NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp. has been granted by the US Patent and Trademark office a new patent covering NUCRYST's proprietary nanocrystalline silver for use in the treatment of acne. This is the third dermatology patent issued to the company since 2004. These three issued patents pertain to the use of NUCRYST's unique silver for the treatment of acne, inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, and hyperproliferative skin disorders such as psoriasis.

NUCRYST now possesses 18 issued patents and 22 pending patent applications in the United States as well as 60 corresponding patents and 38 corresponding pending patent applications in other major markets around the world, stated a company release.

"The pursuit of patent protection for the results of our ongoing pharmaceutical discovery and development efforts is an important part of our growth strategy," Scott H. Gillis, President & CEO, NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals said adding, "We now have patents covering use of our unique form of nanocrystalline silver for the three therapeutic areas which comprise the largest share of the US prescription dermatology market."

According to IMS data, the top 10 dermatology topical products generated $1.6 billion in US sales in 2004. Of this total, more than 70 per cent of product sales were for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and acne. NUCRYST now holds patents covering all three indications.

Currently, NUCRYST is engaged in its second Phase 2 clinical trial for a cream formulation of NPI 32101, a powder form of NUCRYST's unique nanocrystalline silver, for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Results from this trial are expected by the end of 2006. Preclinical and formulation research is being conducted on NPI 32101 for psoriasis and acne.