Genesis Research and EvoGenix To Collaborate

Genesis Research and EvoGenix To Collaborate On Discovery Of Novel Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Genesis Research and Development Corporation Limited (NZSE/ASX: GEN) and EvoGenix Pty Limited today announced the signing of a collaboration agreement to undertake a joint research and development program to discover novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

Through its genomics research to identify potential drug targets, Genesis has discovered a novel immune modulator which may be a key regulator in some inflammatory conditions. EvoGenix will apply its expertise in the discovery and optimisation of protein therapeutics in collaboration with Genesis to evaluate this molecule as a drug target.

In Phase I of the research project Genesis and EvoGenix will screen and test sequences in a library of antibody-like molecules to identify inhibitors of specific biological activity. Later phases of the work will involve selection of an appropriate therapeutic molecule to focus on targets in inflammation and undertake extensive laboratory testing before commencing patient trials.

CEO of EvoGenix Dr Merilyn Sleigh says, “The project is an excellent example of trans-Tasman co-operation in biotech, building on the complementary skills of our two companies to address what we hope to establish as an exciting new target for anti-inflammatory drugs.”

“Companies in the Australasian region need to work together to maximise the value of their intellectual property as they develop products for the global health market,” said Dr Douglas Williams, Head of Health for Genesis Research. “The combination of expertise and intellectual property in Genesis Research and EvoGenix makes us ideal partners in exploring this very interesting opportunity.”

ENDS About Genesis
Founded in 1994, Genesis is a New Zealand-based biotechnology company committed to the building of a broad genomic platform for the development of innovative products in health and plant biotechnology. Genesis partners with industry leaders to develop products which have global market potential through the mining of its extensive microbe, plant and mammalian EST databases.

The Health Division has three programmes in human clinical development for the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and asthma, with additional programmes for cancer and other indications in pre-clinical development. The patented BioStore solutions for storage of tissues and living cells are also in pre-clinical development. Collaborations are maintained with Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN), Corixa Corporation (NASDAQ: CRXA), SR Pharma (LSE: SPA), and Jurox Pty Ltd.

The Plant division has research collaborations with ArborGen, Wrightson (NZSE: WRI), HortResearch, AgResearch, and Landcare. Genesis is also undertaking significant unpartnered research programmes in novel plant hormones.

The company has an extensive health and plant patent portfolio.

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