Peregrine Pharmaceuticals Inc announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 6,524,823 covering liposomal conjugates that act to increase tumor blood vessel permeability. The patent, entitled Vasopermeability-enhancing conjugates, covers methods for selectively delivering liposomes to tumors which act to increase vascular permeability and expand blood volume at or in proximity to the tumor site. Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC), through a Peregrine-sponsored research collaboration, developed the Vasopermeation Enhancement Agents (VEA) technology. This technology has been exclusively licensed to Peregrine from USC.

"We are pleased to continue to expand our patent position for our key platform technologies," said Steven King, Peregrine's president and CEO. "The delivery of potential VEA agents within liposomes would be an excellent way to avoid any potential systemic side effects from these drugs. This new patent adds to the vast potential of licensing opportunities we have for the VEA and our other platform technologies. We looking forward to working with other companies to move this platform technology into the clinic."