Futura to appeal European patent decision

Futura Medical PLC (AIM:FUM, OTC:FAMDF, FRA:GYX), the pharmaceutical group, said it intends to appeal a European Patent Office decision to revoke its patent for MED3000, the erectile dysfunction treatment sold as Eroxon.

It will take the case to the EPO Technical Board of Appeal, a process expected to take at least 18 to 24 months.

Futura said it disagreed with the ruling, which it believes fails to reflect fundamental principles of clinical research and development.

The patent remains in force while the appeal is pending.

The company added that the decision did not affect the continued commercialisation of Eroxon or its existing supply arrangements.