Pressure BioSciences, Inc. Granted Five Additional Patents
SOUTH EASTON, Mass., Jan. 12, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:PBIO) ("PBI" or the "Company") today announced that it has been issued five additional patents related to its novel, cutting-edge pressure cycling technology (PCT). Of the five patents, one was granted in the U.S., one in Japan, one in Canada, and two in Australia. With these grants, the Company now has twenty-four (24) issued PCT patents: fourteen in the U.S., three in Europe, three in Australia, two in Canada, and two in Japan.
U.S. Issued patent: "Pressure-enhanced extraction and purification" (US 7,626,017 B2). The invention is directed to methods of isolating molecules from cells by exposing the cells to elevated pressures, such as at least 500 psi; to isolating biological components from a sample; and to inactivating proteins by hydrostatic pressure. This invention complements the inventions of issued U.S. Patent Nos. 6,111,096; 6,120,985; and 6,274,726 B1.
Japan. Issued patent: "Pressure cycling reactor and methods of controlling reactions using pressure" (JP 4308320 B2). The invention is directed to methods and apparatus in which pressure provides precise control over the timing and synchronization of chemical - particularly enzymatic - reactions. This patent extends to Japan many of the claims of issued U.S. Patent No. 6,036,923 and European Patent No. EP 0814900.
Canada. Issued patent: "Rapid cryobaric sterilization and vaccine preparation" (CA 2301067). The invention is directed to sterilization, decontamination, or disinfection by repeated cycling between high and low pressures. This patent extends to Canada many of the claims of issued U.S. Patent Nos. 6,270,723 B1 and 6,696,019 B2 and European Patent No. EP 1112091.
Australia #1. Issued patent: "Rapid sterilization and vaccine production" (AU 2002367749 B2). The invention is directed to sterilization, decontamination, or disinfection by repeated cycling between high and low pressures. This patent extends to Australia many of the claims in issued U.S. Patent Nos. 6,270,723 and 6,696,019 B2, European Patent No. EP 1112091 and Canadian Patent No. 2301067.
Australia #2. Issued patent: "Multi-chamber device and uses thereof for processing biological samples" (AU 2002259017 B2). The invention is directed to multiple chamber sample processing devices for use in the automated and sequential homogenization, processing, detection, and analysis of biological samples in a pressure-modulation apparatus. This method enables automated sample preparation and analytical processes.
Richard T. Schumacher, President and CEO of Pressure BioSciences, Inc., said: "Three key goals for PBI in 2010 are (1) to find a strategic partner to help market and distribute certain of our PCT-based products, (2) to drive the installed base of PCT users, and (3) to continue the development of new, cutting-edge PCT-dependent applications for our PCT Sample Preparation System. We believe these new patents will help us to achieve these goals, as (a) they continue to expand our U.S. and international PCT IP estate, and (b) they grant us additional protection in specific application areas where we believe PCT has clear advantages over competitive technologies, and where we are beginning to see our market penetration strengthen. Importantly, these are also the areas in which we are in significant discussions with potential strategic partners."
About Pressure BioSciences, Inc.
Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (PBI) is a publicly traded company focused on the development of a novel, enabling technology called Pressure Cycling Technology (PCT). PCT uses cycles of hydrostatic pressure between ambient and ultra-high levels (up to 35,000 psi and greater) to control bio-molecular interactions. PBI currently holds 14 U.S. and 10 foreign patents covering multiple applications of PCT in the life sciences field, including genomic and proteomic sample preparation, pathogen inactivation, the control of chemical (primarily enzymatic) reactions, immunodiagnostics, and protein purification. PBI currently focuses its efforts on the development and sale of PCT-enhanced enzymatic digestion products designed specifically for the mass spectrometry marketplace, as well as sample preparation products for biomarker discovery, soil and plant biology, forensics, histology, and counter-bioterror applications.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding the Company's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, or predictions of the future are "forward-looking'' statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements that the newly granted patents expand the Company's IP position; that the newly issued patents grant the Company additional IP protection in specific application areas; that PCT has clear advantages over competitive technologies; the ability of the Company to achieve its three key goals for 2010; and the extent of the Company's market penetration in specific applications. These statements are based upon the Company's current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not limited to: possible difficulties or delays in the implementation of the Company's strategies that may adversely affect the Company's continued commercialization of its PCT Sample Preparation System; changes in customer's needs and technological innovations; potential customers and potential strategic partners failing to see the advantages of PCT over other sample preparation systems, enzymatic digestion products, and other applications; that the newly issued patents may not help the Company achieve its key goals for 2010; and due to unforeseen costs or delays, the Company may require additional working capital to fund its operations before the beginning of 2011. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements are discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and other reports filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the information included in this release, except as otherwise required by law.
Visit us at our website http://www.pressurebiosciences.com
CONTACT: Pressure BioSciences, Inc.
Investor Contacts:
Richard T. Schumacher, President & CEO
R. Wayne Fritzsche, Chairman
(508) 230-1828
Released January 12, 2010