COLOGNE, Germany, February 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Artemis Pharmaceuticals GmbH announced today it has signed a target validation collaboration agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Under the agreement Artemis will generate various genetically-engineered murine models carrying selected genetic mutations. Bristol-Myers Squibb will use these models in its drug discovery research activities for the validation of novel drug screening targets. Such targets are used to identify new compounds and therapies for the treatment of diseases for various indications in humans. In vivo validation of disease related drug targets and data generated from them, are increasingly considered to be vital for the success of innovative drug discovery programs.
The generation of the in vivo rodent models will be based on Artemis’ proprietary ArteMice(TM) and ArteMice(TM) Conditional(TM) technologies. These technologies enable the introduction of genetic sequences containing the CreER gene switch for conditional gene knock out and the creation of humanized conditional mutants in which murine genes are replaced by their human orthologues. Quality control and transfer will be done together with Artemis’ strategic partner company Taconic, which also provides use licenses to Bristol-Myers Squibb covering the U.S. territory for mouse models generated by Artemis, using techniques included in the PNS and Isogenic DNA patents.
About Artemis
Artemis Pharmaceuticals has developed the worldwide leading portfolio of scientific and technological tools in murine molecular genetics and functional genomics. It offers custom-made genetically engineered in vivo models for use at various stages of the drug discovery process or for academic research.
Artemis has formed a strategic alliance with Taconic, one of the world’s leading breeders of laboratory rodents. This alliance enables the generation and delivery of genetically modified in vivo models to the customers in an unpreceeded speed and quality. Artemis customers include the leading pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms and various academic research institutions worldwide. Artemis is a wholly owned subsidiary of Exelixis, Inc., South San Francisco, CA. USA since 2001.
For further information please contact: Artemis Pharmaceuticals GmbH Monika Hahn Tel:+49-221-96453-10 m.hahn@artemispharma.dewww.artemispharma.de
Artemis Pharmaceutical GmbH
CONTACT: For further information please contact: Artemis PharmaceuticalsGmbH, Monika Hahn, Tel:+49-221-96453-10 m.hahn@artemispharma.de
