Adelaide-based medical technology company LBT Innovations Limited (ASX: LBT) has been awarded the first US patent for its culture-plate analysis technology, the Automated Plate Assessment System (APAS).
The patent (no. 8,896,706) relates to a novel method for ‘colour calibrating’ images captured by the APAS technology, which will make it easier for devices using APAS to accurately classify the colours of both bacterial colonies and culture mediums (e.g. agar).
The patent, which expires on 25 November 2034, is the first in a family of five patents for which LBT has applied to the US Patent & Trademark Office, to safeguard the intellectual property associated with its core intelligent imaging technology.
“This patent is a key milestone in the journey we have recently begun to launch APAS in the United States, which represents a critical testing ground for new medical devices as well as the world’s largest commercial medical market,” said LBT’s CEO, Mrs Lusia Guthrie.
LBT is preparing to commence a major clinical trial of the APAS technology at TriCore Reference Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as part of its application for registration by the US FDA.
The trial will be the third and final trial of the clinical efficacy of APAS, following successful trials in Melbourne and Adelaide late last year.