Isis Pharmaceuticals and Chiron Enter Into Target Validation Collaboration and Patent License
New Agreement With Biotechnology Leader Highlights Value Of Isis Functional Genomics Patent Position
CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISIP - news) announced today that its GeneTrove(TM) division has initiated a target validation collaboration with Chiron Corporation (Nasdaq: CHIR - news). In the partnership, Chiron gains access to Isis' expertise and experience in the application of antisense technology as a tool for gene functionalization and target validation and a license to specific patents within Isis' functional genomics suite of patents. With this intellectual property license, Chiron can use the Ribonuclease H (RNase H) mechanism of action for its in-house antisense-based functional genomics program. RNase H is the most common and potent mechanism of action employed by antisense when used as a functional genomics tool. Isis is the owner or exclusive licensee of patents and patent applications that cover the use of this mechanism for gene functionalization and target validation. Specific financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
``This new collaboration with Chiron is a very important next step for GeneTrove. We are rapidly expanding our base of target validation collaborators and intellectual property licensees. By working with GeneTrove, partners gain the benefit of our experience with antisense and the freedom to operate in this field,'' said Richard K. Brown, Ph.D., Isis' Vice President and President of GeneTrove. ``We believe that antisense technology is one of the most important tools to help create value from genes, and that state-of-the-art antisense technology is best practiced by collaborating with GeneTrove.''
Isis' functional genomics patent suite is comprised of approximately 50 patents and applications. A central component of the patent suite is intellectual property surrounding RNase H. RNase H is a naturally occurring cellular enzyme that cleaves the RNA portion of a RNA/DNA duplex, such as that formed when an antisense inhibitor binds to RNA. The company's functional genomics suite of patents represents a subset of Isis' overall intellectual property estate of nearly 900 issued patents that Isis owns or exclusively licenses, covering RNA-based drug discovery and development. This functional genomics suite of patents broadly covers the use of RNA/DNA oligonucleotides, or antisense inhibitors, in gene functionalization and target validation, including: chemistries; antisense inhibitor designs called ``motifs;'' methods of use of antisense inhibitors; and mechanisms of action by which antisense inhibitors inactivate an RNA target.
As a division of Isis, GeneTrove provides three major product offerings to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry: 1) custom target validation collaborations, 2) the Human Gene Function database, introduced earlier this year, and 3) an intellectual property licensing program. The division's offerings are designed to meet critical and timely needs of the pharmaceutical industry, and help partners make strategic drug target selections for drug discovery. In GeneTrove's custom target validation collaborations, the division aids corporate partners in identifying the role of a specific gene (gene functionalization) and whether a specific gene is a good target for drug discovery (target validation). GeneTrove currently provides these services to Eli Lilly and Company, Celera Genomics, Abbott Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson and Aventis.
Isis expects GeneTrove's Human Gene Function database to be the first database product to contain information on the selective inhibition of up to 10,000 human genes. By providing the most comprehensive biological view of the human genome to date, the database will allow partners to rapidly prioritize genomic information to identify and discover new drug targets, expediting drug discovery and development programs.
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry is using antisense to determine the biological role of genes. Antisense technology is the most rapid, selective and broadly applicable tool to get drug targets from gene sequences. GeneTrove's proprietary high-throughput screening process yields cell culture and gene to animal model readouts within weeks. Inhibitors seamlessly transfer from cell culture to animal models and can be designed with just a partial gene sequence independently from the form or function of a target. In addition, antisense studies can provide pharmacological dose response data and easily determine the therapeutic index.
Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is exploiting its expertise in RNA to discover and develop novel human therapeutic drugs. The company has commercialized its first product, Vitravene® (fomivirsen), to treat CMV-induced retinitis in AIDS patients. In addition, Isis has 13 products in its development pipeline, with two in late-stage development and seven in Phase II human clinical trials. ISIS 3521, an inhibitor of PKC-alpha, is in Phase III trials for non- small cell lung cancer, and alicaforsen (ISIS 2302), an ICAM-1 inhibitor, is in Phase III human clinical trials for Crohn's disease. Isis has a broad patent estate, as the owner or exclusive licensee of nearly 900 issued patents worldwide. Isis' GeneTrove division uses antisense to assist pharmaceutical industry partners in validating and prioritizing potential gene targets through customized services and access to an extensive gene function database. Ibis Therapeutics(TM) is a division focused on the discovery of small molecule drugs that bind to RNA.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Isis Pharmaceuticals' functional genomics division, GeneTrove, its product offerings and intellectual property, and the collaboration between Isis Pharmaceuticals and Chiron Corporation. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, particularly those inherent in the process of conducting gene functionalization and target validation activities, in launching new products and services for or with collaborators, and in discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics and financing such activities. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in this release. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks concerning Isis' research and development programs are described in additional detail in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10Q, for the period ended September 30, 2001, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the company.
Vitravene® is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.
GeneTrove(TM) and Ibis Therapeutics(TM) are trademarks of Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
SOURCE: Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
