GATC Biotech takes part in EU funded research project
for safety of gene therapy

Constance (January 18th, 2005) - GATC Biotech, a leading European provider of custom molecular biological services, is taking part in an EU funded research project to evaluate the safety of gene therapy in the treatment of monogenic inherited deseases, such as immunodeficiencies, hemoglobinopathies, anemias and storage disorders. Other contributors to the project comprise 18 academic groups and 3 companies from 9 European countries.

The aim of the resesarch project is an unbiased safety and efficiency evaluation of retroviral transgenesis for gene therapy of inherited deseases. Central aspects of this evaluation are the molecular and clinical monitoring of model studies for genetic therapies as well as molecular studies in cell culture systems and animal models. The results will generate the basis for technology developments that enhance the safety of retroviral gene therapy.

In cooperation with the group of Prof. Christof von Kalle and Dr. Manfred Schmidt at the Departement of Internal Medicine and the Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Clinic Freiburg, GATC is developing a bioinformatic tool for comprehensive data storage and analysis of vector insertion sites in the genome, allowing for mechanistic studies of transgene/host interactions. The compilation of sequence data produced at GATC will generate the basis for the development of useable genetic vectors for the treatment of human desease without the risk of influencing the activity of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Thus, GATC extends its One Stop Shop concept for processing complex molecular biological projects in the bioinformatic field. Johannes Regenbogen, Director of Research & Development at GATC is proud to take an active part in a project with such an impact: "It is an excellent chance for GATC to enter and penetrate a promising new market. Our bioinformatic tool will constitute an innovative contribution to the safety of somatic gene therapy in humans."

The EU is funding the project from 2005 to 2008 with 13 Mio Euro.

Contact:

GATC Biotech AG
Elke Decker, Senior Director Marketing
Jakob-Stadler-Platz 7
D-78467 Konstanz, Deutschland
Tel: +49-7531-8160-30
Fax:+49-7531-8160-81
eMail: e.decker@gatc-biotech.com
Web: www.gatc-biotech.com

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