Sunlight Research(TM), Releases its Osiris Therapeutics Stem Cell Patent Report

MINNEAPOLIS, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunlight Research™ – The Source for Patent Analysis (www.sunlightresearch.com) today announced the release of its report analyzing the U.S. human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) patent portfolio of Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSIR).

The Report analyzes 43 issued U.S. patents, including processes for culturing MSCs ex-vivo, compositions comprising MSCs, and therapeutic uses for MSCs.  The Report features detailed independent claim charts of the Osiris patents, as well as a single-view "portfolio" claim chart that presents this information .  The claim charts, prepared by patent attorneys expert in the stem cell arts, are organized by functional claim limitations as well as therapeutic applications, providing researchers, patent attorneys and business analysts with a robust, reliable, accurate and readily comprehensible guide to the Osiris stem cell portfolio.

Stem cells are particularly attractive for use as cellular therapies because they self-renew and have the capacity to produce many different specialized cell types.  In contrast to the controversial use of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), MSCs are derived from the bone marrow of adult donors.  

Stem cell therapies covered by the Osiris patent claims are currently undergoing clinical trials for evaluation as biologic drug candidates for inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, graft versus host disease and cardiovascular disease.  Osiris may soon initiate clinical trials for other diseases, including arthritis.

Daniel A. Halpern, President of Sunlight Research observed, "Osiris is a key player in stem cell therapies, it has developed a leading patent portfolio, and has collaboration agreements with Genzyme, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Understanding the strengths and limitations of Osiris' intellectual property is critical for those competing in this space."  Osiris reported  $40.0 million in revenue last year from its collaboration agreement with Genzyme.  Halpern added that "industry professionals involved in patents, licensing, business development, investment analysis and others interested in the evolving stem cell therapy sector or concerned about patent infringement risk and competitive threats in this field will find this to be a valuable resource."

Sunlight's Osiris Stem Cell Patent report includes a detailed breakdown of claim limitations pertaining to composition, therapy, cellular, and manufacturing processes. The report provides insights into strengths and limitations of Osiris' patent coverage, and opportunities for follow-on or competing products.

The Report is delivered in PDF and Excel formats and includes an Interactive Infringement Clearance Chart, a Frequency and Type of Claim Limitation chart and a First Occurrence Claim Chart.  The interactive charts allow decision-makers to perform real-time What If? Analyses.

The Report, together with a larger Stem Cell Patent Report covering all US patents relating to stem cell technologies, will be the subject of a Webinar to be held March 3, 2010 at 12:00pm CST.  Please register here:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/616100667

About Sunlight Research, LLC

Sunlight Research™ is the premier source for up-to-date Patent Data Analysis, Patent Claims Coverage Reports, Intellectual Property Market Research, Patent Analysis, Non-Practicing Entities Patent Reports and Interactive Freedom To Operate databases.  Sunlight provides timely, in-depth and actionable patent analysis reports that are easily accessible and cost effective.  Sample reports are available at www.sunlightresearch.com.

Contact: Joe Scott – 612-839-3800, [email protected]

SOURCE Sunlight Research, LLC