Biopharmaceutical company Navidea Biopharmaceuticals Inc (NYSE American:NAVB) Friday disclosed an extension of the Lymphoseek patent, which has been assigned US patent 6,409,990, for an additional five years.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reportedly released a letter indicating that the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is allowed to extend Lymphoseek's patent for an additional five years or until 12 May 2025.

In conjunction, the patent claims Lymphoseek (technetium (Tc 99m) tilmanocept) has been exclusively licensed with varying geographical and medical indication coverages to Cardinal Health and Navidea.

Following the allowance of this patent extension, Cardinal Health and Navidea will extend their exclusive rights to manufacture and commercialise Lymphoseek until the end of the extended patent term in 2025.