New patent notices for Grace's flash chromatography tech

WR Grace & Co has announced receipt of approval for three additional Notices of Allowance from the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) in relation to its Reveleris flash chromatography system.

The specialty chemicals and materials company explained that these allowed claims will enable it to streamline the purification of new chemical and biological compositions for drug discovery.

These notices are concerned with several parts of the process, including actively controlling the split flow, using chromaphoric solvents and collecting fractions using wavelength range during the flash chromatography itself.

By implementing these techniques, Grace claims that it can simplify purification of drug entities, as well as increasing recovery, improving reliability and streamlining the way in which the instruments are operated.

Previously, the company revealed that the PTO had granted it a patent for the use of Evaporative Light Scattering Detection specifically with flash chromatography and this is a key part of the Reveleris system.

Laurie Andriate, vice president and general manager of Discovery Sciences, one of the product lines at Grace Materials Technology, highlighted the significance of the new patents.

"These additional US Patent Allowances further confirm our leadership in flash chromatography technology," she said. "Our cutting-edge technology has advanced the capabilities of flash chromatography, resulting in cost savings and productivity enhancements for our customers."

The Reveleris system has been designed to be used with Grace's own silica cartridges, which are also used by pharmaceutical companies around the world.

Meanwhile, the company has announced its third-quarter results, with base sales volumes rising by 5.4 per cent. Demand for the company's chemicals and materials was particularly strong in emerging markets, which saw a 17 per cent increase in sales.

Net income in the nine months to September 30th stood at $205.7 million, equivalent of $2.70 per diluted share. Fred Festa, chairman and chief executive, said that the results were in line with the company's plan. "All three of our operating segments improved base pricing and increased sales volumes as strong growth in the emerging regions offset weaker demand in the advanced economies."