Neptune Technologies patent granted for novel phospholipids in multiple diseases and pharmaceutical applications. - Health & Medicine Week

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. ('Neptune') (NASDAQ.NEPT - TSX.V.NTB) announces that the European Patent Office (EPO) granted on May 31st 2007 Neptune's composition of matter patent entitled 'Natural Marine Source Phospholipids comprising flavonoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and their applications' (EP01417211B1) and that this patent has now been issued and validated in twenty-four European countries (see also Patents).

This patent is directed to the use of Neptune marine phospholipid and flavonoid compositions as a medicament for the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic health conditions, including coronary artery disease caused by hypercholesterolemia, peripheral vascular disease, neurodegenerative and other cognitive disorders.

'This composition of matter patent is a critical achievement that constitutes a key component for our commercial pharmaceutical development program,' said Dr. Tina Sampalis, Chief Scientific Officer of Neptune. 'Neptune's mission has always been the development of innovative pharmaceutical ingredients, and this patent is viewed as a vital element towards Neptune's pharmaceutical initiatives. Its enforcement is a major accomplishment and a step forward,' she added.

As part of the EPO procedure, within a nine-month period following the date of granting of the European patent, a notice of opposition can be filed in writing with the EPO. In the case of Neptune, oppositions were filed by Norway-based Aker BioMarine and Israel-based Enzymotec. The opposition proceedings are a multi-year (5-7 year) procedure with the potential outcome of maintaining the patent, amending it or, in certain cases, revoking it. According to EPO regulations, the opposed patent is considered and remains granted and enforceable in all countries in which it has been validated. The patent continues to preclude the competition from commercializing products as krill oil containing marine phospholipids in these European countries, providing only the patent holder with the benefit of exclusive commercialization.

'It is commonly viewed that oppositions in Europe are considered as an indication of the importance of the patent in preventing commercial competitors in the field and strengthen the patent owner's intellectual property and market position after maintenance,' said Gerard Dossman, patent opposition attorney from the European Bureau D.A. Casalonga-Josse.

'The importance of this patent is highlighted by the fact that that this is the first composition patent granted to the company, allowing them to secure a growing market. Since in Europe opposed patents remain granted and enforceable in all validated countries, Neptune has created a major barrier to competitive market entry,' said patent agent Christian Cawthorn of Ogilvy Renault.

The twenty four countries in which the European patent has been

Keywords: Angiology, Business, Cardiology, Cognitive Disorders, Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Disease, Hypercholesterolemia, Mental Health, Neurodegenerative, Patent Actions, Patents Actions, Peripheral Artery Disease, Pharmaceuticals, Vascular Disease, Neptune Technologies & Bioressources INC.