Florida biotechnology firm wins important patent

Biotechnology is big business here in Florida. The Sunshine State is home to many firms that are making significant and noteworthy progress against some of the most debilitating diseases known to science.

Biotechnology firms want to make sure they benefit economically from their research and development, so naturally they seek to patent their breakthroughs. If a patent is granted, it ensures that firm will reap the rewards of its innovation for a certain period of time, during which competitors are forbidden from copying it.

One such firm is Saneron Therapeutics CCEL, Inc. of Oldsmar. It was recently awarded a patent for a treatment it developed in conjunction with the University of South Florida that it believes may have major benefits for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and other degenerative neuromuscular conditions.

In layman’s terms, the patent covers new methods of retrieving, storing and making useful stem cells recovered from umbilical cords. Umbilical cord stem-cells have great potential. They are considered safer than “conventional” stem cells because there is less likelihood of accidentally transferring a communicable disease. Furthermore, they reduce some of the controversy surrounding other stem-cell therapies, since they are derived from umbilical cords, which are otherwise considered medical waste.

We thought the patent awarded to Saneron was worth noting because it is emblematic of the progress many Florida biotechnology firms are making that could wind up greatly benefitting the U.S. public. Biotechnology is not written about as much as some other Florida industries, so we thought it would be good to call attention to this field.

Source: The Florida Business Observer, “Firm’s patent could aid Parkinson’s patients,” March 15, 2013

If learning more about patents interests you, you might consider visiting the “Patents” portion of our website.