A somewhat hyperbolic PR, but maybe of significance, nonetheless ?
TORONTO, June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At Bio2002 today, little known Australian biotech company, Benitec Ltd (ASX: BLT), unleashes a revolution in gene control.
The technology, targeted gene silencing, uses a natural cellular process known as RNA interference (RNAi) to silence any gene in any cell in any multicellular organism.
Unveiling the technology is Professor John Mattick, keynote speaker in the session entitled 'Maximizing the Value of Genomic Information: Technologies, Specific Applications and Therapeutic Product Opportunities.'
Prof Mattick, internationally recognized for his contribution to the study of gene regulation by RNA, has also recently been appointed Non-Executive Director of Benitec Ltd.
"Benitec's technology is natural and potent and is recognized as offering a new means of gene control, which is significantly more effective than current antisense technology," said Prof. Mattick.
Benitec holds a strong proprietary position for gene silencing and has already been granted an Australian patent and has priority filing dates in the US and in 15 other countries covering all principal markets.
The Australian patent was granted on 30 January and is the world's first patent grant for RNAi-mediated gene silencing.
"Benitec now offers a universal toolbox for applications of RNAi to mammalian genes," said Mr John McKinley, Executive Chairman and CEO.
"The breadth of application and ease of this platform technology is being rapidly recognized by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and institutes."
Benitec offers freedom to operate through licensing and partnering arrangements with companies and institutes seeking to use its technology for gene discovery and drug development.
Based in Brisbane, Australia, Benitec has a long-standing partnership and research collaboration with the Queensland State Government and its Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the nation's leading agricultural research institute.
"The research excellence through the DPI has been instrumental in ensuring that Benitec is leading the field in this technology," said Mr McKinley.
"Through the DPI's extensive work in plant gene suppression, Benitec has been able to extend the technology's scope beyond its use in plants and invertebrates."
"Once again Queensland is holding up its reputation as the Smart State, being first to recognize and capture the value of gene silencing technology for the biotech industry," said Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie.
"It is a shining example of the excellent partnerships between public and private entities in Australia -- taking leading research through to its commercial potential."
"The company's commanding position in gene silencing is evidenced by wide recognition that this is the most important biotechnology to be developed in the past decade," Mr McKinley said... |
