Molecular Targeting Technologies, Inc. (MTTI), a privately held biotechnology company, announced that the patent which the company has exclusively licensed from the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), was granted by the patent office of the People’s Republic of China.

The Chinese patent, along with several US patents, cover a novel radiopharmaceutical molecule, which can be used for targeting dead and dying cells associated with cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.

“We are encouraged by the issuing of the patents in China as well as in US. Imaging efficacy of 99mTc-Duramycin has been demonstrated in several animal models. Most importantly, this technology can be used to target unmet medical needs in a variety of diseases.”

“We are excited about MTTI’s aggressive plan to develop the compounds encompassed by this patent into radiopharmaceuticals to benefit clinicians and their patients,” said Jim Antczak, Ph.D., a licensing manager in MCW’s Office of Technology Development.

In commenting on one of the potential uses of this technology, Professor Jagat Narula, Associate Dean of Global Health of Mount Sinai Medical School said, "Onset of cardiac toxicity during chemotherapy is routinely monitored by measurement of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). Unfortunately, by the time a decrease in LVEF is detected the cardiac damage has already occurred. 99mTc-Duramycin has the potential to detect cardiac injury before left ventricular dysfunction has occurred, providing the opportunity for timely clinical intervention. Successful development of 99mTc-Duramycin would be of great clinical significance and fulfill a significant unmet medical need."

Chris Pak, president and CEO of MTTI said, “We are encouraged by the issuing of the patents in China as well as in US. Imaging efficacy of 99mTc-Duramycin has been demonstrated in several animal models. Most importantly, this technology can be used to target unmet medical needs in a variety of diseases.”

Molecular Targeting Technologies, Inc. (MTTI) is a privately held biotechnology company primarily focused on the acquisition and development of novel technologies for treatment and diagnosis of human diseases.