Vermillion said this week it has received a US patent covering serum protein biomarkers for lung cancer.
The patent, No. 8,014,952, entitled "Serum Biomarkers in Lung Cancer," describes 50 protein biomarkers that can be used to distinguish between patients with and without lung cancer and to determine the particular type of lung cancer.
"This patent highlights ongoing progress in expanding our intellectual property portfolio," Vermillion CEO Gail Page said in a statement. "Beyond our core focus areas of ovarian cancer and peripheral artery disease, we now have patents in lung cancer, breast cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. It is our goal to explore business opportunities to leverage this growing and valuable asset."
In addition to Vermillion, Hong Kong's Queen Elizabeth Hospital is listed as an assignee on the patent.