Mental HealthMMR Information Systems Pursues International Patent Applications On Anti-CD20 Antibodies
MMR Information Systems, Inc. (OTCBB: MMRF) (the "Company"), which through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, MyMedicalRecords, Inc. ("MMR") provides consumer-controlled Personal Health Records ("PHRs") (http://www.mymedicalrecords.com) and electronic safe deposit box storage solutions (http://www.myesafedepositbox.com), announced that it has taken the necessary steps to file for extensions of the Company"s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent application on anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies to the national phase through filings in major European, Asian, North American, and South American markets.
Anti-CD20 antibodies are useful in treating B-Cell malignancies, including Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and additional B-Cell mediated conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The Company"s anti-CD20 antibody asset is potentially a candidate for the next generation Rituximab. Rituximab, currently marketed under the trade name Rituxan® in the United States by Biogen Idec and Genentech (wholly owned member of the Roche Group) and under the name MabThera® by Roche in the rest of the world except Japan, where it is co-marketed by Chugai and Zenyaku Kogyo Co. Ltd., is one of the world"s most successful monoclonal antibodies with reported total sales in 2008 in excess of USD $5.4 billion.
MMR Information Systems, Inc. acquired the technology through its reverse merger with Favrille, Inc., which was completed in January 2009. Favrille had previously acquired the technology from Diversa Corporation (now Verenium Corporation). According to consultants to the Company and former science executives of Favrille, Inc., and based on Diversa"s pre-clinical research and testing of the scientific evidence, the next generation of Rituximab and further applications of the anti-CD20 antibodies may make the treatment of B-Cell malignancies even more effective in the future.
This second generation technology includes a series of optimized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and provides potential future treatment options for various autoimmune and B-Cell mediated diseases, including lupus nephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple sclerosis and vaculitis.
Because of its interest in maximizing shareholder value, MMR Information Systems is working with independent consultants to attempt to monetize these anti-CD20 antibody assets around the world, and will attend meetings at the Drug Information Association"s (DIA) Annual Meeting being held in San Diego this week. However, the Company"s focus will continue to be on its primary products, the MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record, MyMedicalRecords Pro for physicians and healthcare professionals, and MyEsafeDepositBox electronic safe deposit box storage solutions.
MMR Information Systems, Inc.