Genaera Corporation has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office of patent number 6,933,383 entitled "Regioselective and Steroselective Oxidation of Fused Ring Systems Useful for the Preparation of Aminosterols."

The patent covers a method for the synthesis of aminosterol compounds, such as Evizon (squalamine lactate), squalamine for cancer and trodusquemine (MSI-1436). These compounds have been identified as anti-angiogenic agents, antibiotics and sodium hydrogen anti-porter (NHE) inhibitors. Patent expiry occurs in April 2021.

"The issuance of this patent further strengthens our robust intellectual property position surrounding Evizon and squalamine for cancer," Roy C. Levitt, chief executive officer said adding, "We are pleased to secure this patent as we believe Evizon is the leading systemic, anti-angiogenic, investigative new drug in Phase III development for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration."

Evizon is Genaera's lead product candidate currently in Phase III development for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Squalamine is in Phase II development in prostate cancer. Trodusquemine is a preclinical compound which may be useful as a treatment of obesity. Additional aminosterol compounds have demonstrated sufficient efficacy in preclinical models to encourage our pursuit of additional research that could lead to the development of a new treatment for inflammatory disorders.