Patent

Invention Facilitates Therapeutic Gene Delivery

Alameda, California - December 12, 2001 - Genteric, Inc., a private biotechnology company focused on providing a new generation of gene therapy and protein drug delivery technology, announced today it has been awarded U.S. Patent 6,316,421, entitled "Pentaerythritol Lipid Derivates and Nucleic-Acid Complexes." This is the second patent issued covering a new class of cationic lipid compounds expected to be effective in a variety of gene therapy applications.

This class of lipids has been designed to readily break down once incorporated in the cell and demonstrates improved DNA delivery to target cells with reduced toxicity and decreased inflammation. This feature is believed to be responsible for the improved performance, representing a significant step in the development of a non-viral gene delivery system potentially useful in a variety of gene therapy applications.

Gene therapy entails the delivery of genetic material, or DNA encoding a specific therapeutic protein, to target cells where the protein will be produced. The initial absorption of DNA into the target cell can be facilitated by using a delivery system comprised of positively charged fat molecules, or cationic lipids.

"The addition of this patent increases Genteric's intellectual property estate to 14 issued patents protecting the Company's technology base," said Martin D. Cleary, Genteric's President and CEO. "Genteric's technology platforms incorporate localized gene therapy in a person's own gastrointestinal organs for systemic distribution of protein therapeutics and represents the most important method of gene delivery being pursued today."