story: http://pharmalicensing.com/news/index/965165637_398742455f9b3
(posted 02 Aug 2000)
Genzyme Molecular Oncology has licensed its patented SAGE
(Serial Analysis of Gene Expression) genomics technology to
NeuralStem Biopharmaceuticals, Ltd., of College Park, Maryland,
for evaluation of global gene expression from NeuralStem's
proprietary human central nervous system stem cells.
Under the terms of the agreement, Genzyme Molecular Oncology will
receive an upfront payment and additional fees related to the
creation
of SAGE data by NeuralStem and upon any transfer of NeuralStem
SAGE data to third parties. NeuralStem has the option to extend
its
SAGE license for up to five years.
"This agreement is testimony to the power and uniqueness of SAGE
as
a functional genomics and gene discovery tool that clarifies the
role of
genes in disease and biological pathways," said Gail Maderis,
president,
Genzyme Molecular Oncology.
SAGE is a high-efficiency method of comprehensively identifying
and
quantifying genes expressed in a tissue or cell line. It can be
used in a
wide variety of applications such as identifying disease-related
genes,
analyzing the effects of drugs on tissues, and providing insight
into
disease pathways. SAGE is an integral part of Genzyme Molecular
Oncology's therapeutic discovery efforts. To date, Genzyme
Molecular
Oncology has generated a database of over three million tags,
believed
to represent in excess of 100,000 genes from major cancers and
normal
human tissue.
NeuralStem BioPharmaceuticals, Ltd., is a privately held company
commercializing proprietary, patented CNS stem cell technology
and
human neurons derived from its CNS stem cells as powerful new
therapeutics and research tools for drug discovery. In addition
to
applying the technology to accelerate the discovery of
CNS-related
genes and their function, NeuralStem is developing a new
generation of
biotherapeutic products to treat and cure neurodegenerative and
neurological disorders of the brain and spinal cord.
Genzyme Molecular Oncology is developing a new generation of
cancer
products focusing on cancer vaccines and angiogenesis
inhibitors. It is
shaping these new therapies through the integration of its
genomics,
gene and cell therapy, small-molecule drug discovery, and protein
therapeutic capabilities.
