Cytochroma gains U.S. patent for retinoid metabolizing protein

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued Cytochroma Inc. (Kingston, ON, Canada) U.S. Patent No. 6,063,606, entitled "Retinoid Metabolizing Protein." The novel retinoic acid-inducible cytochrome, P450RAI, plays a key role in regulating retinoic acid (vitamin A) metabolism.

By screening compounds that block the activity of the P450RAI enzyme, Cytochroma has identified attractive drug candidates for treatment of a number of disease indications, such as skin diseases and retinoid-sensitive malignancies, including breast and prostate cancer. According to president and CEO Robert Folds, the company has made "major strides" toward identifying a lead compound for preclinical development.

P450RAI was originally discovered by Martin Petkovich and Glenville Jones of Queen's University (Kingston). The technology is licensed to Cytochroma through the university's technology transfer agent, PARTEQ Innovations.

Cytochroma Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the identification and development of drugs based on the action of cytochrome P450 enzymes.

For more information: Robert Foldes, President and CEO, Cytochroma Inc., 116 Barrie St., Suite 2424, Bioscience Complex, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada. Tel: 613-531-9995. Fax: 613-531-6580. Email: robert@cytochroma.com.

Edited by Jim Pomager
Assistant Editor, Drug Discovery Online