Omni Bio Pharmaceutical Awarded Patent for Preventing Anthrax Infection

Omni Bio Pharmaceutical, Inc. ("Omni Bio") today announced that U.S. Patent No. 7,850,970, entitled "Inhibitors of Serine Protease Activity and Their Use in Methods and Compositions for Treatment of Bacterial Infections," was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on December 14, 2010 (the "New Patent").

The New Patent is part of the technology licensed to Omni Bio through one of its technology license agreements with the University of Colorado Denver (UCD). The New Patent covers inhibition of all forms of Bacillus anthracis infection (commonly known as anthrax) using one or more of four new peptides made up of 10 linked amino acids. These peptides and peptide combinations may act by preventing entry of infective components of anthrax into cells of a subject and therefore prevent anthrax infection in the subject. These peptides are related to Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). Dr. Leland Shapiro, the principal investigator for the studies at UCD, continues to study the role of these peptides in medical disorders.

Dr. Charles A. Dinarello, Acting CEO of Omni Bio, stated, "The issuance of this patent by the USPTO expands our proprietary technology platform and is an important milestone in developing innovative therapies to address potentially large and underserved markets. The focus of this patent demonstrates that AAT and AAT related peptides may have the potential to address a variety of indications, such as the prevention and treatment of anthrax infection, and may open proprietary channels of opportunity for the development of new therapeutics and preventatives in a variety of areas including bacterial infection and biohazards."