Strasbourg, France, September 8, 2010 – Polyplus-transfection SA, which specializes in the development of innovative solutions for cellular and molecular biology research, announced today that Généthon, a not-for-profit biotherapy laboratory run by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM – Association Française contre les Myopathies) and which is financed by donations raised through the annual Téléthon, has selected Polyplus-transfection’s jetPEI(TM) transfection reagent for the production of its viral vectors. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Généthon’s mission is to develop gene therapies for the treatment of rare diseases, including neuromuscular pathologies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. The therapeutic genes identified by the Généthon researchers are delivered by modified viruses. This requires the production of large batches of viral vectors for preclinical research, followed later by batches of clinical-grade material for clinical trials.
Généthon will use the jetPEI transfection reagent in this context to produce adeno-associated viruses (AAV), or lentiviruses, by transient transfection of mammalian cells. This method is used from the research stage through to the production of clinical batches, for which the transfection reagent supplied by Polyplus is delivered with the required quality tests.
“We are delighted that a leading international research facility such as Généthon is using our jetPEI transfection reagent for the production of viral vectors for its research and clinical trials,” said Mark Bloomfield, CEO of Polyplus-transfection. “Polyethylenimine (PEI), the active ingredient of jetPEI, is the ideal reagent for the large scale transfection of animal cells under clinical conditions. Généthon’s choice of jetPEI as its transfection reagent demonstrates its confidence in the efficacy and quality of jetPEI, as well as in our exclusive rights for the use of PEI for transfection.”
“The possibility of using Polyplus-transfection’s jetPEI opens a new avenue for the large-scale production of our viral vectors for all applications where other methods are inappropriate,” said Généthon’s Product Development Director, Mehdi Gasmi. “In addition, the availability of a suitable reagent means we will be able to use jetPEI for producing clinical-grade vectors, which is a big asset in helping Généthon fulfill its mission.”
About Polyplus-transfection
Polyplus-transfection SA is a biotechnology company that develops, markets and sells innovative solutions for scientists working in cellular and molecular biology through a worldwide distributor network. Located close to the University of Strasbourg in Eastern France, Polyplus-transfection, an ISO 9001-certified company, has been manufacturing its proprietary range of reagents for the transfection of genes, oligonucleotides and siRNA in vitro and in vivo since 2001. Polyplus-transfection has recently developed a new generation of modified oligonucleotides, ZNAs (Zip Nucleic Acids), highly effective across a wide range of applications including PCR amplification and RNA interference. Polyplus-transfection holds a broad portfolio of patents and licenses in the fields of modified oligonucleotides and nucleic acid delivery. Polyplus-transfection SA is privately owned and has raised a total amount of EUR 5.3 million in three funding rounds.
For more information, please visit the Polyplus-transfection web site at: http://www.polyplus-transfection.com
About Généthon
Généthon is a not-for-profit research centre that was created by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM) and is now funded almost exclusively by donations from France’s annual Telethon. Its goal is to deliver gene therapies to patients with rare diseases in general and neuromuscular diseases in particular. With over 200 scientists, physicians, engineers and regulatory affairs specialists, Généthon is one of the world’s leading centres for preclinical and clinical research and development in the field of gene therapy. Généthon also has a biomanufacturing platform for clinical-grade vectors and is involved in building the world’s largest facility for pre-industrial pilot production. A 5000 m2 facility will open in Evry in early 2011.
http://www.genethon.fr
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