On March 12, 2014 TNI BioTech reported the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted a key patent for IRT-101 (MENK) for inducing sustained immune response of T-Cells (Press release, TNI BioTech, MAR 12, 2014, View Source [SID:1234501364]).
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The present invention relates to methods of stimulating and promoting a sustained natural immune system response, resulting in increased resistance and inhibition of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, and other immunodeficiency-related ailments. More specifically, the invention relates to an intermittent dose schedule for promoting a sustained increased level of T-cell production (cytotoxic T-cells) including CD3, CD4, CD8, natural killer (NK) cells, CD38 cells, and interleukin II receptor. Pursuant to the patent, these therapies can be used on immunocompromised individuals including patients with cancer, or undergoing x-ray, surgery, or chemotherapy treatments.
The patent assigned to TNI BioTech from Nicholas Plotnikoff, which is already the subject of a previously granted U.S. patent, protects the activated NK cells. Similar patent protection has been obtained in India, Russia and the United Kingdom.
IRT-101 (MENK) is an active immunotherapy with MENK for patients with deficient functioning of the immune system. It works by restoring the patient’s immune functions and by activating the lymphocytes to attack cancer cells and infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. This is accomplished because MENK binds to opioid receptors on both immune cells and on cancer cells, which directly inhibits the growth of cancer cells and increases the number and functions of T-cells, NK cells, NK-T cells, and gamma/delta T-cells. These cells then destroy infective organisms and tumor cells while simultaneously inhibiting the ability of T regulatory (Treg) cells to block the functions of anti-cancer or anti-infectious disease lymphocytes.
Noreen Griffin, CEO of TNI BioTech said, "We are pleased to be able to expand our patent portfolio and believe this patent plus the many other patents surrounding MENK provide us with broad composition-of-matter protection for our suite of immunotherapy treatments."