Stellar Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Canadian pharmaceutical developer and marketer of high quality, cost-effective products for select health care markets, announced that it has been informed by the Chinese Patent Office that a patent has been allowed for one of its lead products, Uracyst (a sterile sodium chondroitin sulfate solution, 2%) for the treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS).

The patent covers pharmaceutical compositions that comprise the greater and superior dosage sizes of chondroitin sulfate, and the use of those compositions for the treatment of IC/PBS. Upon Stellar completing the final formalities, including the payment of applicable fees, the company expects this patent to issue. Once issued, the patent will expire on February 18, 2024.

Peter Riehl, Stellar's president and chief executive officer, commented, "With Uracyst patents already issued in Canada, the United States and Australia, and with numerous additional international patents pending, the Chinese patent expands Stellar's already formidable intellectual property estate. Along with our Shanghai-based marketing and distribution partner, Shanghai Ya Jun Medical Equipment Co. Ltd., we are very excited about commercially launching Uracyst in this important market pending Chinese State Food and Drug Administration approval."

It is believed that over 70% of IC/PBS patients have defects in their bladder glycosaminoglycan layers. The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is a mucosa lining of the bladder that acts as a protective barrier against irritants and toxins in the urine and defends against bacterial adherence. When the GAG is damaged, these irritants and toxins in the urine seep through, causing an irritation to the bladder wall. This results in increased frequency and urgency to void (up to 60 times a day). Many IC/PBS patients also experience severe pelvic pain. These symptoms can be debilitating and have a serious impact on a patients quality of life.

Chondroitin sulfate (ChS) is believed to be the major proteoglycan responsible for the GAG barrier function. Uracyst was developed to replenish this defect. Uracyst 2% (400 mg) ChS dose has been shown to be the ideal dosage to saturate the bladder, thus restoring the barrier function. Instilled fluid volume of Uracyst 20 mL also allows patients to retain the treatment in the bladder for a longer period of time thus a better uptake of the delivered dosage and a faster onset of symptomatic relief. Uracyst is also one of the most cost effective treatments for these patients. Combine treatment efficacy with the most cost effective therapy and it becomes understandable why Uracyst is becoming the product of choice in treating IC/PBS.