GOLDEN, Colo., Sept. 12, 2012 – Siva Therapeutics has signed an option agreement for a co-exclusive license to a published U.S. patent application entitled ‘Gold Nanoparticle Conjugates and Uses Thereof’ with the Technology Transfer Office at the Colorado School of Mines. The technology described in the patent was developed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen G. Boyes, associate professor of chemistry at Mines.

Dr. Boyes’ laboratory has developed technology for ‘growing’ stimulus-responsive polymer brush structures on the surfaces of nanoparticles. The ability of the polymer brushes to respond to environmental parameters, such as pH and oxygen tension, holds the potential to optimize tumor targeting of SivaRodsTM, Siva’s precision nanoparticles that heat tumors by absorbing infrared light.

“We anticipate that the polymer brush technology Steve has developed will be an important tool for improving tumor targeting of SivaRodsTM,” said Len Pagliaro, PhD, CEO of Siva. “We anticipate executing a full license to this patent and working closely with Steve’s laboratory over the coming years.”

Media Contacts:
info@sivatherapeutics.com
David Tauchen, Public Relations Specialist / 303-273-3088 / DTauchen@mines.edu
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations / 303-273-3541 / KGilbert@mines.edu