Biophan Files Broad Patent on Use of Halloysite Nanotubes for New Drug Delivery Applications

Biophan Technologies, Inc. (Rochester, NY), a developer of next-generation medical technology, has filed a broad patent as part of its collaboration with strategic partner NaturalNano on novel drug delivery technologies involving applications of naturally occurring nanotubes found in halloysite clay.

Biophan and NaturalNano are collaborating to develop products using the nanotubes as advanced drug delivery systems in a number of proprietary biomedical applications. Biophan’s newly filed patent application covers biomedical uses of the nanotubes for a range of products, including bandages, wound healing applications, and other uses. Other advanced drug delivery technologies that Biophan will focus on involve using electromagnetic fields for active elution. Under a previously reached agreement between the companies, Biophan holds the worldwide exclusive rights to NaturalNano’s nanotube technologies for the medical and pharmaceutical markets.

NaturalNano is working with Biophan’s drug delivery division, Nanolution, to develop and market the nanotube-based technologies.

NaturalNano develops products and technologies based on naturally occurring nanotubes found in halloysite clay, whose unique properties present a range of potentially valuable commercial applications. Scientists at NaturalNano are developing proprietary methods and hold or have licensed in multiple pending and issued patents for separating the nanotubes and processing them for use in a variety of commercial applications, such as additives in polymers and plastics, electronic components, cosmetics, and absorbent materials. Prototypes in development include nanotube-enriched paint that can block radio frequency signals, such as cell phone signals, and other technology that allows radio frequency signals to enter an otherwise shielded environment.

“NaturalNano’s halloysite-derived nanotubes have unique properties that make them extremely promising for development in biomedical applications,” said John Lanzafame, President of Biophan’s Nanolution division “We believe this partnership with NaturalNano will lead to a new class of long lasting controlled release agents for drugs and other materials, in medical device coatings and for pharmaceutical compounds.”

In related news, Biophan announced it has achieved a new corporate milestone with the recent issuance of two major U.S. Patents related to MRI safety and compatibility, bringing the Company portfolio’s total to 50 issued U.S. patents. Biophan’s two newly announced patents come in addition to the Company’s 106 pending patent applications, and 57 additional international patent applications at various stages of prosecution, for a total of 213 pending and issued patents.

Visit www.biophan.com and www.naturalnano.com.