Sequella and University of Maryland Restate Exclusive License for Jointly Owned Event Marker System Technology

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequella, Inc., a clinical-stage company focused on commercialization of novel drugs for life-threatening infectious diseases, announced today the restatement of its exclusive international license agreement with the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), concerning certain technology related to monitoring drug therapy compliance.  The issued technology patent (U.S. 6,663,846), jointly owned by Sequella and UMB, addresses transdermal detection of a labeled pill to monitor drug compliance. Non-compliance with drug regimens contributes $290 billion in annual costs to the United States healthcare system.

"With recent technological advances, the market for drug compliance monitoring represents a tremendous opportunity for many pharmaceutical industry sectors, including those concerned with drug compliance, manufacturing, anti-counterfeiting, and clinical trial conduct," said Sequella CEO, Carol Nacy.  "We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with UMB to enhance development and marketing of our assets."

Sequella's Event Marker System (EMS) for transdermal drug compliance monitoring uses a wristwatch device to detect labeled pills.  

"Our exclusive license agreement with UMB is a classic win-win for both parties," said Alan Klein, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development for Sequella. "We look forward to playing a key role in the rapidly expanding marketplace for drug compliance monitoring."

"We are delighted to continue this relationship with Sequella to bring this exciting technology to market," said James L. Hughes, Vice President, Research and Development, University of Maryland.

About the Technology

The '846 patent includes "a method for monitoring drug therapy compliance, by human or animal patient, comprising contacting the patient with a transdermal detection device capable of receiving a signal from a labeled pill administered to the patient, wherein transdermal detection of the signal indicates that the patient has received a predetermined amount of the labeled pill."

Of the many methods of marking pills for compliance monitoring, Sequella is currently developing a proprietary, non-invasive electronic device that detects a response through the skin to a fluorescent tracer incorporated in medication ingested by a patient. A laser diode (or LED) excites the tracer whose presence is then recorded and can be accessed by remote healthcare providers. Clinical trials of the device demonstrate exquisite sensitivity and virtually no background fluorescence. The EMS incorporates a proven technology into an easy-to-wear, user-friendly wristwatch designed to address a significant market opportunity: patients underutilizing or misusing medications.

About Sequella

Sequella is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing improved treatments for life-threatening infectious diseases. The company leverages its global influence, R&D platforms, and disease expertise to proactively address emerging health threats. Through focused execution, clear commercialization pathways, and strategic partnerships, Sequella intends to commercialize a broad product portfolio designed to treat global health threats with significant market opportunity.

About the University of Maryland, Baltimore

The University of Maryland is commercializing breakthrough therapies, diagnostics and devices, fueling the creation of innovative start-up companies, and attracting industry leaders and entrepreneurs to its thriving campus.  Founded in 1807 as the first public medical school in the nation, the University is a fast-growing biomedical research center with nationally ranked professional schools of dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, an interdisciplinary graduate school as well as a 1.8 million square foot  bio-medical research park. www.umaryland.edu

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and includes statements that are not historical facts. Actual results could differ significantly from results discussed. Sequella disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

For more information contact: Alan Klein, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, 301-762-7776

SOURCE Sequella, Inc.