<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

All-Encompassing tTG-Use Patent Application

In searching through U.S. patent applications, I note that there are only 2
recent patent applications concerning use of tissue transglutaminase (tTG)
for CD diagnosis and therapy.  I previously discussed the one-step test-
strip CD screening test invented by Sorell et al.  However, a patent
application from Detlef et al. would control virtually all uses of tTG for
CD diagnosis and therapy if granted.  Sorell's patent application is
specific and only covers use of tTG for his CD test-strip.

Fortunately for Sorell, his patent application was filed on May 25, 2001
which predates Detlef's application filed on August 8, 2001.  Hence,
Sorell's patent would not be subordinate to Detlef's patent if they are
both granted.

I am a bit concerned about the all-encompassing aspect of Detlef's patent
application.  While, no doubt, credit and reward should go to the
researchers who first identified the importance of tTG in coeliac disease,
Detlef's patent application might well put a damper on the development of
the many potential CD applications of tTG, such as Sorell's CD screening
test.  I hope the U.S. Patent Office carefully considers the potential
impact on CD research and product development before granting Detlef's
patent as it stands.

To review the claims in these 2 patent applications go to:

http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

Enter "transglutaminase" for "Term 1".  Enter "coeliac" (with the "o",
not "celiac") for "Term 2".  Then click on "Search".  When the search
completes, you will get the following 2 listings.  Click on either listing
to view the patent application.

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"1 20020076834 Immunological method for detecting antibodies directed
against tissue transglutaminase (tTG), use of tTG in diagnosis and therapy
control, and an oral pharmaceutical agent containing tTG"

Inventors: Detlef, Schuppan; (Bubonreuth, DE) ; Walburga, Dieterich;
(Eilangen, DE) ; Tobias, Ehnis; (Eilangen, DE)

Filed:  August 8, 2001

*******

"2 20020006633 Assay for anti transglutaminase antibodies detection useful
in celicac disease diagnosis"

Inventors: Sorell Gomez, Luis Tomas; (C. Habana, CU) ; Acevedo Castro,
Boris Ernesto; (C. Habana, CU)

Filed:  May 25, 2001

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* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *