| PITTSBORO, NC, July 28, 2005 — Biolex Therapeutics, a venture capital-backed, clinical development-stage protein therapeutics company, today announced the acquisition of LemnaGene S.A., a privately-held, French start-up biotechnology company researching potential applications of the small, aquatic plant Lemna to produce recombinant proteins. Biolex’ patented technology platform, The LEX SystemTM, uses Lemna as a transgenic host for the development and manufacture of therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies that are difficult to make (technically or economically) in traditional recombinant expression systems. The LEX System has been successfully employed in Biolex’ GMP biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities (conforming to U.S. and international regulatory guidelines on current Good Manufacturing Practices), where multiple proteins have been produced for preclinical and clinical development. |   |
"Last year we acquired Epicyte Pharmaceutical, strengthening our technical capabilities and patent position related to plant-based monoclonal antibody production," said Jan Turek, Chief Executive Officer of Biolex. "The acquisition of LemnaGene represents a further consolidation of relevant protein capabilities and will enhance our position as a leader in this space. It is our belief that Biolex is now becoming the first choice for companies seeking a development partner for complex protein therapeutics reflecting our many recent accomplishments."
LemnaGene, based in Lyon, France, provides biomanufacturing services to the pharmaceutical, vaccine, veterinarian, diagnostic, nutraceutical and industrial protein markets. The company has several research agreements with companies in the pharmaceutical and human/animal vaccine areas.
"I am pleased that LemnaGene has joined forces with Biolex," said Georges Freyssinet, Ph.D., former Chief Executive Officer of LemnaGene. "Our research activities and collaborations will fit in well with Biolex’ development expertise and GMP capabilities." Dr. Freyssinet will remain as Director of Research and Development of LemnaGene.
Biolex Therapeutics applies its unique drug development capabilities and expertise to commercialize complex proteins and monoclonal antibodies that until now have been impossible or very expensive to develop through traditional means. The company is advancing a proprietary pipeline of product candidates including LocteronTM, a novel controlled-release form of alfa interferon which will enter Phase 1 clinical trials in 2005. Biolex has an extensive, multi-protein strategic alliance with Centocor and collaborations with other pharmaceutical/biotech companies including Medarex and OctoPlus. For additional information, please visit Biolex’ web site at www.biolex.com.
Source: LemnaGene
