Lyon, France – October 20, 2009 - genOway (ALTERNEXT-NYSE EURONEXT: ALGEN ; ISIN : FR0004053510), the biotechnology company dedicated to the development of genetically modified animal models, today reports the signing of an exclusive license for Flex technology, developed at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC, Strasbourg), directed by Professor Pierre Chambon. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
This technology, combining a recombinase system with genetic modification, is the only one allowing the creation of inducible mutations. Indeed, the Flex technology enables the desired mutation to be induced in the selected target tissue at a precise moment in time. It is, therefore, an essential tool for modeling the appearance of mutations in human diseases.
Professor Pierre Chambon, said: “We are very happy to provide genOway with this license. Through its expertise and well-recognized international reputation, the company will make the best use of the Flex technology in order to model the appearance of mutations in human diseases. We believe that genOway stands out as the best partner to market this unique technology rapidly and globally.”
Alexandre Fraichard, CEO of genOway, indicated: “This technology is very important for the development of even more predictive animal models. In fact, it can mimic the appearance of mutations and, therefore, help the consequences of this, for biological and pathological (or not) processes, to be understood. We are very pleased that IGBMC have granted us the exclusive rights to market this technology in animal models. We have already noticed a great deal of interest from the pharmaceutical industry for this technology and we are very confident that we will be able to sign our first contracts no later than this year. This technology represents a clear competitive advantage by strengthening our proprietary technology portfolio and increasing the uniqueness of our commercial offering.”
About Professor Pierre Chambon
Pierre Chambon, honorary Professor at the College de France, is the founder and honorary director of the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC) and Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS) in Strasbourg-Illkirch. He has developed an internationally renowned expertise in the field of gene structure, regulation and expression, but also in the transcription of physiological signals by nuclear receptors.
About the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC)
The Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, founded in October 1994, has, since January 2001, been a joint research unit run by CNRS ,Inserm , and the Université Louis Pasteur. Directed by Pierre Chambon from 1994 to 2002, since October 2002, it has been co-managed by Dino Moras and Jean-Louis Mandel. One of the leading centers for biomedical research in Europe, it is devoted to the study of the genomes of higher eukaryotes and to the control of gene expression as well as the analysis of gene and protein functions. This knowledge is applied to the study of human diseases (cancer, monogenic diseases, metabolic diseases, etc.). It has an international reputation, emphasized by the representation of more than 40 nationalities among its researchers and students. http://www.igbmc.fr
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.
