Leading adult stem cell biotechnology and immunotherapy company, CyGenics, Ltd. has been granted a patent in China for its immune T cell production technology.

According to the release, this patent adds to the company's extensive worldwide intellectual property. It also protects one of the company's leading technologies in a key emerging market. The Chinese biotech industry was estimated at 200 million yuan (US$24 million) in 1986, and grew rapidly to 200 billion yuan (US$24 billion) by 2003. The issued patent will pave the way for the licensing of the company's patented three dimensional cell growth devices within this large and growing market.

CyGenics expects to initiate such licensing discussions with the aim of receiving up front fees and milestone payments from partners in return for application and territory specific licences. This patent will run until 2019.

The patent will assist in the company's ongoing productisation of its core technologies. Cell Sciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of CyGenics, markets a range of these three dimensional cell growth devices. Cytomatrix, another wholly owned subsidiary, has made use of the same technology to provide vaccine screening services, most notably to the US Department of Defense.

Chris Fullerton, chairman, CyGenics said, "This patent will allow for more products as well as licensing opportunities, adding additional momentum to the group's existing and growing revenues."