Isotechnika Inc has received an Issue Notification from the United States Patent and Trademark Office regarding its novel immunosuppressive compound ISA247. This application has been issued United States Patent number 6,605,593, and is titled "Deuterated Cyclosporine Analogs and their use as Immunomodulating Agents." The United States becomes the fourth jurisdiction to issue a patent for ISA247 joining Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

ISA247 is a next generation calcineurin inhibitor in Phase II clinical development as immunosuppressive therapy in organ transplantation and in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Early studies indicate that ISA247 is considerably more potent and less toxic compared to other drugs in this class, such as cyclosporine. This compound would give a major therapeutic benefit over existing calcineurin based regimens. ISA247 is being developed under a global collaboration agreement with Roche.

"The issuance of this patent is a very significant milestone for the Company," stated Joseph Koziak, Executive Vice-President and General Counsel. "This patent provides further recognition and validation of the proprietary position of our novel drug technology in the most significant market for transplantation and autoimmune disease therapies in the world."