Benzinga | Aug 6, 2020 11:34AM EDT

Cellect Biotech Earlier Reported European Patent Office Granted Co. Pivotal Patent For Stem Cells Activiation

Cellect Biotechnology Ltd. (NASDAQ:APOP), a developer of innovative technology which enables the functional selection of stem cells, today announced that it has significantly strengthened its Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio as European Patent Application No. 14851547.1 has been granted. The patent will be set to expire in October 7, 2034, subject to patent term adjustment or extension.

"This is a pivotal event for Cellect and perhaps one of the most crucial developments for us as we have secured IP protection over the second component of the Apograft(tm) effects -- the activation of the stem and progenitor cells," commented Dr. Shai Yarkoni, Chief Executive Officer. "While the extensive issued patents cover the accurate elimination (negative selection) of the mature cells and therefor enables SAFETY, this patent covers the increased ACTIVITY (positive selection=efficacy) of the regenerative capacity of the stem and progenitor cells. Combined with our previously issued patents, our IP now cover the dual effects of the apoptotic proteins with a single, robust, and cost-effective process that is achieved outside of the patient's body. The clinical and economic benefits are multi-fold as we have demonstrated increased safety and efficacy of the cell product by developing a robust, non-expensive and user-friendly process and product.

"Our actions over the past few years to strengthen our IP, culminating with this very important achievement, has been a core component of our business strategy and has far-reaching revenue and business development activities. While some of these discussions are and have been underway for some time with global leaders in cell therapy, it's quite obvious we are now in a much stronger position to leverage our innovation to extract tremendous value."

The patent, which was also recently approved in Australia and Israel, includes a cell-based product and a method of manufacturing a stem and progenitor cell population with enhanced activity by incubation with an apoptotic ligand at specific concentrations and exposure times. The Company has an extensive Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, with 65 patents in nine patent families, with 45 already granted/allowed patents, 18 pending/in examination and two Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications. The Company plans to continue expanding and protecting its global IP to monetize its investments, either internally or externally, and to create further barriers to entry.