Collaboration for Bacterial Gene Regulation: A DARPA-Funded Initiative

Strategic Insights -

Genelabs Technologies and SmithKline Beecham have partnered to develop a system for regulating critical bacterial genes, leveraging unique strengths in both organizations. This collaboration, funded by an additional one-year DARPA grant, targets sites in bacterial DNA for small molecule, sequence-specific DNA-binding drugs. The program builds on existing research under the Unconventional Pathogen Countermeasures Program, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Cynthia Edwards, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Genelabs, and Martin Rosenberg, Ph.D., Senior Vice President at SmithKline Beecham, emphasize the synergy between their organizations' expertise and technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • The collaboration aims to develop a system for regulating critical bacterial genes using small molecule, sequence-specific DNA-binding drugs.
  • The program will identify target sites in bacterial DNA and develop novel drugs for pathogen treatment.
  • GENELABS' proprietary technology for discovering and characterizing sequence-specific DNA-binding small molecules will be utilized.
  • SmithKline Beecham's extensive knowledge of pathogen genomes and the genes critical for pathogenesis or survival will complement Genelabs' expertise.
  • The partnership is a natural extension of ongoing research under the DARPA's Unconventional Pathogen Countermeasures Program.
  • The company's drug discovery programs are based on an integrated platform of technologies, including genomics, transcription biology, and high-throughput screening.

Statistics:

  • The collaboration is funded by a one-year grant from DARPA, in addition to existing three-year grants for SmithKline Beecham and Genelabs under the Unconventional Pathogen Countermeasures Program.
  • The program targets sites in bacterial DNA for small molecule, sequence-specific DNA-binding drugs.
  • Genelabs is engaged in the discovery of small molecule drugs that bind to DNA or RNA to regulate gene expression or inactivate pathogens.
  • The company's development efforts are focused on its drug candidate, GL701, which is in Phase III clinical trials as a new therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus.

Sources:

  • Genelabs Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNLB) press release, April 15
  • SmithKline Beecham (NYSE: SBH) press release, April 15
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Unconventional Pathogen Countermeasures Program
  • Genelabs' 1998 Form 10-K, under the caption "Risk Factors"
  • http://www.sb.com/
  • http://www.prnewswire.com
  • http://www.genelabs.com