Biocept Reports Granted US Patent for Blood Collection, Transport Tube

Biocept, Inc.

, a molecular diagnostics company commercializing and developing liquid biopsies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, today announced receipt of a U.S. patent for its blood collection and transport preservative. The patent, entitled USE OF DIAZOLIDINYL UREA FOR ANTI-CLUMPING OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES, was issued as U.S. Patent No. 9,040,255. The granted patent covers Biocept's blood collection preservative contained in the tube for collecting patient blood used for circulating tumor cell (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) genomic analysis at Biocept. The patented collection preservative significantly reduces clumping of cells that may interfere with their capture when using microchannels and other devices for up to 96 hours, preserving specimen integrity in order to allow Biocept to perform testing for patients worldwide. Other preservatives for blood are limited to 24 hours, therefore compromising the ability to offer many types of testing globally. This patent further expands the intellectual property protection of the tools Biocept uses for its liquid biopsy analysis. "This patent is highly complementary to the multiple patents we hold on our microchannel technology both in the U.S. and overseas, and further protects the unique solutions we are bringing to oncology and laboratory medicine to address challenges associated with surgical biopsies," said Biocept's Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer Lyle Arnold, PhD. "With broad IP protection across our platform, we are well positioned to capitalize on the movement to the liquid biopsy, which can save money for the healthcare system and most importantly help patients qualify for treatments that can save or prolong their life," added Biocept's President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Nall.