis in a subject.
Angiogenesis is commonly associated with cancer, and novel therapeutics such as bevacizumab (Avastin®) target angiogenesis to limit tumor recruitment of blood vessels.
The patented biomarkers, which are associated with platelets, can be used to measure ongoing angiogenic activity.
The patent covers the measurement of these biomarkers over time and correlating changes in expression with the changing level of endogenous angiogenic activity.
Consequently, this patent also enables the use of these biomarkers to monitor efficacy of therapy directed at angiogenic pathways.
"Vermillion is committed to the creation of innovative, effective tests for cancer diagnosis and patient management," said Dr. Donald Munroe, the company's chief scientific officer.
Dr. Munroe continued, "We believe the addition of this new angiogenic biomarkers patent to our already extensive IP portfolio could enable new methods of monitoring disease progression and therapeutic response."
