Zonagen Gets U.S. Patent for Progenta

Zonagen has received a U.S. patent that covers both compositions of matter and methods of use for Progenta, which Zonagen is currently developing to treat uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

Zonagen is the exclusive worldwide licensee of this patent. The company previously reported that a recently completed clinical study with Progenta yielded statistically significant improvement in the treatment of uterine fibroids as compared to baseline. Progenta's effects on shrinking fibroids were at least equivalent to that observed in women using an approved gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), which is the most effective drug intervention for the condition.

The company believes that Progenta's mechanism of action will avoid the adverse limiting side effects of bone loss, which are associated with the GnRHa's and which restrict their use to no longer than six months.