RICHMOND, Calif., May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. , a world-leader in the development and commercialization of zinc finger DNA-binding proteins (ZFPs) as novel therapeutics, announced today that it was added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index(R) effective with the market open today, Monday, May 21, 2007.
Launched in 1993, the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index includes companies that are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market and Global Select Market and are classified according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) as either biotechnology or pharmaceutical. Companies are ranked for inclusion in the index in May and November of each year and must meet minimum requirements, including market value, average daily share trading volume, and seasoning as a public company. The index serves as the basis for the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index Fund . For more information about the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, including eligibility criteria, visit www.nasdaq.com.
About Sangamo
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. is focused on the research and development of novel DNA-binding proteins for therapeutic gene regulation and modification. The most advanced ZFP Therapeutic(TM) development program is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for evaluation of safety and clinical effect in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Phase 1 clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate a ZFP Therapeutic for peripheral artery disease. Other therapeutic development programs are focused on cancer and HIV/AIDS, neuropathic pain, nerve regeneration, ischemic heart disease and monogenic diseases. Sangamo’s core competencies enable the engineering of a class of DNA-binding proteins known as zinc finger DNA-binding proteins (ZFPs). By engineering ZFPs that recognize a specific DNA sequence Sangamo has created ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TFTM) that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function. Sangamo is also developing sequence-specific ZFP Nucleases (ZFNTM) for therapeutic gene modification as a treatment for a variety of monogenic diseases, such as X-linked SCID and hemophilia, and for infectious diseases, such as HIV. Sangamo has established several Enabling Technology Agreements with companies to apply its ZFP Technology to enhance the production of protein pharmaceuticals. For more information about Sangamo, visit the company’s web site at www.sangamo.com.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on Sangamo’s current expectations. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, references to the research and development of novel ZFP TFs and ZFNs as ZFP Therapeutics, applications of Sangamo’s ZFP TF technology platform and clinical trials of ZFP Therapeutics. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including technological challenges, uncertainties relating to the initiation and completion of stages of ZFP Therapeutic clinical trials, Sangamo’s ability to develop commercially viable products and technological developments by our competitors. See the company’s SEC filings, and in particular, the risk factors described in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its most recent 10-Q. Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Wolffe, Ph.D., Sangamo BioSciences, Inc., +1-510-970-6000, x271, ewolffe@sangamo.com, or Justin Jackson, media, Burns McClellan,Inc., +1-212-213-0006, jjackson@burnsmc.com
Web site: http://www.sangamo.com/
