Lentigen Corporation and the United States Army Enter Into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement - RNAi

Lentigen Corporation and the United States Army Enter Into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
May 30, 2006
Lentigen Corporation
BALTIMORE and EDGEWOOD, Md., May 30, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Lentigen Corporation announced today they have entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) whereby Lentigen and the ECBC will collaborate on a variety of potential research programs, focusing on vaccine development, therapeutics and biodefense applications of lentiviral vectors. The CRADA will provide Lentigen with access to ECBC's cGMP manufacturing facilities and services. No financial terms were disclosed.
"This CRADA represents another important milestone for Lentigen," remarked Dr. Boro Dropulic, Founder and CEO of Lentigen. "ECBC brings several unique assets to the partnership, including cGMP manufacturing capabilities. We believe that this CRADA will create a compelling combination that is likely to result in innovative and compelling new programs and technologies."
James J. Valdes, Scientific Advisor for Biotechnology for ECBC, said, "The Army has a strategic interest in biotechnology for a wide range of applications. The unique capabilities of these extraordinary vectors could enhance the production of cellular products used in so many aspects of our development programs. This partnership leverages Lentigen's and ECBC's strengths in viral vectors and biomanufacturing, respectively."
About Lentiviral Vectors
Lentiviral vectors (LV) are vehicles that can deliver genes or RNAi into cells with up to 100% efficiency and stability. By comparison, other viral vector systems such as non-viral, adenoviral and adeno-associated viral vectors have been shown to achieve high, but not stable gene delivery into cells or to deliver genes stably, but not efficiently (murine retroviral vectors).
Gene delivery is accomplished by the binding and fusing of the LV pseudotyped envelope protein to the target cell membrane. The LV RNA containing the gene or gene silencing sequence is then incorporated into the cell via reverse transcription creating a DNA complex. This complex enters the nucleus incorporating into the chromosomal DNA creating a stable molecule. The gene sequence is integrated in the chromosome and is copied along with the DNA during ongoing cell division.
About Lentigen Corporation
Lentigen Corporation is a privately owned biotechnology company focused on the manufacturing and development of lentiviral vectors using its proprietary gene delivery technology for a wide range of applications in biotechnology and medicine. Lentiviral vectors are highly adapted delivery vehicles that can transport genes or gene silencing sequences into cells with high efficiency and stability. Lentigen is positioning itself to become the leading provider of Lentiviral vector products and services for academic, government, biotechnology and pharmaceutical researchers. For further information, visit http://www.Lentigen.com.
About the US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center
ECBC is the nation's principal research and development center for non- medical chemical and biological defense. ECBC develops technology in the areas of detection, protection, and decontamination and provides support over the entire lifecycle -- from basic research through technology development, engineering design, equipment evaluation, product support, sustainment, field operations and disposal.