Ash Access Technology Granted Patent for Antimicrobial Catheter Lock and Catheter Flush Technologies

Ash Access Technology, Inc. (AAT) announces that a key U.S. patent protecting its proprietary catheter lock solution intellectual property has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The company now has multiple patents covering its core technology issued in the United States, 23 European countries and Mexico, and patents pending in 15 additional countries.

"We are pleased to have been granted this patent," says Robert B. Truitt, president and CEO of Ash Access Technology. "It represents the final milestone in securing protection of this intellectual property in all major markets throughout the world. Not only does this validate the uniqueness of our lead product Zuragen in the marketplace as a breakthrough antimicrobial catheter lock solution, but the patent also protects a larger body of core infection prevention formulations that are at the root of a diverse anti-infective pipeline."

Zuragen is an antimicrobial and antithrombotic catheter solution designed to reduce catheter-related infection events in hemodialysis catheters and safely maintain catheter patency and function. It was recently studied in the pivotal AZEPTIC trial in 415 hemodialysis patients and demonstrated a significant reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infections and bacteremia events, superior patency results and an attractive safety profile compared to the current standard of care -- high concentration Heparin. AAT is seeking FDA approval to commercialize Zuragen. The AZEPTIC clinical trial was partially funded by the Indiana 21st Century Fund and the National Institutes of Health.