Advanced Viral Research Corp. has been awarded U.S. Patent Number 6,528,098, entitled "Preparation of a Therapeutic Composition," for Product R, the peptide nucleic acid immunomodulator currently in clinical trials in Israel.

The claims of the newly issued patent focus on the chemical structures of the two unique peptides that constitute Product R. The patent describes the amino acid compositions and sequences of peptides A and B. In addition, the claims include the nature of the polynucleotide conjugate of peptide B. Product R is composed of two peptides that, in combination, produce a stable biopolymeric structure highly resistant to degradative enzymes such as nucleases and peptidases.

"This new patent is a significant and important addition to the intellectual property of Advanced Viral Research Corp. The chemical structure of the peptide nucleic acid described in this patent unfolds a rich, new chemistry that may yield important future therapeutic agents related to Product R," said Shalom Z. Hirschman, M.D. President and CEO. "The patent describes the unique chemical structure of the two peptides present in Product R, including the peptide that is a novel peptide nucleic acid conjugate. The chemical structures of the peptides of Product R were filed in our Drug Master File submitted with our investigational new drug (IND) application to the US FDA in 2001."

In October 2001 the company was granted a U.S. Patent for the preparation and overall composition of Product R. ADVR holds 10 U.S. patents related to Product R that cover such areas as the preparation and chemistry of Product R, and such uses as the treatment of anemia by stimulating red blood cell production, the treatment of canine distemper, the treatment of human parvovirus infection, the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, and the topical treatment of skin and eye infections.