Lyon, France – July 12, 2011 - genOway (ALTERNEXT-NYSE EURONEXT: ALGEN ; ISIN :
FR0004053510; http://www.genoway.com) and bluebird bio (CAMBRIDGE, Mass. USA,
http://www.bluebirdbio.com), report today genOway acquisition of an exclusive worldwide license for
the RMCE technology (developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the field of
genetically modified rodents.
RMCE technology, combining a recombinase system with genetic modification, enable the reliable and
quick introduction of a DNA sequence (gene, mutated sequence, etc) at a specific locus. This
technology involves combining a recombinase system with genetic modification enabling the reliable
and quick introduction of a DNA sequence (gene, mutated sequence, etc) at a specific locus.
This technology was developed and patented by Prof Leboulch at MIT.
Targeted insertion has now substituted most classical transgenic models (random insertion) and RMCE
has become an essential tool in the making of knock in rodents such as humanized models, disease
models, etc.
Nick Leschly, CEO of bluebird bio, said: “We are very happy to provide genOway with this
exclusive license with the right to grant sublicenses. Through its expertise and well-recognized
international reputation, we expect that they will make the RMCE technology one of the reference
technologies for Knock in models. Consequently we are providing genOway with a world wide
exclusive license in the genetically modified rodent business.”
Alexandre Fraichard, CEO of genOway, indicated: “We are proud to be the only company or
institution in the world able to sell RMCE models. This technology is very important for the reliable
and quick development of more predictive animal models. The technology is already frequently used by
transgenic facilities and companies but we believe that genOway stands out as the best partner to
market this unique technology rapidly and globally. As the leader in the development of sophisticated
and highly predictable genetically modified rodents, we will market this unique technology and enable
any scientist worldwide, in both academia and biopharmaceutical companies, to have access to this
technology. We have already noticed a great deal of interest from the pharmaceutical industry, in
particular since we will guarantee our licensees with a total freedom to operate for their R&D
activities. This technology represents a clear competitive advantage by strengthening our proprietary
technology portfolio and increasing the uniqueness of our commercial offering.”
About bluebird bio
bluebird bio is developing innovative gene therapies for severe genetic disorders. At the heart of
bluebird bio’s product creation efforts is its broadly applicable gene therapy platform for the
development of novel treatments for diseases with few or no clinical options. The company’s novel
approach uses stem cells harvested from the patient’s bone marrow into which a healthy version of the
disease causing gene is inserted. After being grown in culture, those cells are given back to the
patient. bluebird bio’s approach represents a true paradigm shift in the treatment of severe genetic
diseases by eliminating the potential complications associated with donor cell transplantation and
potentially presenting a one-time transformative therapy. bluebird bio has two later stage clinical
products in development for childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD) and beta-
thalassemia/sickle cell anemia. Led by a world-class team, bluebird bio is privately-held and backed by
top-tier life sciences investors, including Third Rock Ventures, TVM Capital, ARCH Venture Partners,
Forbion Capital Partners, Easton Capital and Genzyme Ventures. Its operations are located in
Cambridge, Mass. and Paris, France.
About the technology
RMCE technology, is a patented technology
- Europe: EP0914457
- USA: U.S. 5,928,914 & U.S. 6,534,314
- Japan: JP2009-0262993 & JP 1998-0501738
- Hongkong: HK1020752
- Australia: AU733016
About genOway
genOway (ALTERNEXT-NYSE: ALGEN) is a biotechnology company developing genetically
modified and high value-added research models for the bio-pharmaceutical, chemical, agrochemical
and food industry as well as for academic research. With highly qualified scientific personnel, the
company has a work force of 60 people and operates in over 22 countries in Europe, Asia and North
America, supplying more than 275 customers. genOway is a leader in its market in terms of both size
and customer portfolios. The company’s development is founded upon both a broad and exclusive
technology platform as well as strong intellectual property rights combining patents and licensing
agreements. Taking advantage of the global trend towards outsourcing the production of genetically
modified research models, genOway has signed many contracts with leaders of the pharmaceutical
industry (Pfizer, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, etc.), and with the most prestigious academic research
centers (King’s College and the University of Manchester, in England; Duke University and the
National Institutes of Health, in the United States; the Institut Pasteur, in France; NGFN and the Max
Planck Institutes, in Germany, etc.). To strengthen its technological position and benefit from
worldwide business partners, genOway has signed strategic alliances with leading companies in their
field: Charles River Laboratories (NYSE: CRL, a world leader in supplying laboratory animals),
Invitrogen (NASDAQ: IVGN, world leader in supplying molecular biology reagents).
For more information please go to www.genoway.com.
genOway Media Contact:
Jacques-Olivier Costa
Milestones PR
+33 (0)1 75 44 87 42
jocosta@milestones.fr
bluebird bio Media Contact:
Dan Budwick
Pure Communications, Inc.
(973) 271-6085