August 4, 2004 - Research Triangle Park, NC.

Norak Biosciences, Inc. announced today a newly issued U.S. patent covering compositions of matter that more broadly protect its Transfluor® technology.   The newly issued patent 6,770,449 claims compositions (constructs) of any arrestin that is labeled by any method in a cell containing a GPCR capable of binding the arrestin. Labels specifically claimed include green fluorescent protein (GFP), beta-a-galactosidase, and luciferase.

By obtaining these new composition of matter claims, Norak will have both claims covering the compositions in its Transfluor® assay obtained in previously issued Norak patents and claims covering the making, using or selling of these compositions in the US regardless of the use contemplated for the compositions.   

The U.S. patent follows on the heels of a broad European patent EP1015608 issued in March claiming compositions and cells including a conjugate of a beta-arrestin, including variants, and any detectable molecule, such as a fluorescent protein or enzyme moiety.   Both patents are available for license.

"We now enjoy compositions of matter and methods claims covering Transfluor in the U.S., Europe and Australia," commented Dr. Roger. D. Blevins, Norak's president and CEO.   “We are continuing to file and prosecute a range of patents worldwide covering broader claims, modifications and improvements, as well as proprietary targets from our own research using Transfluor technology.”

Norak's Transfluor® technology is a patented, universal GPCR drug discovery technology designed to be the most accurate method for discovering ligands for GPCR targets, whether known or orphan. Transfluor® was exclusively licensed in 1999 by Norak from technology developed at Duke University Medical Center and represents the combined research into GPCR signaling pathways over several decades by Norak's scientific founders, Drs. Marc Caron, Robert Lefkowitz, and Larry Barak.

About Norak:

Norak Biosciences, Inc., headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, is a private biotechnology company. Norak is utilizing its proprietary Transfluor® technology to become a worldwide leader in the discovery and development of drugs that regulate G protein-coupled receptors. For more information about Norak Biosciences, Inc., please visit the Company's website at http://www.norakbio.com .

Terry E. Willard
Executive Vice President
Norak Biosciences, Inc.
7030 Kit Creek Road
Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: 919 248 8000 x8804
Fax: 919 248 8033
twillard@norakbio.com
www.norakbio.com

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