Ed, I will defer to your superior knowledge. I'm out of energy trying to make any points that you'll bother to consider before attacking. I would appreciate it if you would try to curb your intense desire to need to correct me at every turn. We're all big boys and girls here... Let our readers make their own determinations.
I'm an unabashed bull, and could give a flying you know what about the bear market of the early '70s. The economy is completely different now, than then, and I get tired of the experienced people on SI always bringing up the bad old days.
Oh, by the way, here's another one of my inexperienced plays...
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb 16, 2000 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Human Genome
Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) announced today that it was issued a U.S.
patent on a human gene that produces what is believed to be the
critical entry point for the AIDS virus. The gene, known as the CCR5
receptor gene, gives rise in human cells to a protein that functions as
a receptor or docking site for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
(Photo: newscom.com )
Scientists learned some years ago that people who lack a functional
CCR5 receptor gene are resistant to infection with HIV. The discovery
suggested that drugs that interfere with the receptor might be
effective treatment for AIDS and triggered a global race to identify
suitable compounds. HGS has provided several of its partners with
licenses for the use of the CCR5 receptor gene in drug discovery. For
example, on February 8, 2000, HGS concluded an agreement with Praecis
Pharmaceuticals under which Praecis will seek to develop therapies for
AIDS by employing the CCR5 receptor gene.
The CCR5 receptor is found on the surfaces of cells. It is a member of
a broad family of human genes whose protein products, known as
G-protein coupled receptors, are targets for drugs. Examples include
the histamine H-1 receptor, targeted by the well known drug Claritin
for treatment of allergies; the stomach H-2 receptor, targeted by
Zantac, Tagamet and Pepcid for acid indigestion and ulcers; and the
cerebrovascular 5-HT1 receptor, targeted by Imitrex for treatment of
migraine headaches.
HGS scientists have discovered more than 66 novel members of this class
of receptors. Together with partners, HGS has filed patents describing
their importance and medical use. Of these applications, a total of 13
patents have been issued.
William A. Haseltine, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Human Genome Sciences and one of the founders for the American
Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) commented, "The discovery of the
CCR5 receptor gene is another example of the power of the genomics
approach to drug discovery. It was one of many genes that we found very
early in our discovery program. Experiments confirmed that the CCR5
receptor played a key role in the biology of the immune system and as
an AIDS virus receptor."
HGS has filed similar patent applications that describe the medical
uses of more than 7,500 human genes discovered through HGS' genomic
technologies. Patents describing more than 2,750 of these genes have
been published. HGS currently holds 112 patents describing human genes
issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
"This is an extremely important target and is ideal for antibody based
inhibition strategies. It fits well with HGS programs in antibody and
protein drugs," said Craig A. Rosen, Ph.D., Executive Vice President,
Research and Development. "At the same time, this receptor is an ideal
target for small molecule drug development by our partners and provides
a completely different line of attack from that afforded by nucleoside
analogues and protease inhibitors."
The patent, titled "Polynucleotides Encoding Human G-Protein Chemokine
Receptor HDGNR10," and issued as U.S. Patent No. 6,025,154, covers the
DNA molecules which encode CCR5 and vectors and host cells containing
CCR5. All of the research which led to the invention covered by this
patent was carried out at HGS, which retains the rights to use this
invention.
Human Genome Sciences is a company with the mission to develop products
to predict, prevent, detect, treat and cure disease based on its
leadership in the discovery and understanding of human and microbial
genes.
HGS and Human Genome Sciences are registered trademarks of Human Genome
Sciences, Inc. For additional information on Human Genome Sciences,
Inc., visit the company's web site at www.hgsi.com . Copies of HGS
press releases are also available by fax 24 hours a day at no charge by
calling 800-758-5804, ext. 121115.
Any statements released by Human Genome Sciences, Inc. that are
forward-looking are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned
that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which
may affect the company's business prospects and performance. These
include economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other
factors discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.
Regards,
LoF |
