Novogen Limited has been granted a U.S. patent over the use of its isoflavone technology for the treatment of estrogen-dependent disorders such as fibroids and endometriosis in women.

This gives Novogen the option to produce patented dietary supplements for younger women to alleviate estrogen-dependent disorders such as fibroids and endometriosis.

Fibroids symptoms affect 25 percent of women, usually in younger age groups and occur as a result of excessive stimulation of the reproductive organs by endogenous estrogen. This causes benign growth of uterine muscle that can result in abdominal swelling and pain. Current treatments usually involve surgical removal.

Endometriosis affects up to 10 percent of women again usually in younger age groups, and is a condition where tissue forming the uterine lining begins to grow outside the uterus in the abdominal cavity. This is a distressing condition and because of the diffuse nature of these growths is very difficult to treat and causes long-term chronic pain and distress.

Both conditions are fuelled by over production of estrogen and ultimately may only be treated effectively by surgery. The key finding covered by Novogen's patent is that natural plant estrogens, known as isoflavones, can antagonize the ability of a woman's own estrogen to fuel the growth of these tissues.

The patent applies to the isoflavones genistein, daidzein, formononetin and biochanin, all of which are contained in red clover isoflavone supplements currently marketed by the Company for management of menopause symptoms and long term effects of estrogen deficiency.

Novogen's isoflavone products are marketed globally and the Company coordinates and manages its research and development programs utilizing the expertise and clinical research capabilities of universities and hospitals in Australia and key international locations.

Under U.S. law, a new drug cannot be marketed until it has been investigated in clinical trials. After the results of these trials are submitted in a new drug application to the FDA, the FDA must approve the drug as safe and effective before marketing can take place.