Northstar Neuroscience, Inc., a developer of innovative medical devices for the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders, has been awarded patent number 7,146,217 by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its cortical stimulation therapy system. This patent includes important claims covering the use of cortical stimulation therapy for Northstar's lead clinical programme for stroke recovery, as well as other applications involving brain injury and other disorders.

The patent, which in part includes material initially filed in the USPTO in July 2000, is one of many early neuro-stimulation patents and patent applications owned by Northstar, a company press release stated.

Cortical stimulation refers to the process of stimulating the cerebral cortex, or the outermost layer of the brain. Among other aspects of cortical stimulation, this patent includes important claims related to inducement and/or enhancement of neuroplasticity--the brain's ability to form new neural connections and improve function.

The patent applies to the use of cortical stimulation in various ways, including: treating brain damage (such as stroke or trauma) and various disorders resulting from damage to the brain; enhancing cognitive function including memory or learning and sensory functions.

"Our team has worked for years to develop cortical stimulation therapies for a number of neurological diseases and disorders," said Alan Levy, Ph.D., Northstar's President and CEO. "This patent and the rest of our intellectual property estate are a result of those efforts. We continue our commitment to develop therapies for the millions of people suffering from the impact of stroke and other neurological disorders, and to build upon our leadership position in intellectual property in the growing neuro-modulation field."

Northstar has a number of other IP filings currently pending in US, European and other patent offices.