RICHMOND, Calif., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. today announced the appointment and promotion of Philip Gregory, D. Phil. to Vice President, Research. The appointment is effective as of October 26th, 2005. Dr. Gregory has responsibility for zinc finger DNA-binding protein (ZFP) gene regulation and gene modification research activities for the Company and reports to Edward Lanphier, Sangamo’s president and chief executive officer.
Dr. Gregory has served as Sangamo’s Senior Director, Research since July 2003. He joined Sangamo in December 2000 as a Scientist and became a Team Leader in October 2001. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Gregory was at the University of Munich, Germany, where he studied the role of chromatin structure in gene regulation and published extensively in this field. Dr. Gregory earned a D. Phil. in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford and holds a B.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Sheffield.
“Philip is an outstanding leader. His many contributions over the past five years have been instrumental in our company’s success,” stated Edward Lanphier. “Under Philip’s guidance, Sangamo’s scientific team has translated our zinc finger DNA-binding protein (ZFP) technology from early bench science to validated applications that are being used to develop therapeutics and plant agricultural products and to enhance protein production. At Sangamo, we believe that our people are our most valuable asset and Philip represents our best and brightest.”
“Sangamo’s powerful proprietary ZFP technology has the potential to become the next new drug modality,” said Dr. Gregory. “Our ability to target specific DNA sequences in the genome to achieve activation, repression, correction or disruption of genes provides us with significant opportunities to develop novel therapeutics and applications in other areas. Leading the research effort at Sangamo continues to be exciting and rewarding and I appreciate the confidence that Edward and the Board have shown in giving me this opportunity.”
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 programs are currently in Phase I clinical trials for evaluation of safety in patients with diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. Other therapeutic development programs are focused on macular degeneration, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, neuropathic pain, and infectious 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 TF(TM)) that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function. Sangamo is also developing sequence-specific ZFP Nucleases (ZFN(TM)) for therapeutic gene modification as a treatment for a variety of monogenic diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, 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. In addition, Sangamo has a broad exclusive agreement with Dow AgroSciences, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, for the application of ZFP TFs and ZFNs in plant agriculture. 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 and therapeutic applications of Sangamo’s ZFP technology platform. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including technological challenges, 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. of Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.,+1-510-970-6000, ext. 271, or ewolffe@sangamo.com; or media, JustinJackson, +1-212-213-0006, or investors, John Cummings, +1-415-352-6262,both of Burns McClellan, Inc., for Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
Web site: http://www.sangamo.com/
