Genetronics Biomedical Corporation has been granted two new U.S. patents covering different aspects of its electroporation technology for medical applications. In the first patent, U.S. Patent Number 6,569,149, entitled, "Method of Treatment Using Electroporation Mediated Delivery of Drugs and Genes," the company has been allowed claims to methods for applying electric fields to patient tissue afflicted with a cell proliferation disorder, using the company's proprietary and patented field generating methodologies, particularly the use of multiple opposed pairs of electrodes.
In the second patent, U.S. Patent Number 6,567,694, entitled, "Needle Electrodes for Mediated Delivery of Drugs and Genes," claims were granted for an electrode apparatus for the application of electric fields wherein electrodes are positioned within a hollow needle. The Company believes this electrode configuration may be useful in the delivery of gene therapeutics and DNA vaccines.
Avtar Dhillon, Genetronics' President and CEO, said, "The claims of the two new patents cover differing electrode formats for performing electroporation in cancerous tissues and in micro-environments, respectively. The new patents are an important part of Genetronics' ongoing strategy to maintain its commercial position in developing medical applications of electroporation."