LONDON, Sept. 18, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Brian R. Davis, Ph.D., President and CEO of Gene-Cell, Inc., (OTCBB:GCLL) a leading research and development company devoted to non-viral methods of targeted genetic modification of non-embryonic human stem cells, presented the Company's unique microinjection and gene therapy technologies at the SMI Group's "Innovations in Transgenics Technologies" conference in London, on September 10, 2001.
Davis described Gene-Cell's pioneering development of automated microinjection, the Company's proprietary flexible glass needles 1/20 the diameter of a human hair, and Gene-Cell's ability to temporarily immobilize diseased target cells for treatment. The cells, containing mutated DNA, are removed from the patient, genetically modified in Gene-Cell's laboratories, and subsequently transplanted back into the patient. Gene-Cell is initially focusing on sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, inherited diseases that afflict a worldwide population of 6.5 million people, respectively. Both the immobilization process and the needles are owned by Gene-Cell and are patent-pending.
Davis pointed out that Gene-Cell is working with stem cells that are derived from either adults or umbilical cord rather than embryos and that his appearance at the conference was meant to enhance the acceptance of Gene-Cell's unique expertise for precise repair of disease-causing mutations and their effective solutions for a vast group of inherited diseases.
Gene-Cell's unique technology platform is applicable to the commercially-valuable transgenic and functional genomics fields, wherein animal models are used in disease discovery and new drug design. The Company has entered into intellectual partnerships with leading biotechnology companies and Universities.
International leaders in gene technology, pharmaceutical companies and medical technology companies attended the SMI Group conference, devoted to innovations in transgenic technologies.
Gene-Cell, Inc. is headquartered at 1010 Hercules Avenue, Houston, TX 77058. The Company's telephone is 281/461-7996 and Fax is 281/461-7408. GCI's Website is http://www.gene-cell.com, and E-mail is: info@gene-cell.com
The foregoing press release contains forward-looking statements. For this purpose any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue" or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of factors.