Procyte Corp. on Tuesday said it has received a notice ofallowance for a patent covering the composition and use of itssmall peptide-metal molecules as inhibitors of the toxic actionsof oxygen.

Reperfusion injury can occur when tissues temporarilydeprived of blood flow regain their blood supply. Oxygenradicals formed when oxygen is reintroduced to starved organscan cause inflammation and damage.

The Kirkland, Wash., company (NASDAQ:PRCY) has developedsmall peptides complexed with either copper or manganesethat in animals appear to stop reperfusion injury. The potentialmarket for these compounds includes people who sufferstrokes, heart attack and trauma to the brain or spinal cord.

The stock climbed $1.75 to $13.50. -- RF

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