Biovitrum AB and
Artemis Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Cologne, have signed a Research
services Agreement concerning the generation of RNAi-modified
transgenic mice for the in vivo functional analysis of selected disease related
genes.
The application of RNAi based technologies for targeted knock-down of selected genes is one of the most promising methods for gene function analysis in basic and pharmaceutical research. There have only been limited studies showing utility of RNAi in corresponding mammalian organisms in vivo. Utilizing scientific methods developed in Artemis it is now possible to obtain an efficient, rapid and widespread RNAi knock down in adult transgenic mice.
Under the terms of the agreement, Artemis will generate shRNAi knock down transgenic mice that Biovitrum will use in certain pharmaceutical research programmes. Biovitrum will provide selected shRNA sequences that correspond to genes that may play a central role in human
diseases. Artemis will use its propietary technologies functionally down-regulate
Expression of targeted
proteins. This triggers biological effects that will be analyzed to obtain disease related data and information that Biovitrum will apply to its pharmaceutical research efforts. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.
"The production of RNAi gene knockdown mice by Artemis has the potential to provide rapid in-vivo
target validation, commented Dr. Nigel Levens, head of
biology at Biovitrum. This technology will help in early stage project selection and support our efforts as a major player in
metabolic diseases Research.
"We are pleased to establish this collaboration with Biovitrum, a research-based company of international standing", commented Dr. Paul Rounding, Managing Director for
business development at Artemis. "For the first time disease related genes will be carefully analyzed in vivo in adult mice by combining shRNAi technology with our proprietary methodologies. We believe that our technology is broadly applicable throughout pharmaceutical and
biotechnology industry, and anticipate that this strategy will be scientifically and commercially important for our company in the future."