Allozymes for Molecular Diagnostics

Applied Genetics News,  May, 2001  

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Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RPI) (2950 Wilderness Place, Boulder, CO 80301; Tel: 303/449-6500, Fax: 303/449-6995) and Archemix Corp. (20 Hampden St., Boston, MA 02119; Tel: 781/736- 2424; Website: www.archemix.com) have formed a strategic alliance that will allow them to capitalize on reciprocal intellectual property in the field of proteomics and molecular diagnostics.

Under the terms of the agreement, Archemix receives licenses and sublicenses to RPI's intellectual property covering the allosteric ribozyme (allozyme) technology for use in detecting proteins in connection with drug development, and in a wide range of molecular detection applications. RPI receives an equity position in Archemix and a seat on the Archemix's board of directors and a seat on the Scientific advisory board. In addition, RPI receives a license to Archemix's intellectual property covering allozymes for use in molecular diagnostic applications.

Allozymes are catalytic RNA- or DNA-based molecules whose ability to catalyze a reaction is modulated by their interaction with an effector molecule. Regulators of allozymes include a diverse range of compounds, including proteins, nucleic acids, peptides, small molecules, and ions. Allozyme reactivity can be monitored by a variety of different methods, making these molecules useful sensors for both in vitro and in vivo applications. A demonstration of this technology was recently published in Nature Biotechnology (19: 336-341) by one of the founders of Archemix, Ronald Breaker of Yale University.

"The application of allozymes to the field of molecular diagnostics will allow RPI to further advance its broad intellectual property platform," comments Ralph Christofferson, CEO of RPI.

"This agreement provides Archemix with important ribozyme technology to complement our RiboReporter methods. We are also looking forward to working with RPI to develop allosteric ribozymes for a range of exciting applications," adds Martin Stanton, president and founder of Archemix Corp.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Business Communications Company, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group