Biophan
Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: BIPH), a developer of
next-generation biomedical technology, have announced
the filing of 12 new patents in a range of medical
applications that further establish the Company's
cutting-edge role in several critical areas of medical
science and health care.
The patents, filed by Biophan and its associated companies,
Nanoset LLC and Biomed Solutions LLC, outline new
advances in the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI), as well as nanotechnology coatings, biothermal
batteries and opto-electric controls for implanted
medical devices.
The two newly issued patents and 12 filed applications
expand Biophan's extensive intellectual property portfolio
from 80 to a total of 92 issued, pending, owned or
licensed patents. The new total includes 21 issued
patents and 71 pending, representing a significant
strengthening of the Company's prominent leadership
position in advanced aspects of biomedical technology.
The new patents and applications involve the following
areas:
-- Nine of the newly filed patents are related to
the Company's 'anti-antenna' geometries for stent
designs, enabling the manufacture of stents that do
not interfere with MRI imaging of the stent interior
- a process critical to diagnosing the healing process
and detecting new blockage due to plaque or tissue
accumulation. This anti-antenna technology effectively
"de-tunes" the stents so they don't interfere
with the radio frequencies used in MRI. The new stent
designs can be used independently or in concert with
Biophan's previously announced nanomagnetic coatings
that improve MRI imaging. The coatings provide an
additional method of MRI image compatibility for stents.
-- One additional patent applies similar anti-antenna
design techniques to medical device leads, catheters
and guidewires used in MRI-guided surgery. The new
design prevents adverse heating to those devices caused
by the MRI radio-frequency fields, and with the previous
technologies solves the problems of safety and image
compatibility that have impeded the development of
MRI interventional medicine.
-- Another application extends the firm's technology
in nanomagnetic coatings, as well as manufacturing
processes used to create and apply them.
-- An additional application relates to biothermal
power sources used for pacemakers and other implanted
devices, expanding Biophan's coverage to three patents
in this area.
In addition, the US Patent office on Sept. 21 issued
two previously filed Biophan applications for designs
enabling MRI-compatible uses of opto-electronics in
pacemakers and other implanted devices.
"These new patents demonstrate both the depth
as well as the rapid rate of Biophan's innovation
in a range of areas of biomedical science and health
care," said Mr. Weiner. "We are excited
about these new milestones in the broadening of our
intellectual property portfolio, and about the new
opportunities they provide for development and growth
of new sources of revenue, and value for our shareholders."
Biophan continues to file patent applications on multiple
technologies being developed to solve the complex
problems associated with MRI imaging in the presence
of implanted devices or surgical tools. The technologies
include a range of systems and techniques, including
opto-electronics, nanomagnetic coatings, carbon composite
coatings, software techniques and specialized device
geometries. These can be used individually or in combination.
Other devices benefiting from these techniques include
pacemakers, implanted cardioverter defibrillators,
drug pumps, neurostimulators and surgical tools.
The performance improvements these technologies provide
include reduction or elimination of unwanted tissue
and device heating, elimination of unwanted electrical
stimulation of nerve tissue, improved MRI imaging
of otherwise invisible implants or surgical tools
and clear imaging of tissues near or inside these
implanted devices.
By eliminating the difficulties and dangers associated
with MRI imaging of these devices, Biophan is expanding
the uses of MRI as well as bringing its benefits to
patients who are currently denied the valuable technology
due to safety issues or unusable images.
About Biophan Technologies
Biophan develops and markets cutting-edge technologies
designed to make biomedical devices safe and compatible
with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. The
Company develops enabling technologies for implanted
medical systems such as pacemakers, and interventional
surgical devices such as catheters and guidewires,
as well as stents and other implants that can be safely
and effectively imaged under MRI. The technology is
also being used to create enhanced MRI contrast agents,
and has expanded to include other applications, such
as drug delivery and power systems derived from body
heat. Four Biophan product lines include advances
in nanotechnology and thin film coatings. Committed
to growth through innovation and developmental leadership,
Biophan and its licensors have 21 issued U.S. patents
and 71 patents pending, in areas including nanotechnology
(nanomagnetic particle coatings), radio frequency
filters, polymer composites, thermoelectric materials
for batteries generating power from body heat, and
photonics. Biophan has joint development arrangements
with Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) and NASA's Ames
Center for Nanotechnology. Biophan's goal is to make
all biomedical devices capable of safely and successfully
working with MRI, and delivering other technologies
which will improve quality of life.
For
more information, please visit www.biophan.com.