Genta Incorporated (GNTA) And Avecia Sign Long-Term Manufacturing And Supply Agreement For Genasense
BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. and MANCHESTER, England, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Genta Incorporated (Nasdaq: GNTA) and Avecia announced that the two companies have signed a five year agreement for the manufacturing and supply of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Genasense(TM) (oblimersen sodium), Genta's lead anticancer drug. The new agreement provides for sufficient quantities of API to accommodate both existing and new clinical trials, as well as quantities of Genasense for world-wide commercial launch.
Genta and Avecia initiated their first manufacturing agreement in 2001, under which Avecia has supplied API for the Company's world-wide clinical trials. Avecia's biotechnology facility in Milford, MA has been and will continue to be the primary source of supply for Genasense.
Genasense is comprised of a short strand of DNA bases (called oligonucleotides), which has been chemically modified and carefully synthesized to bind a specific region of RNA. The manufacturing process involves a series of chemical reactions that link 18 oligonucleotides to form the final product.
"As our requirements for drug supply have progressively increased, we've enjoyed a highly productive relationship with Avecia during the last several years," said Dr. Raymond P. Warrell, Jr., Genta's Chief Executive Officer. "Avecia is the largest manufacturer of oligonucleotide-based drugs. Given the high volume projections for Genasense, the ability to attain critical scale in manufacturing and to maintain world-class quality standards -- factors that are embodied in these agreements -- should yield key competitive advantages for Genasense in the marketplace."
"Genta is Avecia's largest customer in this new and rapidly developing area of high-value DNA-based medicines," said Jeremy Scudamore, Avecia's Chief Executive Officer. He added, "This agreement reflects our commitment to customers based on our global capabilities as a leading manufacturing partner to the biotechnology sector."
About Genasense
Genasense(TM) works by inhibiting the production of Bcl-2, a protein made by cancer cells that is thought to block chemotherapy-induced cell death. By reducing the amount of Bcl-2 in cancer cells, Genasense may enhance the effectiveness of current anticancer treatments. Genasense is currently in multiple, late-stage, randomized clinical trials in patients with malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and non-small cell lung cancer. Genasense is being developed in collaboration with Aventis.
About Genta
Genta Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company with a diversified product portfolio that is focused on anticancer therapy. The Company's research platform is anchored by oligonucleotide chemistry, particularly applications of antisense and decoy aptamer technology. Genasense(TM), the Company's lead compound, is currently undergoing late-stage, Phase 3 clinical testing in several clinical indications. Genta's pipeline also comprises a portfolio of small molecules, including gallium-containing compounds and Androgenics compounds for prostate cancer. For more information about Genta, please visit our website at: genta.com.
About Avecia
Avecia is a leading global fine and specialty chemicals company focused on delivering innovative technology and service excellence to customers across a range of high technology industries. Avecia's on-going success is based on a long track record of innovation and service excellence. With over $500 million invested across 17 advanced research, technical service and manufacturing sites in recent years, Avecia operates globally at the leading edge of technology in its chosen fields. With unique capabilities in organic chemistry, biological & polymer sciences and process technology, each of our business sectors offers bespoke products and services to our global customers, supported by highly focused technical expertise. For more information about Avecia, please visit our website at: avecia.com |
