GENETRONICS BIOMEDICAL (AMEX)
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Genetronics Expands Electroporation Technology Applications
- Announces Business Model for Expansion into Gene Therapy Marketplace -
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Genetronics Biomedical Limited (Amex: GEB; Toronto) announced today the extension of its platform technology, electroporation, into gene therapy. Electroporation therapy (EPT) has proven to be a highly effective method to deliver therapeutic molecules (such as drugs or genes) into cells. EPT applies pulsed electric fields directly to target tissue creating transient permeability of the cell's outer membrane thus facilitating the uptake of drugs or genes into the cell's interior.
Genetronics focused its initial efforts developing products for the oncology marketplace, where it has demonstrated the promise of EPT in head and neck cancer and has partnered with Ethicon Endo-Surgery to bring this therapy to market. Pivotal trials will begin in 2000 in the U.S. and the product will be launched in Europe this year.
With completion of the Human Genome Project within sight, and functional genomics science in full swing, the genetic components of many diseases both inherited and acquired, will likely be discovered. Armed with this new information, treatments of the future will be better able to affect underlying causes of a disease by applying various aspects of gene therapy. In current disease treatments, as in the case of EPT treatment of cancer, chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly into the tumor, thereby treating the manifestation of the disease. By moving into gene therapy, and participating in the future of gene-based medicine, Genetronics is shifting its focus from treating manifestations to treating the underlying disease.
One of the main challenges in gene therapy to date has been in the delivery of the gene. "Our studies indicate that we have developed an excellent non-viral mechanism for gene delivery," said Martin Nash, Chief Executive Officer of Genetronics. "EPT technology allows remarkable flexibility in what we can deliver. In gene therapy for example, since we are not confined to viral encapsulation, we can deliver very large genes or other molecules such as antisense molecules, oligonucleotides or the next generation agents such as ribozymes or DNAzymes."
Nash continued, "We are actively exploring a number of collaborations to further advance our work in this area. Our goal is to have five gene therapy agreements signed by the end of this quarter."
The business model Genetronics has developed for gene therapy envisions three structures of relationship. The Company will enter into Research Agreements that involve provision of off-the-shelf electroporation equipment, which a partner can use with existing protocols to experiment with a particular gene. The next level will be Development Agreements whereby Genetronics develops specific parameters optimizing electrical assisted delivery of a partner's gene. The third level encompasses License Agreements, and will be exclusive for a particular gene or gene family. An example of relationship that falls within this business model is the previously announced (November 8, 1999) deal with Boehringer Ingelheim.
Genetronics, Inc., founded in 1983, is a San Diego-based drug and DNA delivery company specializing in developing technology and hardware, which will potentially allow physicians to more efficiently and cost-effectively deliver life-saving drugs or beneficial genes to patients with catastrophic illnesses, including cancer.
This press release and the Company's Website may contain certain forward- looking statements. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth in Genetronics' Annual Report, on Form 10K and subsequent regulatory filings. There can be no assurance that any product in Genetronics product pipeline will be successfully developed or manufactured, or that final results of human pilot studies or clinical studies will be supportive of regulatory approvals required to market products. The American and Toronto Stock Exchanges have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Visit Genetronics' Website at genetronics.com
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