Atossa Genetics Inc. has acquired all of the ownership rights to U.S. patent 7,879,614, issued February 1, 2011, and pending U.S. application 11/958,597, filed January 31, 2011, from the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.

The patents cover the manufacture, use, and sale of a biomarker test that will examine carbohydrates contained in nipple aspirate fluid using a sensitive detection reagent, such as a Schiff's reagent. In a pilot study of the biomarker, a clinical trial was conducted of nipple aspirate fluid from 28 women age 30 to 52 years at the Breast Care Clinic at the University of California at San Francisco. The test was positive in all 12 women who had known cancer and was negative in 12 of 16 women without cancer.

Atossa paid an up-front fee and is obliged to pay patent-based royalties on aggregate net sales in the countries with issued patents.

Steven C. Quay, MD, PhD, FCAP, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Atossa Genetics, stated, "It is known that some breast cancers contain alterations in the synthesis of cell surface and secreted glycoproteins, and this test is designed to provide a sensitive signal of their presence in nipple aspirate fluid. We intend to continue the clinical research needed to determine if these early results are valid and whether the biomarker can form the basis for a useful clinical screening test."

"Our mission at the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation is to eradicate breast cancer and improve the quality of women's health through innovative research, education, and advocacy," stated Dr. Susan Love. "We are pleased that Atossa Genetics has acquired this biomarker intellectual property and will be continuing the research needed to determine its clinical utility."