AdvanSource Biomaterials Corporation (NYSE Amex: ASB), a leading developer, manufacturer and seller of advanced polymer technologies and materials for a broad range of medical devices, today announced that it has received a "Notice of Allowance" from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in connection with its antimicrobial patent application filed in June 2007. U.S. Patent No. 7,772,296, which is entitled "Antimicrobial Polyurethane Resins and Products Made Therefrom," covers a drug-free, antimicrobial technology to eradicate Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ("MRSA") clinical infections associated with medical devices.
“Antimicrobial Polyurethane Resins and Products Made Therefrom”
The Company believes that infection rates from MRSA, primarily from hospitals and other medical facilities, pose significant risks to patient populations and are increasing in frequency. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 250,000 catheter-related bloodstream infections cost the U.S. healthcare system about $4.6 billion a year.
The Company's proprietary manufacturing process is differentiated by an innovative methodology whereby an antimicrobial agent is incorporated during the synthesis of a resin, using the Company's advanced polymer technologies, which is suitable for molding into medical devices. These antimicrobial formulations are designed to possess a high degree of bacterial "kill." The resultant antimicrobial polymers may then be used as structural components or as coatings in various catheters, including venus, arterial and urological.
Michael Adams, AdvanSource's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "This patent underscores the strength of our technology team and their capabilities in developing innovative technologies to meet clear market needs. There have been many studies and well-documented evidence in support of the risks associated with infection from invasive and minimally-invasive medical devices, such as catheters. We believe our antimicrobial polymers could now provide medical device developers and manufacturers with a biomaterial choice providing them a competitive advantage in the marketing and sales of medical devices which are constructed or coated with our patented antimicrobial polymers. We are gratified in being able to add this important technology innovation to our growing portfolio of patents."
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