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Sangamo BioSciences and Onyx Pharmaceuticals Announce Strategic Alliance To Develop Novel Cancer Therapeutics RICHMOND, Calif., April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMO - news) and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ONXX - news) today announced that the two companies will jointly research and develop novel cancer therapeutics using Sangamo`s zinc finger DNA-binding protein transcription factor (``ZFP TF``) technology platform and Onyx`s selectively replicating adenovirus technology (``Therapeutic Viruses``). Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will conduct studies using the combined technology platforms during an investigation period. When product candidates meet certain mutually determined criteria, the companies will equally share research and clinical development costs and jointly commercialize products resulting from the alliance. ZFP TFs are a class of naturally occurring transcription factors that can be engineered to bind to a precise sequence of DNA to permit the selective regulation of a specific gene. Though there are many kinds of transcription factors, only ZFP TFs are amenable to engineering and capable of targeting a particular gene or genes of interest. Sangamo`s ZFP TF technology can be used to activate or repress virtually any gene. Onyx is developing a common cold virus (referred to as an adenovirus) that can effectively infect and kill cancer cells leaving normal cells unaffected. Onyx is also testing Therapeutic Viruses capable of delivering a therapeutic payload, such as an engineered ZFP TF, into cells. Under this alliance, Onyx`s Therapeutic Virus will be engineered to deliver a ZFP TF, whose protein product has been shown to augment anti-tumor immune responses, thereby creating an Armed Therapeutic Virus(TM). ``By combining our technologies, we hope to create an Armed Therapeutic Virus(TM) capable of treating the disease both at the tumor site and systemically,`` said Hollings Renton, Onyx`s chairman and chief executive officer. ``The resulting therapeutic will have the potential to be extremely specific, while at the same time allowing treatment of cancer throughout the body after systemic administration of the virus.`` ``The ability to provoke an anti-tumor immune response and treat metastatic cancer would be a significant improvement over existing approaches, and together with Onyx, we have the potential to create such a product,`` said Edward Lanphier, Sangamo`s president and chief executive officer. ``This alliance further supports the potential of our ZFP TF technology to be applied in multiple commercially important markets, including its direct use as a human therapeutic.`` About Sangamo Sangamo is focused on the research and development of novel transcription factors for the regulation of gene expression. Sangamo`s Universal Gene Recognition(TM) technology enables the engineering of a particular class of transcription factors known as zinc finger DNA-binding proteins, or ZFPs. By engineering ZFPs so that they can recognize a specific gene, Sangamo has created ZFP transcription factors that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function. The company intends to establish Universal Gene Recognition as a widely used technology for commercial applications in pharmaceutical discovery, human therapeutics, clinical diagnostics, agriculture and industrial biotechnology. Over twenty leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have utilized ZFP transcription factors. In addition, Sangamo is developing novel ZFP-based therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. For more information about Sangamo, visit the company`s web site at www.sangamo.com. About Onyx Onyx Pharmaceuticals is engaged in the discovery and development of novel cancer therapies. Based on its proprietary virus technologies, the company is developing its lead product, CI-1042 (ONYX-015). CI-1042 is currently in a Phase III clinical trial for head and neck cancer and in Phase I and II clinical trials for a number of different additional cancer indications. For more information about CI-1042 and Onyx`s pipeline and activities, visit Onyx`s web site at www.onyx-pharm.com. This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbors created by those sections. Those forward-looking statements include statements related to the ability of Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. to continue to meet marketing, technology, and customer demands as they relate to its products within the gene regulation market. The development of potential human therapeutic products also involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the timeline for clinical activity, results of pending or future clinical trials and changes in the status of the companies` collaborative relationships. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors, including numerous technological, operational and financial challenges associated with the regulation of genes. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties discussed in the companies` filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In particular, see the risk factors described in these filings including the companies` most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q. The companies assume no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release. SOURCE: Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. |
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| aus der Diskussion: | onyx pharmaceut. im juhu musterdepot! |
| Autor (Datum des Eintrages): | panik (05.04.01 18:52:55) |
| Beitrag: | 23 von 229 (ID:3250835) |
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