THE WOODLANDS, Texas, July 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lexicon Genetics Incorporated announced today that Cellectis SA has granted Lexicon an exclusive, worldwide license under the patents and patent applications covering Cellectis’ technology for the specific replacement or insertion of a gene in a eukaryotic genome. The license applies to the use of Cellectis’ technology in combination with internal ribosome entry site (“IRES”) or isogenic DNA technology in the generation of genetically-modified mice.
Cellectis’ technology is frequently used to insert markers of gene expression or to generate mice in which the human counterpart to a mouse gene has been inserted, or “knocked in”. Lexicon already held a non-exclusive license under these patent rights, and has utilized this technology in the generation of knockout mice as a complement to Lexicon’s existing suite of patented gene targeting technologies. The new license grants Lexicon exclusive rights to make, use, sell and import genetically-engineered mice generated using this technology in combination with IRES or isogenic DNA technology, subject to nonexclusive rights previously granted by Cellectis, with the exclusive right to grant sublicenses. The term of the exclusive license is for the life of the patents. The technology is covered by United States patent numbers 6,528,313, 6,638,768 and 6,528,314 and related patents and patent applications in the United States and other countries.
Lexicon was granted an exclusive license under patents and patent applications covering IRES technology for genetically-modified mice from Stem Cell Sciences plc in November 2005. IRES technology is commonly used to enhance the accuracy and versatility of gene expression in genetically-altered mice and cultured stem cells. Lexicon obtained an exclusive license under the patent rights to isogenic DNA technology in 1996. Lexicon’s intellectual property estate now includes exclusive rights under 12 United States patents related to its gene targeting technologies.
“This is an important set of technologies for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies using knockout mice as a component of their target and drug discovery efforts,” said Lance Ishimoto, J.D., Ph.D., senior vice president of intellectual property at Lexicon. “Our experience confirms the power of using this suite of technologies together in the generation and analysis of genetically-modified mice.”
About Lexicon Genetics
Lexicon Genetics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing breakthrough treatments for human disease. Lexicon is systematically discovering the physiological and behavioral functions of genes to identify potential points of therapeutic intervention, or drug targets. Lexicon makes these discoveries using its proprietary gene knockout technology to model the physiological effects that could be expected from prospective drugs addressing these targets. For targets that the company believes have high pharmaceutical value, it engages in programs for the discovery and development of small molecule, antibody and protein drugs. Lexicon has advanced knockout-validated targets into drug discovery programs in six therapeutic areas: diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric and neurological disorders, cancer, immune system disorders and ophthalmic disease. Lexicon is working both independently and through collaborations and strategic alliances to accelerate the development and commercialization of its discoveries. Additional information about Lexicon is available through its corporate website, http://www.lexicon-genetics.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” including statements relating to Lexicon’s growth and future operating results, discovery and development of products, strategic alliances and intellectual property, as well as other matters that are not historical facts or information. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions and expectations and involve risks, uncertainties and other important factors, specifically including those relating to Lexicon’s ability to successfully conduct preclinical and clinical development of other potential drug candidates, advance additional candidates into preclinical and clinical development, obtain necessary regulatory approvals, achieve its operational objectives, obtain patent protection for its discoveries and establish strategic alliances, as well as additional factors relating to manufacturing, intellectual property rights, and the therapeutic or commercial value of its drug candidates, that may cause Lexicon’s actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Information identifying such important factors is contained under “Factors Affecting Forward-Looking Statements” and “Business - Risk Factors” in Lexicon’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lexicon undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Lexicon Genetics Incorporated
CONTACT: Bobbie Faulkner, Manager, Investor Relations of Lexicon GeneticsIncorporated, +1-281-863-3503, or bfaulkner@lexgen.com
Web site: http://www.lexicon-genetics.com/
