GENELABS: (GNLB-Nasdaq) Most investors do not know that GNLB's scientists are doing more than just trying to prove that its product GL701 can save systemic lupus patients from the devastating side effects of long-term high doses of cortisone. Many have not heard that fifty novel genes were identified by researchers at this firm through positional cloning from an asthma locus on chromosome 5.
Yes, GeneLabs scientists have utilized positional cloning to isolate many new genes in order to identify the gene or genes potentially associated with asthma from this region. Patent applications have been filed in the United States to claim these novel gene sequences. This discovery has fascinated prestigious university professors of advanced standing in academia. Another sign related to the firm's high scientific standard is a $13.6 million grant by the Department of Defense trusting the scientific capability of GeneLabs to discover drugs that can be used against agents of biological warfare.
GNLB's research program, Merlin, which is based on a proprietary enabling technology for the identification and characterization of small molecule DNA-binding compounds to regulate gene expression can play a larger than expected role in the next decade when the genomic programs will be the leading research in drug discovery. GNLB's technology can discover candidate drugs that regulate gene expression, allowing for the discovery of cures for genetic diseases.
Concerning GL701 (DHEA) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the results so far seem encouraging and a possibility of submitting an NDA before the end of this year is expected. Why, then, a second Phase III study, many investors asked. The firm's answer came in its press releases saying that this extra trial aims at determining whether GL701 can improve the clinical outcome of the disease. This is different than trying to learn whether the product will allow for a reduction in the very high dose of cortisone administered to the patients.
Again, GNLB'S stock price is low and no matter what the reasons for this depression are, the firm proved long ago that it is extremely scientific, has advanced technologies, and is prepared to enter the age of the genomic discoveries.
|
