Raptor Pharmaceutical Announces Issuance of Key European Patent Protecting the Cysteamine Portfolio

Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp.

, today announced that the European Patent Office has issued a key patent covering enteric-coated oral formulations of cysteamine bitartrate, including the Company's proprietary microbead formulation, RP103. Decision to Grant the patent was announced in July 2012. European Patent 1919458 covers the use of any composition of cysteamine or cystamine, regardless of the specific formulation, that provides increased delivery to the small intestine with pharmacokinetic benefits that allow for twice daily dosing in the treatment of nephropathic cystinosis. The European patent term will expire January 26, 2027. Raptor holds exclusive, worldwide licenses to this and other, related patent applications, which are owned by the Regents of the University of California, and are based on work performed at the University of California, San Diego ("UCSD"). "As we continue to move towards possible marketing approval of RP103 for nephropathic cystinosis in Europe and examine the potential utility of delayed release cysteamine in the treatment of a variety of diseases, this patent adds key additional IP protection for a potentially valuable portfolio," commented Christopher M. Starr, Ph.D., CEO of Raptor. "This patent is part of our commitment toward protecting the market potential of our current and anticipated product programs and thereby protecting shareholder value."