Palatin Technologies granted patent relating to small molecule compounds that bind to melanocortin receptors

Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PTN) announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued U.S. Patent No. 7,709,484, titled "Substituted Melanocortin Receptor-Specific Piperazine Compounds," today.  The claims in the issued patent relate to small molecule compounds which bind to melanocortin receptors.  

Palatin has received Notices of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on four additional patent applications relating to small molecule compounds which bind to melanocortin receptors, U.S. Patent Application Numbers 11/036,282; 11/099,814; 11/464,051 and 11/464,069.

Palatin has also received Notices of Allowance on U.S. Patent Application Number 11/428,749, relating to melanocortin antagonist peptides with potential for treatment of cachexia and related indications; U.S. Patent Application Number 11/031,898, relating to peptides with potential utility for treatment of sexual dysfunction; and U.S. Patent Application Number 11/694,358, relating to linear compounds that bind to natriuretic peptide receptor A, with potential utility for treatment of heart failure, resistant hypertension and related indications.  Palatin anticipates that all the allowed patents will issue over the next six to eight months.

"The issuance of this patent further fortifies our patent protection in the United States related to our work with small molecule compounds which bind to melanocortin receptors," said Trevor Hallam, Ph.D., Palatin's Executive Vice President - Research and Development.    "Receiving allowances from the Patent Office on eight different applications covering several technology areas strengthens our intellectual property portfolio and is a testament to the depth and effectiveness of our research team."

The issued patent and allowed patents cover compounds discovered and developed by Palatin scientists, and are solely owned by Palatin.  In addition to the issued U.S. patent and allowed patents, Palatin has patent applications pending relating to melanocortin receptor-specific small molecules and peptides, natriuretic receptor-specific compounds and other technologies.

SOURCE Palatin Technologies, Inc.