Amarantus BioSciences Wins MANF Patent Challenge in Europe

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Amarantus BioSciences, Inc. (OTCQB: AMBS), a biotechnology company developing new treatments and diagnostics for Parkinson's disease and Traumatic Brain Injury centered on its proprietary anti-apoptosis therapeutic protein MANF, today announced the Opposition Division of the European Patent Office upheld Amarantus Bioscience's European Patent relating to neurotrophic factor MANF, following opposition by rival Hermo Pharma OY of Finland. 

The Opposition Division held that the Opponent's arguments did not prejudice the maintenance of the Patent as originally granted, with broad claims covering MANF and its derivatives.  The Opponent had not contested the validity of the Patent on the basis of novelty or inventive step, but had objected to the broad scope of the claims. However, after due consideration of comprehensive legal and technical oral submissions from both sides, the Opposition Division rejected the Opponent's arguments and upheld the claims without restriction. 

"This is a highly significant decision for Amarantus, after an extended period of uncertainty," said Marc Wilkinson PhD, European Patent Attorney of UK firm Avidity IP, representing Amarantus.  "The Opposition Division's decision validates broad protection for MANF and derivatives across major European jurisdictions."

About Amarantus BioSciences, Inc.

Amarantus BioSciences, Inc. is a development-stage biotechnology company founded in January 2008.  The Company has a focus on developing certain biologics surrounding the intellectual property and proprietary technologies it owns to treat and/or diagnose Parkinson's disease, Traumatic Brain Injury and other human diseases.  The Company owns the intellectual property rights to a therapeutic protein known as Mesencephalic-Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor ("MANF") and is developing MANF-based products as treatments for brain disorders. The Company also is a Founding Member of the Coalition for Concussion Treatment (#C4CT), a movement initiated in collaboration with Brewer Sports International seeking to raise awareness of new treatments in development for concussions and nervous-system disorders. For further information please visit www.Amarantus.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the possible benefits of MANF therapeutic applications and/or advantages presented by Amarantus' PhenoGuard technology, as well as statements about expectations, plans and prospects of the development of Amarantus' new product candidates. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks that the anticipated benefits of the therapeutic drug candidates or discovery platforms, as well as the risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the development of Amarantus' new product candidates, including those identified under "Risk Factors" in Amarantus' most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other filings Amarantus periodically makes with the SEC. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements Amarantus does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views or events or circumstances that occur after the date of this presentation. This press release does not represent an offer to buy or sell securities.

Amarantus BioSciences, Inc.
(408) 737-2734
[email protected]

Investor/Media Contact:
IR Sense, LLC
Remy Bernarda
415-203-6386
[email protected]

SOURCE Amarantus BioSciences, Inc.