Milestone Achieved A Year Ahead of Schedule
"Reaching this production milestone more than one year ahead of schedule represents an important step in our plans to develop high value ZFN research reagents for our customers," said Dr.
The ability to selectively modify or control specific genes is emerging as a critical tool in modern biotechnology. Zinc finger DNA-binding proteins (ZFPs) are the dominant class of naturally-occurring transcription factors in organisms from yeast to humans. Transcription factors, which are found in the nucleus of every cell, bind to DNA to regulate gene expression. Though there are many kinds of transcription factors, only ZFPs are amenable to engineering and precise targeting to a particular gene, or genes, of interest. By engineering ZFPs that recognize a specific DNA sequence, Sangamo scientists have enabled researchers to precisely modify targeted genes and control gene expression. This technology has the potential to play a major role in bringing new discoveries in genomics to the marketplace.
"Our ZFN technology is the gold standard for genome editing in cells and whole organisms," said
Sigma-Aldrich's agreement with Sangamo Biosciences, initiated in
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About Sangamo
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. is focused on the research and development of novel DNA-binding proteins for therapeutic gene regulation and modification. The most advanced ZFP Therapeutic(TM) development program is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for evaluation of safety and clinical effect in patients with diabetic neuropathy and ALS. Other therapeutic development programs are focused on stem cell mobilization, HIV/AIDS, cancer, neuropathic pain, Parkinson's disease and monogenic diseases. Sangamo's core competencies enable the engineering of a class of DNA-binding proteins known as zinc finger DNA-binding proteins (ZFPs). By engineering ZFPs that recognize a specific DNA sequence Sangamo has created ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TF(TM)) that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function. Sangamo is also developing sequence-specific ZFP Nucleases (ZFN(TM)) for gene modification. Sangamo has established strategic partnerships with companies outside the human therapeutic area including Dow AgroSciences, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation and several companies applying its ZFP Technology to enhance the production of protein pharmaceuticals. For more information about Sangamo, visit the company's web site at www.sangamo.com.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on Sigma-Aldrich's and Sangamo's current expectations. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, references to the research and development of novel ZFNs, potential therapeutic, medical research and pharmaceutical applications of the ZFN technology and the timing of initiation of clinical trials by Sangamo. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including technological challenges, the ability of Sangamo and Sigma-Aldrich to develop commercially viable products and technological developments by our competitors. See the SEC filings, and in particular, the risk factors described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of each of Sangamo and Sigma-Aldrich. Neither Sigma-Aldrich nor Sangamo assumes any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.
SOURCE Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.