The patent is entitled ‘methods for introducing heterologous cells into fish’. In addition, neurons, chondrocytes, renal and hepatic cells can be transplanted in zebrafish and effects of growth factors or cytotoxic agents can be assessed. Claims also cover recovering cells for potential tissue engineering or transplantation applications. Many of these claims have issued previously in the US and other countries.
Patricia McGrath, Phylonix’s president and CEO, said: “This award complements our previously issued patents for assessing angiogenesis, apoptosis and toxicity in zebrafish, and use of high-throughput screening methods such as microplate analysis.”