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OptiBiotix files three new patents for SweetBiotix
AIM-quoted life sciences business OptiBiotix has made three new patent filings aimed at protecting the production methods and product application areas arising from its SweetBiotix product development programmes.
OptiBiotix new patent filings follow on from a total of five successful independent human studies in which the group's products and comparator samples were tested by an expert panel of panellists who rated eleven product attributes, such as sweetness, aftertaste, off- flavour and bitterness compared to the products sucrose level.
The group believes the new patent filings will add a further layer of protection to its intellectual property portfolio and create a highly valuable asset while broadening the number of product applications and partnering opportunities.
OptiBiotix noted that given that the global sweetener market, currently dominated by sugar, is forecast to reach $112bn by 2022, it believed that filing the patents would help protect its inventions and "fully exploit the commercial opportunities being explored with industry partners."
Stephen O'Hara, chief executive of OptiBiotix, said, "We are pleased to announce the filing of these patents which add a further level of protection and value to our SweetBiotix product development programmes. Given the scale of the opportunity and the high level of interest we have seen from multiple corporate partners, these flings help protect OptiBiotix's valuable inventions and broaden the number of product application opportunities.
"With growing concerns over traditional sugars and artificial sweeteners, SweetBiotix has the potential to address a global consumer and industry need, addressing international concerns over the impact of sugar on obesity, with the prospect of replacing 'unhealthy' sugars in existing products with non-digestible, low calorie, healthy, SweetBiotix," he added.
As of 0920 BST, shares had tumbled 13.35% to 185.00p.