genOway acquires worldwide exclusive license for RMCE technology from bluebird bio for genetically modified rodents

genOway and bluebird bio report today genOway acquisition of an exclusive worldwide license for the RMCE technology (developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the field of genetically modified rodents.

RMCE technology, combining a recombinase system with genetic modification, enable the reliable and quick introduction of a DNA sequence (gene, mutated sequence, etc) at a specific locus. This technology involves combining a recombinase system with genetic modification enabling the reliable and quick introduction of a DNA sequence (gene, mutated sequence, etc) at a specific locus. This technology was developed and patented by Prof Leboulch at MIT.

Targeted insertion has now substituted most classical transgenic models (random insertion) and RMCE has become an essential tool in the making of knock in rodents such as humanized models, disease models, etc.

Nick Leschly, CEO of bluebird bio, said: “We are very happy to provide genOway with this exclusive license with the right to grant sublicenses. Through its expertise and well-recognized international reputation, we expect that they will make the RMCE technology one of the reference technologies for Knock in models. Consequently we are providing genOway with a world wide exclusive license in the genetically modified rodent business.”

Alexandre Fraichard, CEO of genOway, indicated: “We are proud to be the only company or institution in the world able to sell RMCE models. This technology is very important for the reliable and quick development of more predictive animal models. The technology is already frequently used by transgenic facilities and companies but we believe that genOway stands out as the best partner to market this unique technology rapidly and globally. As the leader in the development of sophisticated and highly predictable genetically modified rodents, we will market this unique technology and enable any scientist worldwide, in both academia and biopharmaceutical companies, to have access to this technology. We have already noticed a great deal of interest from the pharmaceutical industry, in particular since we will guarantee our licensees with a total freedom to operate for their R&D activities. This technology represents a clear competitive advantage by strengthening our proprietary technology portfolio and increasing the uniqueness of our commercial offering.”

About bluebird bio

bluebird bio is developing innovative gene therapies for severe genetic disorders. At the heart of bluebird bio’s product creation efforts is its broadly applicable gene therapy platform for the development of novel treatments for diseases with few or no clinical options. The company’s novel approach uses stem cells harvested from the patient’s bone marrow into which a healthy version of the disease causing gene is inserted. After being grown in culture, those cells are given back to the patient. bluebird bio’s approach represents a true paradigm shift in the treatment of severe genetic diseases by eliminating the potential complications associated with donor cell transplantation and potentially presenting a one-time transformative therapy. bluebird bio has two later stage clinical products in development for childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD) and betathalassemia/ sickle cell anemia. Led by a world-class team, bluebird bio is privately-held and backed by top-tier life sciences investors, including Third Rock Ventures, TVM Capital, ARCH Venture Partners, Forbion Capital Partners, Easton Capital and Genzyme Ventures. Its operations are located in Cambridge, Mass. and Paris, France.

About genOway

genOway (ALTERNEXT-NYSE: ALGEN) is a biotechnology company developing genetically modified and high value-added research models for the bio-pharmaceutical, chemical, agrochemical and food industry as well as for academic research. With highly qualified scientific personnel, the company has a work force of 60 people and operates in over 22 countries in Europe, Asia and North America, supplying more than 275 customers. genOway is a leader in its market in terms of both size and customer portfolios. The company’s development is founded upon both a broad and exclusive technology platform as well as strong intellectual property rights combining patents and licensing agreements. Taking advantage of the global trend towards outsourcing the production of genetically modified research models, genOway has signed many contracts with leaders of the pharmaceutical industry (Pfizer, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, etc.), and with the most prestigious academic research centers (King’s College and the University of Manchester, in England; Duke University and the National Institutes of Health, in the United States; the Institut Pasteur, in France; NGFN and the Max Planck Institutes, in Germany, etc.). To strengthen its technological position and benefit from worldwide business partners, genOway has signed strategic alliances with leading companies in their field: Charles River Laboratories (NYSE: CRL, a world leader in supplying laboratory animals), Invitrogen (NASDAQ: IVGN, world leader in supplying molecular biology reagents). For more information please go to www.genoway.com.