NEWS THAT MAKE OUR DAY

NDReg4

Date: 01 Apr 2008
Time: 21:16:12

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Date: 24 Jul 2001
Time: 08:53:46

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MOST IMPRESSIVE NEWS COMPUGEN Most impressive news has come from those firms that stretched the drug discovery process to the genes, those are the genomics. The news is about complementing established functional genomics program and accelerating disease-oriented gene discovery. From New Jersey and Tel Aviv, news about Compugen (CGEN) announcing that the very scientific small firm has signed agreements with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and the Weizmann Institute of Science to provide them with Gencarta(TM), its annotated genome, transcriptome and proteome database. GENCARTA Gencarta is a comprehensive annotated genome, transcriptome and proteome database designed to assist in RAPID TARGET DISCOVERY PROCESS and to increase the success of experiment design and implementation. Gencarta provides a comprehensive view of the transcriptome, the biological bridge between genes and their coded proteins. The creation of this view requires the correct predictive modeling of underlying biological processes, in particular alternative splicing, which has been an integral part of the LEADS platform since its inception. The periodic application by Compugen of LEADS analysis and data mining tools to both genomic and expressed sequence databases, results in ONE comprehensive and growing data source, which currently includes tens of thousands of genes, more than 150,000 annotated predicted splice variants and their derived proteins, SNPs, alignment of ESTs to known mRNAs and annotated genomic information. LEADS gene predictions have been tested in hundreds of cases and verified with a success rate of over 90% of these cases, in Compugen's molecular biology laboratory. ------------------------------------------------------------------- LEXICON From CampuGen to Lexicon Genetics (LEXG), where enhancing target discovery has also been accomplished. Lexicon faxed us a press release, informing that it has delivered to Bristol-Myers Squibb the third installment of the LexVision(TM) database containing in vivo mammalian gene function information for potential new drug targets. These gene functions are being analyzed for pharmaceutical product potential in the areas of cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, neurological disease, diabetes and obesity. The installment, which was delivered during the second quarter of 2001, triggered a further payment from Bristol-Myers Squibb for its first year of access to LexVision. "Completion of the present milestone underscores Lexicon's effective leverage of its tremendous drug target discovery capacity," said James R. Piggott, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Biology at Lexicon Genetics. "We are producing pharmaceutically relevant biological data on novel mutations at an unprecedented rate, and this rate will only increase as we move forward to complete our genome pharmaceutical discovery facility by the end of this year." Bristol-Myers Squibb became Lexicon's first collaborator for the LexVision program in September of 2000. In June 2001, Incyte Genomics, Inc. became the second collaborator to join LexVision for its internal drug discovery efforts. Under their respective agreements, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Incyte have access to Lexicon's LexVision database and OmniBank(R) library for the discovery of small molecule drugs. Both agreements call for in vivo characterization of 250 genes for each year and have terms of five years, although Lexicon and the other parties each have the right to terminate the agreement after three years. LEXVISION The LexVision program was created to discover the physiologic functions and medical importance of genes that are thought to be potential drug targets. Lexicon analyzes thousands of mouse gene knockouts using an integrated platform of leading-edge, medically-relevant tests. This state-of-the-art technology platform enables Lexicon to assess the phenotype, or physiological effects, of the knocked-out gene across a variety of parameters relevant to human disease. The information resulting from this analysis is captured in the LexVision database for use by Lexicon and its collaborators for the discovery of genomics-based pharmaceutical products. LEXICON BY LEXICON Lexicon Genetics Incorporated is a drug discovery company of the post- genome era, using gene knockout technology to define the functions of genes for the discovery of pharmaceutical products. Lexicon is using this technology to fuel drug discovery programs in cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, neurological disease, diabetes and obesity. Lexicon has established drug discovery alliances and functional genomics collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research institutes and academic institutions throughout the world to commercialize its technology and further develop its discoveries. Additional information about the Company is available through Lexicon's corporate website, http://www.lexicon-genetics.com This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including statements about Lexicon's growth and future operating results, discovery and development of products, strategic alliances, and intellectual property, as well as other matters that are not historical facts or information. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations and involve risks, uncertainties and other important factors, specifically including those relating to Lexicon's future performance under its agreements with collaborators, that may cause Lexicon's actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Information identifying such important factors is contained under "Factors Affecting Forward-Looking Statements" and "Business - Risk Factors" in Lexicon's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lexicon undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ---------------------------------------- ABGENIX AND CURAGEN From drug target enhancement to developing antibodies against identified targets a remarkable achievement was announced by Abgenix, (ABGX) and CuraGen (CRGN). CuraGen scientists have discovered an additional 49 novel drug targets that scientists at the companies have jointly elected to develop antibodies against. The scientists in both firms have reviewed and selected over 30% of the 250 novel drug targets to be identified as part of their 5-year alliance, and are now developing antibodies against these potentially novel drug targets. Currently, scientists at each company have received, and are evaluating, antibodies that have been generated by Abgenix as possible treatments for diseases including cancer and inflammation. "Our combined technologies are enabling our scientists to make significant progress in developing antibodies to treat critical unmet medical needs," said Jonathan M. Rothberg, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman, and CEO of CuraGen Corporation. "By partnering with leading companies, CuraGen is strategically positioned to develop a significant and diverse pipeline of pharmaceutical products. CuraGen's internal protein therapeutic development program, its alliance with Abgenix, and its small molecule obesity and diabetes collaboration with Bayer, are enabling CuraGen to create potentially one of the most promising drug pipelines derived from the human genome," added Dr. Rothberg. CuraGen scientists are applying the Company's integrated functional genomic technologies to discover pharmaceutically relevant genes, proteins, and drug targets through a systematic approach that includes the study of animal and clinical models, drug response studies, large-scale datamining of proprietary sequence and pathway databases, and human genetics. Once discovered, the role of potential targets and therapeutics is validated through the application of CuraGen's validation technologies, which include gene expression confirmation, biochemical assays, cellular assays, and in vivo disease models. Antibodies are naturally occurring proteins used by the body's immune system to combat many diseases. As therapeutic products, antibodies have several potential advantages over other therapies. The highly specific interaction between an antibody and its target may, for example, reduce unwanted side effects that may occur with other therapies. Fully human antibodies are desirable because they avoid the risk of rejection present with mouse or partial mouse antibodies. About Abgenix Abgenix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of fully human monoclonal antibody therapies for a variety of diseases. The company's antibody technology platform, which includes XenoMax(TM) technology, enables the rapid generation and selection of high affinity, fully human antibody product candidates to essentially any disease target appropriate for antibody therapy. Abgenix leverages its leadership position in human antibody technologies by building a large and diversified product portfolio through the establishment of licensing arrangements with multiple pharmaceutical, biotechnology and genomics companies and through the development of its own internal proprietary products. For more information on Abgenix, visit the company's website at http://www.abgenix.com/ About CuraGen CuraGen Corporation is an integrated genomics-based biopharmaceutical company that is advancing the discovery and development of pharmaceutical and life science products through the systematic application of genomics. CuraGen's fully integrated, Internet-based functional genomic technologies, services, and bioinformatics systems are designed to rapidly generate comprehensive information about genes, human genetic variations, gene expression, protein interactions, protein pathways, and potential drugs that affect these pathways. The Company is applying this comprehensive functional genomic platform to develop protein, antibody, and small molecule therapeutics. CuraGen has conducted research with collaborators including Abgenix, Bayer, Biogen, COR Therapeutics, Dupont/Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Gemini Genomics, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Hoffmann-La Roche, Monsanto, Ono Pharmaceuticals, and Roche Vitamins. CuraGen is headquartered in New Haven, Conn., and additional Company information is available at http://www.curagen.com Statements made in this press release about Abgenix's technology, product development activities and collaborative arrangements other than statements of historical fact, are forward looking statements and are subject to a number of uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including risks associated with the success of clinical trials, the progress of research and product development programs, the regulatory approval process, competitive products, future capital requirements and the extent and breadth of Abgenix's patent portfolio. Please see Abgenix's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information about risks that may affect Abgenix. This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the therapeutic and clinical potential of protein therapeutics, antibody and small molecule drug targets, the scale and speed at which drug targets and candidates can be turned into drugs, CuraGen's continued ability to rapidly deliver high quality, novel drug targets, and CuraGen's ability to commercialize products and derive profits from commercialized products. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The Company cautions investors that there can be no assurance that actual results or business conditions will not differ materially from those projected or suggested in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the following: CuraGen's expectation that it will incur operating losses in the near future, the early stage of development of CuraGen's products and technologies, uncertainties related to preclinical and clinical testing and trials uncertainties surrounding the availability of additional funding, CuraGen's reliance on research collaborations, the actions of competitors and the development of competing technologies, CuraGen's ability to protect its patents and proprietary rights, patent infringement actions and uncertainties relating to commercialization rights. ---------------------------------------------------- Part of perfecting the drug discovery process is creating the capability of testing the selected products’ efficacy and safety. In this regard, we hear that deCODE genetics (DCGN) and Affymetrix (AFFX)have signed a collaborative agreement to develop DNA-based tests to predict the responsiveness of individual patients to treatments for common diseases. Such tests promise to play an important role in delivering more effective medicine. Utilizing deCODE's unique population-based approach to pharmacogenomics and Affymetrix' GeneChip(R) technology, the collaboration will initially focus on conducting gene expression analysis to understand the response to drugs used in the treatment of common conditions affecting millions of people around the world. These include: High-cholesterol, Depression, Asthma, Hypertension, Breast cancer, Schizophrenia and Migraine. Clinical work under this new collaboration will be performed by Encode, a wholly-owned deCODE subsidiary conducting pharmacogenomics research and clinical trials for a growing list of leading pharmaceutical companies. Affymetrix and deCODE, through its subsidiary Encode, will share the revenues from the sale of tests developed under the collaboration. Here is their comments about the agreement: "Through this alliance we are well-positioned to take a leading role in delivering more personalized treatments for common diseases," said Kari Stefansson, Chief Executive Officer of deCODE. "Pharmacogenomic tests such as those we plan to develop will become a standard part of future healthcare. Our companies have a unique combination of expertise for meeting the demands of this growing market, and we at deCODE are very pleased to be leveraging our pharmacogenomics platform with a trusted partner and leader in gene expression technology." "By combining deCODE's population resources for pharmacogenomics with Affymetrix' high-density GeneChip platform, we hope to expand the clinical use of gene expression profiles to predict drug response," said Stephen P.A. Fodor Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Affymetrix. "We believe these studies will generate valuable new indicators of disease, thereby contributing to the development of more effective therapies." About pharmacogenomics DNA-based pharmacogenomic tests are one of the great promises of genetics. Patients can gain greater comfort by knowing that the drugs they are prescribed are right for them, with the possibility of reduced side effects. Healthcare providers will gain from the improved safety and cost effectiveness of prescriptions. The pharmaceutical industry can utilize such tests to further streamline individual drug development and approval processes, enabling new drugs to reach the market faster. This alliance will enable the companies to leverage existing capabilities. Using the Affymetrix GeneChip platform, deCODE has already identified a gene expression pattern that can accurately predict glucocorticoid response in asthma patients. deCODE recently signed an agreement with Genmab A/S to develop a pharmacogenomic test for a novel treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. AFFYMETRIX Affymetrix is a leader in developing and commercializing systems to acquire, analyze and manage complex genetic information in order to improve the quality of life. Affymetrix customers include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrochemical, diagnostics and consumer products companies as well as academic, government and other non-profit research institutes. The Company's GeneChip(R) system consists of disposable DNA probe arrays containing gene sequences on a chip, reagents for use with the probe arrays, a scanner, and other instruments to process the probe arrays and software to analyze and manage genetic information. The Company's spotted array system enables individual researchers to create and analyze custom microarrays on an easy to use platform. Additional information on Affymetrix and GeneChip array technology can be found at http://www.affymetrix.com deCODE deCODE genetics (http://www.decode.com based in Reykjavik, Iceland, is conducting research into the inherited causes of common diseases. The company has three main business units: discovery services -- including disease-gene research, drug target identification and pharmacogenomic services; database services; and bioinformatics tools and services. deCODE is using its population approach to turn raw genomics data into products and services for the global healthcare industry. Encode, launched as a wholly-owned subsidiary in November 2000, is a full-service CRO conducting pharmacogenomic studies and clinical trials for major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. All statements in this press release that are not historical are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act as amended, including statements regarding Affymetrix' "expectations," "beliefs," "hopes," "intentions," "strategies" or the like. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially for Affymetrix from those projected, including, but not limited to, uncertainties relating to technological approaches, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, personnel retention, equity dilution, uncertainties related to the ability to realize benefits from acquisitions, uncertainties related to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products, uncertainties related to the impact of the mouse genome array replacement program, dependence on collaborative partners, uncertainties relating to sole source suppliers, uncertainties relating to FDA and other regulatory approvals, competition, risks relating to intellectual property of others and the uncertainties of patent protection and litigation. These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and other SEC reports, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for subsequent quarterly periods. Affymetrix expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Affymetrix' expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based. Affymetrix, GeneChip and the Affymetrix logo are registered trademarks used by Affymetrix, Inc. Any statements contained in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, those relating to technology and product development, market acceptance, government regulation and regulatory approval processes, intellectual property rights and litigation, dependence on strategic partners, ability to obtain financing, competitive products and other risks identified in deCODE's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially. deCODE undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements resulting from events or circumstances after the date hereof. Isn’t it A good day?

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