STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Biovitrum AB, Stockholm and Artemis Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Cologne, have signed a Research Services Agreement concerning the generation of RNAi-modified transgenic mice for the in vivo functional analysis of selected disease related genes.
The application of RNAi-based technologies for targeted knock-down of selected genes is one of the most promising methods for gene function analysis in basic and pharmaceutical research. There have only been limited studies showing utility of RNAi in corresponding mammalian organisms in vivo. Utilizing scientific methods developed in Artemis it is now possible to obtain an efficient, rapid and widespread RNAi knock down in adult transgenic mice.
Under the terms of the agreement, Artemis will generate shRNAi knock down transgenic mice that Biovitrum will use in certain pharmaceutical research programmes. Biovitrum will provide selected shRNA sequences that correspond to genes that may play a central role in human diseases. Artemis will use its propietary technologies functionally down-regulate expression of targeted proteins. This triggers biological effects that will be analyzed to obtain disease related data and information that Biovitrum will apply to its pharmaceutical research efforts. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.
"The production of RNAi gene knockdown mice by Artemis has the potential to provide rapid in-vivo target validation, commented Dr. Nigel Levens, Research Director and head of Biology at Biovitrum. This technology will help in early stage project selection and support our efforts as a major player in Metabolic Diseases Research.
"We are pleased to establish this collaboration with Biovitrum, a research-based company of international standing," commented Dr. Paul Rounding, Managing Director for Business Development at Artemis. "For the first time disease related genes will be carefully analyzed in vivo in adult mice by combining shRNAi technology with our proprietary methodologies. We believe that our technology is broadly applicable throughout pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, and anticipate that this strategy will be scientifically and commercially important for our company in the future."
For further information please contact: Nigel Levens, Director Biology Biovitrum AB, Stockholm Tel:+46-8-6972026 Mobile: +46-70-410 77 10 Mail: nigel.levens@biovitrum.com
Monika Hahn,Artemis Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Cologne Tel: +49+221-96453-10 m.hahn@artemispharma.de www.artemispharma.de
About Artemis:
Artemis Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1998 and uses mice as a genetic model for human biology in gene function analysis as well as for the discovery and characterization of novel therapeutics for human disease. The company has developed an exceptionally efficient and powerful technology basis for the identification and validation of disease related genes. This ArteMiceTM SPEED platform provides the company with a leading technology position with regard to the efficient, rapid production of complex genetically modified mouse models. ArteMiceTM technology enables the mouse gene to be completely replaced by its human ortholog. The biology of these "humanized mice" has a high level of similarity to human biology and, therefore, can play a potentially important role in drug discovery by providing an optimal model for the early in vivo testing of lead compound toxicity and efficacy on the specific human target. When combined with shRNAi the ArteMice(TM)technology provides a rapid and efficient way to knock down gene expression in all tissues of the mouse in vivo. Artemis cooperates with Merck, Inc., Aventis ,Bayer AG, Exelixis, Inc., the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and others. Artemis is a wholly owned subsidiary of Exelixis Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
About Biovitrum
Biovitrum was founded in 2001 and is a privately held biotech company active in the discovery and development of drugs to treat metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, and is active in process development and contract manufacturing of protein therapeutics. The company has strong intellectual property and technology platforms, with a number of compounds in pre-clinical and clinical development. Biovitrum is one of the largest biotech companies in Europe with more than 550 employees. Annual revenues, including royalties and contract service fees, finance a major part of the annual research budget. For more information, please visit Biovitrum's website at http://www.biovitrum.com.
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