Nventa Biopharmaceuticals Corp., of San Diego, was issued U.S. Patent No. 7,262,014, which covers compositions and methods for inducing or enhancing immune responses to a human papillomavirus antigen with or without the use of an adjuvant. The company is developing CoVal HPV protein fusions for HPV-related diseases.

Penwest Pharmaceuticals Co., of Danbury, Conn., received U.S. Patent No. 7,276,250, titled "Sustained Release Formulations of Oxymorphone." It covers the formulation of Opana ER (oxymorphone HCl) extended-release tablets Cll using the company's Timerx technology. Opana is licensed to Chadds Ford, Pa.-based Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Protox Therapeutics Inc., of Vancouver, British Columbia, received U.S. Patent No. 7,282,476, which covers the composition of PRX302, the company's lead drug candidate from its PORxin technology platform and its use in prostate cancer. The patent was issued to the University of Victoria Innovation and Development Corp. and Johns Hopkins University and is licensed by Protox.