Targeted Genetics Strengthens Intellectual Property for AAV Vector Manufacturing
SEATTLE, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Targeted Genetics Corporation (NASDAQ:TGEN) today announced the issuance of a patent covering additional approaches to manufacturing AAV (adeno-associated virus) vectors. The patent, U.S. No. 6,924,128, is titled "Methods and Cell Line Useful for Production of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viruses" and covers the production of AAV vectors using cell lines that have necessary AAV functions turned on during the manufacturing process.
Production of AAV vectors requires the introduction of several elements into a cell, including the AAV vector and gene of interest, AAV rep and cap genes and genes provided from a helper virus. However, rep proteins can be toxic to some cell lines, thereby limiting cell growth and efficient production of AAV vectors. This patent covers technology that can limit toxicity of the rep proteins in those cell types by turning on only the rep gene during the manufacturing process. This technology can be used in the Company's Ad-AAV hybrid manufacturing process or can be integrated into the Company's existing stable cell-line manufacturing process.
"Our intellectual property in AAV vector manufacturing is significant, and the addition of this patent further solidifies our leadership position in cell-line based approaches to AAV production," said H. Stewart Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Targeted Genetics' unmatched capabilities in AAV manufacturing cover both rapid production techniques as well as large scale manufacturing methods. This manufacturing competence has been an important factor in our ability to attract strategic partners, enables us to undertake one of the largest and most advanced clinical development programs for AAV-based product candidates and continues to be an important asset for the Company." The combined attributes of persistent expression and a good safety profile make AAV vectors the vector of choice for developing gene-transfer treatments for a wide variety of chronic disease and the development of viral vaccines.
About Targeted Genetics Targeted Genetics Corporation develops molecular medicines for the prevention and treatment of acquired and inherited diseases. The Company has clinical product development programs targeting AIDS prophylaxis and inflammatory arthritis. The Company also has a promising pipeline of preclinical product development programs focused on hyperlipidemia, congestive heart failure, and Huntington's disease. For more information about Targeted Genetics, visit its website at http://www.targetedgenetics.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements regarding our intellectual property, research programs and clinical trials, our product development and our potential development platforms including AAV vectors and other statements about our plans, objectives, intentions and expectations. In particular, the statements regarding the Company's pipeline and potential application of this patent to any future product candidates are forward- looking statements. These statements, involve current expectations, forecasts of future events and other statements that are not historical facts. Inaccurate assumptions and known and unknown risks and uncertainties can affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect our actual results include, but are not limited to, results of animal research are not necessarily indicative of results in humans, the timing, nature and results of our research, potential development of alternative technologies or more effective products by competitors, our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory or institutional approvals, our ability to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property and our ability to raise capital when needed, as well as other risk factors described in the section entitled "Factors Affecting Our Operating Results, Our Business and Our Stock Price" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2005. You should not rely unduly on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this release. We undertake no duty to publicly announce or report revisions to these statements as new information becomes available that may change our expectations.
Investor and Media Contact:
Stacie D. Byars
Director, Communications
Targeted Genetics Corporation
206-521-7392
DATASOURCE: Targeted Genetics Corporation CONTACT: Stacie D. Byars, Director, Communications of Targeted Genetics Corporation, +1-206-521-7392 Web site: http://www.targetedgenetics.com/
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