USPTO issues patent covering method of metastatic breast cancer treatment using Bionovo's Bezielle

Apr 21 2010

Bionovo, Inc. (Nasdaq: BNVI) announced today that the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a patent covering a method of using Bionovo's proprietary drug candidate Bezielle® (BZL101) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The patent issued today is Bionovo's second issued patent, with over 70 other patent applications currently pending.

Bionovo's US Patent No. 7,700,136 covers a method of treating breast cancer using an extract of Scutellaria Barbata.  This patent also covers the use of Bionovo's proprietary Bezielle® formulation as a monotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer.  The patent is expected to provide coverage through at least November 13, 2026. 

Bionovo's first issued patent was US Patent No. 7,482,029, issued on January 27, 2009.  The patent covers treatment of hot flashes with MF101, which has been demonstrated in clinical trials to safely provide menopausal women with relief from hot flashes.  MF101 is the development name for Bionovo's proprietary drug, Menerba®, an oral formulation for the treatment of hot flashes.  The patent is expected to provide coverage through at least August 31, 2026. 

"Following two positive Phase 1 trials of Bezielle, this is another critical milestone in Bionovo's efforts to develop Bezielle into a valuable treatment option for an indication that needs new, safe treatment options. Furthermore, intellectual property protection is essential for successfully partnering our drug candidates, and further assuring shareholder value creation," said Isaac Cohen, Bionovo's Chairman and CEO.