Innogenetics secures key hepatits B testing patent

BRUSSELS, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Belgian biotech company Innogenetics INNX.BR said on Wednesday it had secured a key patent from the United States Patent Office for hepatitis B drug resistance testing.

"This is the first granted US patent covering a critical mutation leading to hepatitis B viral drug resistance," Innogenetics said in a statement.

It said drug resistance testing was now highly recommended for all available hepatitis B antivirals such as lamivudine, adefovir, and entecavir. The patent broadened Innogenetics' patent position in the field for at least 10 years, it added. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Ingrid Melander)