[ phenotyping companies ]
Wednesday October 6, 7:59 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Sequitur, Inc.
Sequitur Licenses Functional Genomics Technology to
Searle
NATICK, Mass., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequitur, Inc. announced today that it has entered into a multi-year agreement to
provide Searle, Monsanto Company's pharmaceutical sector, with access to its antisense functional genomics technology. The
agreement provides for the supply of Sequitur's proprietary antisense compounds, sequence selection and cellular delivery
vehicles to Searle, as well as collaborative research to be performed at Sequitur, Inc. Searle will pay research support,
antisense material charges and licensing fees.
Sequitur's proprietary antisense functional genomics technology accelerates drug discovery by helping to identify the triggers of
disease. Sequitur's technology is a tool for determining the function of the human genetic code, which is being decoded as part
of the international human genome project. Antisense determines gene function and validates small molecule drug targets by
specifically inhibiting gene expression. Sequitur's Antisense Functional Genomics Program offers highly potent and specific
second generation antisense compounds, target site selection, collaborative research and cell transfection optimization.
Tod Woolf, Sequitur's Vice President of Technology Development, noted, ''We are pleased that Searle has joined our
program after completing an extensive evaluation of Sequitur's technology. They join an expanding list of clients that benefit
from antisense functional genomics technology.'' ''We are very much aware of the critical role antisense technology plays in
evaluating the function of genes identified in Searle's new target discovery programs, as well as generating a fuller understanding
of targets already in development, '' stated John McKearn, Ph.D., Vice President of Discovery Research for Searle. ''This is
why we sought a collaboration with Sequitur, which has developed a robust and broad technology platform for the design and
use of antisense oligonucleotides for gene function studies.''
Sequitur's client base funds continued development of its technology platform. Seven of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies
world-wide are currently using Sequitur's antisense program. Subscribers to Sequitur's program obtain non-exclusive research
licenses to Sequitur's current and evolving Antisense Functional Genomics Technology. Searle joins Genome Therapeutics,
Mitotix, Pharmacia-Upjohn and Chiron as licensees.
Sequitur is a privately held corporation founded in 1996 to develop innovative sequence-based compounds for research,
diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. Sequitur also offers products and services relating to gene expression and gene
detection. Its scientific staff and advisory board include leaders in the fields of oligonucleotide and gene therapy research.
Searle, the pharmaceutical sector of Monsanto Company (NYSE: MTC - news), develops, produces and markets prescription
pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company focuses its expertise on five therapeutic areas: arthritis, cardiovascular disease,
cancer, sleep, and women's health. For more information on Searle, access www.searlehealthnet.com. As a life sciences
company, Monsanto is committed to finding solutions to the growing global needs for food and health by sharing common
forms of science and technology among agriculture, nutrition and health. In 1998, Monsanto reported sales of $8.6 billion and
invested approximately $1 billion in research and development.
Safe Harbor Statement for Monsanto-Searle: Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are ''forward
looking'' statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The actual results may differ from those
projected in the forward looking statement due to risks and uncertainties that exist in Monsanto-Searle's operations and
business environment, described more fully in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
For additional information, please contact:
Tod Woolf, Ph.D.
Vice President of Technology Development
Sequitur, Inc.
Phone: (508) 650-1459
E-Mail: twoolf@SequiturInc.com
Web: www.SequiturInc.com
SOURCE: Sequitur, Inc. |
