ZURICH, June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Kuros Biosurgery AG, a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel biomaterials and bioactive-biomaterial combination products for trauma, wound and spinal indications, announced today the allowance of European Patent Application 00910049 by the European Patent Office. This now allowed patent application is a key component of a broad portfolio of applications and patents designed to protect Kuros’ synthetic biomaterial (matrix) technologies and its product candidates which utilise this technology. This novel synthetic matrix platform is a key source of innovative products which will be important to Kuros’ future successful development

Kuros is developing a portfolio of biomaterial, and bioactive-biomaterial combination, products. The company’s product candidates are based on two different matrix technology platforms; synthetic or fibrin matrices. Kuros’ most advanced product candidate based on its synthetic technology is Kuros’ dural sealant product candidate (KUR-023) which is currently undergoing clinical evaluation in Europe. Kuros intends that this clinical study will enable CE marking in Europe.

Kuros’ most advanced products are based on a fibrin matrix and include KUR-111 and KUR-113 which have achieved positive results in Phase II trials for tibial plateau fractures and tibial shaft fractures respectively.

Mr. Didier Cowling, Chief Executive Officer at Kuros says: "Obtaining the notice of allowance for this European patent application further builds on Kuros’ proprietary position around its key synthetic matrix technology platform.  This platform is the basis of a number of Kuros’ novel product candidates and strengthening the IP position around these candidates adds significant value."

The now allowed claims cover broadly Kuros` proprietary method for forming biomaterials by nucleophilic addition mechanism starting from functionalized precursor components, such as functionalized PEGs. The claims cover the biomaterial (synthetic matrix), its method of production, kits for delivery and several uses. The allowance of the European application follows the grant of the US applications as patents no. US 7,744,912 and US 7,413,739 which were granted with similar broad claims, as well as the grant of the Canadian (CA 2,359,318), Mexican (MX 276585) and Australian (AU 773 914) applications.

About Kuros

http://www.kuros.ch

Kuros is a biotechnology company that is focused on the development of novel biomaterials and bioactive-biomaterial combination products for trauma, wound and spinal indications.

Kuros has two biomaterial technology platforms, one based on fibrin sealants and the other based on its own proprietary synthetic technology that can mimic fibrin in many of its attributes.  These materials can be used alone or in combination with biologically active molecules.

The synthetic technology is tailorable and allows generation of products that are delivered as liquids or gels but polymerise, in or on living tissues, to form materials with different physical properties.  For example, Kuros’ synthetic technology can be utilized to develop products ranging from an elastic degradeable dural sealant to a strong and non-degradeable bone cement.

Kuros’ combination products are designed to mimic the body’s natural healing process. The products consist of fusion proteins of naturally occurring bioactive factors, covalently incorporated into fibrin or synthetic matrices. The incorporation of the biologically active molecules into the injectable matrices aims to maximize their activity by retention at the site of action. Kuros products are designed to combine ease of application with localized delivery. Kuros has a number of methodologies to achieve the desired retention and release profiles of the biologically active molecules.

Kuros’ has a diverse pipeline of product candidates with its most advanced product candidates being in trauma and wound care.

Since its creation, Kuros has raised over $100 million. The company is located in Zurich, Switzerland.

Press Enquiries

Kuros
Didier Cowling, CEO                        +41(0)44-200-56-62
Alistair Irvine, Director of
Business Development                       +41(0)44-200-56-62

For Swiss Media Enquires:
IRF Communications
Martin Meier-Pfister                        +41(0)43-244-81-40
Jan Gregor                                  +41(0)43-244-81-54

For International Media Enquires:
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
David Dible, Nina Enegren                    +44(0)207-638-9571

SOURCE Kuros Biosurgery AG