ATTENUON, LLC AND KIRIN BREWERY CO., LTD OF JAPAN ANNOUNCE JOINT RESEARCH COLLABORATION
SAN DIEGO, CA – February 24, 2004 – Attenuon, LLC, a private pharmaceutical company developing a new generation of cancer therapies, announced today that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. of Japan and its U.S. subsidiary Gemini Science, Inc. to develop fully human monoclonal antibody candidates for use as specific oncology therapeutic and diagnostic agents.
Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will combine Attenuon’s targeted approach to metastasis and angiogenesis with Kirin’s KM Mouse™ technology to develop and evaluate novel fully human monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment. Fully human monoclonal antibodies are desirable because they avoid the risk of generating an anti-antibody immune response such as can occur with non-human monoclonal antibodies. Attenuon will receive funding from Kirin to support research done under the collaboration.
Rights to any commercial products resulting from the collaboration will be shared by the parties according to their agreement. Each company will maintain ownership of its technology and data, including patent rights and other intellectual property rights.
“We are excited by the potential of combining Attenuon’s scientific expertise in tumor biology and antigen identification with Kirin’s world-class human antibody technology,” said Josh L. Distler, Attenuon’s chief operating officer.
The KM Mouse™, a new crossbred mouse developed by Kirin and Medarex, Inc. (MEDX: NASD), is genetically engineered to contain the complete human immunoglobulin loci. Using Kirin’s TC Mouse™ Technology Platform, the mouse immunoglobulin genes have been replaced with the human immunoglobulin genes.
About Attenuon
Attenuon was founded in May 1998 with the goal of working with leading academic laboratories to rapidly translate advances in the understanding of tumor biology into less toxic drugs to control the growth and progression of cancer. Attenuon’s staff includes leading researchers in tumor biology and synthetic chemistry as well as industry veterans knowledgeable in drug development. Attenuon’s compounds – two of which are currently in clinical trials – are intended to target a broad range of tumors and the blood vessels that feed their growth without affecting healthy cells. The company believes that these compounds could thus be effective against many types of cancer. Attenuon is located in the Sorrento Valley area of San Diego, California. For additional information regarding Attenuon, please visit www.attenuon.com.
About Kirin and Gemini Science
Kirin is Japan’s foremost beer producer. Its pharmaceutical division is applying its knowledge of biotechnology to the development of advanced pharmaceutical products in the fields of renal disease, cancer and hematological diseases, and immunological and allergy-related diseases. Kirin’s recombinant DNA-based ESPO® (erythropoietin) and GRAN® (G-CSF), co-developed with Amgen, have annual sales exceeding $450 million in Asia. Kirin’s pharmaceutical division has now expanded its technology platform to include human antibody development and cell therapy. Gemini Science, Inc. is a wholly owned US subsidiary of Kirin and serves as Kirin’s agent in the US, facilitating the company’s pharmaceutical business development efforts in North America.
For additional information regarding Kirin, Gemini Science and the TC Mouse™ Technology Platform, please visit www.kirin.co.jp/english or www.TCMouse.com.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements by Attenuon that are based on current expectations and estimates, and which involve risks and uncertainties and reflect Attenuon's judgment as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements often contain such words as "expect," "estimate," "plan," "believe," “anticipate,” and "intend." Actual events or results may differ materially from Attenuon's expectations. Attenuon disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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