Vermillion, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued patent number 7,867,719 entitled “Beta-2 microglobulin as a biomarker for peripheral artery disease” to the company. The patent claims are directed to Beta-2 microglobulin and biomarker combinations that include Beta-2 microglobulin for the diagnosis and management of peripheral artery disease and to the measurement of the biomarkers by a variety of methods, including mass spectrometry and immunoassay. The studies underlying the patent were conducted with Dr John P. Cooke, MD, PhD, a Professor and Associate Director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Cooke is a founder and past president of the Society for Vascular Medicine and an author of over 350 scientific articles in vascular medicine and biology.

“The issuance of this PAD biomarker patent will help our efforts to develop and commercialize our Vasclir test for PAD. We continue to progress our PAD programme, including the initiation of our intended use study,” said Gail S. Page, CEO and chairperson of the board of directors of Vermillion.

Vermillion, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel high-value diagnostic tests that help physicians diagnose, treat and improve outcomes for patients. Vermillion, along with its prestigious scientific collaborators, has diagnostic programmes in oncology, haematology, cardiology and women's health.