Metagenics, Inc. of San Clemente, California has been awarded U.S. Patent Nos. 7,270,835 ("Compositions that treat or inhibit pathological conditions associated with inflammatory response," issued September 18, 2007); 7,195,785 ("Complex mixtures exhibiting selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2," issued March 27, 2007) and 7,205,151 (same title, issued April 17, 2007), three patents that cover discoveries relating to selective kinase response modifiers that have anti-inflammatory properties. These patents extend to thirty the number of U.S. Patents awarded to both Metagenics, Inc. and its Metaproteomics® Nutrigenomics Research Center subsidiary.
Inflammation via the cyclooxygenase pathway (COX-2) contributes to numerous maladies, including osteoarthritis, reduction of bone mineral density, and autoimmune disease. COX-2 also plays a housekeeping role within certain cellular pathways; therefore, any treatment targeted to inhibit COX-2-mediated inflammation should not similarly inhibit COX-2-mediated cellular housekeeping. One method for targeted regulation of COX-2 pathways is through the use of selective kinase response modifiers (SKRMs). SKRMs inhibit the induction of inflammation via the selective alteration of COX-induced signaling cascade phosphorylation profiles. The primary benefit of using SKRMs is that, although the inflammation pathways are inhibited, other COX-mediated signaling pathways, including those responsible for normal cellular housekeeping tasks, remain intact.
The '835 patent covers both Metagenics' proprietary compound Luduxin, which consists of rho iso-alpha acids derived from hops, and the use of Luduxin in preserving joint health. The '785 and '151 patents cover both Metagenics' proprietary compound Tetrase, which consists of tetrahydro-isohumulone (a tetrahydro iso-alpha acid derived from hops), and the use of Tetrase in supporting the management of inflammation.
The '835 patent issued from U.S. Application No. 10/689,856, which was filed on October 20, 2003, and which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/420,383, filed October 21, 2002. Independent claim 1 recites:
1. A method of preserving the health of joint tissues comprising administering to a patient, group consisting of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, and a component selected from the group consisting of rosemary, an extract derived from rosemary, and a compound derived from rosemary.
The '785 patent issued from U.S. Application No. 10/480,145, which was filed on June 20, 2002. Independent claim 1 recites:
1. A method of treating inflammation comprising administering to an animal suffering symptoms of inflammation a pharmaceutical grade extract of hops comprising an effective amount of tetrahydroisohumulone, and an effective amount of essential oils, fats or waxes, wherein said administration provides about 0.01 to 100 mg per kg body weight per day of tetrahydroisohumulone.
The '151 patent issued from U.S. Application No. 09/885,721, which was filed on June 20, 2001. Independent claim 1 recites:
1. A composition comprising a pharmaceutical grade extract of hops comprising an effective amount of tetrahydroisohumulone, and an effective amount of at least one component selected from the group consisting of essential oils, fats and waxes, wherein said pharmaceutical grade extract provides 15 to 45 weight % of tetrahydroisohumulone of the composition.
Suresh Pillai, Ph.D., is a molecular biologist and a third-year law student at DePaul University College of Law. Dr. Pillai was a member of MBHB's 2007 class of summer associates, and is currently working as a law clerk at MBHB.
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