USPTO Issues Patent To Prometheus

US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has awarded US Patent No. 7,592,437 to Prometheus Laboratories (Prometheus). The patent, entitled “Genes Involved in Intestinal Inflammatory Diseases and Use Thereof,” covers genes useful in the detection of inflammatory diseases, including NOD2 (also known as CARD15) gene mutations, which are associated with susceptibility to Crohn’s disease.

Reportedly, Prometheus has exclusive, worldwide rights to the methodology for identifying NOD2 gene mutations under an agreement with Fondation Jean Dausset – Centre d’Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH).

Henry Pan, chief scientific and medical officer of Prometheu, said: “NOD2 gene mutations have been demonstrated to play an important role in the development of Crohn’s disease. This patent provides important protection for us as we continue to develop innovative products to help physicians diagnose and treat gastrointestinal diseases through individualized patient care.”