May 23, 2007

3 Min Read
Burcon granted U.S. patents on Supertein(TM) functionality

VANCOUVER, May 23 /CNW/ - Burcon NutraScience Corporation (TSX-V: BU)
announces today that it has been granted two U.S. patents for the novel uses
of Burcon's Supertein(TM) as a functional component in food compositions. The
newly granted patents - United States Patent Numbers 7,211,286 and 7,211,288:
"Canola Protein Isolate Functionality III" - cover important functional
characteristics for the use of Burcon's Supertein(TM) in food compositions
generally and a canola protein isolate fortified beverage formulated from
Supertein(TM).

Burcon now holds seven U.S. patents over canola protein processing
technology and canola protein isolate applications. Supertein's(TM) functional
applications - which are embodied in these patents - enable its use in a
variety of food products to replace, wholly or partially, other ingredients
including proteins.

Burcon has filed patent applications for seventeen additional inventions.
These patent applications, which are currently being reviewed by the United
States Patent and Trademark Office, can be segregated into three general
categories. First, Burcon has made patent applications to protect further
novel processing steps for the extraction and purification of proteins from
oilseed meals including canola meal. Second, Burcon has filed additional
patents over certain unique uses of Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM), for example
as functional food and beverage ingredients. Third, Burcon has filed for
patents over the "signature characteristics" of its products, including its
canola proteins Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM).

In addition to its U.S. patent applications, Burcon has filed
applications for most of its inventions internationally under the Patent
Cooperation Treaty of the World Intellectual Property Organization in some
35 countries, including the European Union, Japan, China, India, Australia,
New Zealand, and Canada.

"These patents cover commercially significant functional attributes of
our Supertein(TM) canola protein isolate," stated Johann F. Tergesen, Burcon's
President & COO. "These patents further strengthen our growing portfolio of
intellectual property over canola protein extraction technologies and the use
of those proteins as valuable food ingredients. Burcon and its wholly owned
subsidiary now hold seven U.S. patents and numerous international patents and
patent applications," said Mr. Tergesen.

Under the terms of the license and development agreement with Archer
Daniels Midland ("ADM"), ADM can commercially exploit Burcon's intellectual
property portfolio for the extraction and purification of canola protein
isolates - namely Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM) - in all geographic regions
and for all uses. The newly granted U.S. patents described in this news
release were specifically referenced in the September 2003 license and
development agreement.

About Burcon NutraScience

Burcon is a research and development company developing a portfolio of
composition, application, and process patents around its plant protein
extraction and purification technology. The goal of Burcon's research is to
develop its patented process to utilize inexpensive oilseed meals for the
production of purified plant proteins that exhibit valuable nutritional,
functional, or nutraceutical profiles. Burcon, in conjunction with Archer
Daniels Midland, is currently focusing its efforts on developing the world's
first commercial canola proteins, Puratein(R) and Supertein(TM). Canola,
recognized for its nutritional qualities, is the second-largest oilseed crop
in the world after soybeans. Burcon's goal is to develop Puratein and
Supertein to participate with soy, dairy, and egg proteins in the expanding
multi-billion-dollar protein ingredient market, with potential uses in
prepared foods, nutritional supplements, and personal care products.


The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy of the content of the information contained
herein. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among
other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our
products ,statements about future market conditions, supply and demand
conditions, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this
press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding the
prospect for future success depend upon our ability to develop and sell
products, which we do not produce today and cannot be sold without further
research and development. When used in this press release, the words "goal",
"intend", "believes" and "potential" and similar expressions, generally
identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current
expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. In
light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the development of a
source of protein from canola meal, you should understand that we cannot
assure you that the forward looking statements contained in this press release
will be realized.

Subscribe and receive the latest updates on trends, data, events and more.
Join 57,000+ members of the natural products community.

You May Also Like