Genta Incorporated and Molecular Biosystems Inc. License Antisense Patent Portfolio

Genta Incorporated, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in anticancer therapy, has partnered with Molecular Biosystems Inc. to license a comprehensive portfolio of patents and technology related to antisense therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The agreement grants Genta exclusive and non-exclusive rights to the technology, allowing the company to expand its intellectual property position in the field of antisense technology. This strategic move aims to rapidly advance Genta's Anticode platform technology, which has shown potential in improving the effectiveness of standard anticancer therapies.

Key Takeaways:

• The licensing agreement includes grants of exclusive and non-exclusive rights to Genta from Molecular Biosystems on a royalty-free basis in return for cash and shares of Genta common stock.
• The patent and technology portfolio relates to work conducted by Molecular Biosystems scientists over nearly two decades, spanning multiple research projects.
• The patents cover broad claims in methods, compositions, and processes for in vitro and in vivo inhibition of protein synthesis by antisense oligonucleotides, with significant early priority in the field of antisense technology.
• Patent 5,919,619 (issued 7/6/99) covers the use of oligonucleotides in the down-regulation of any gene in cells in vitro, while Patent 5,023,243 (issued 7/11/91) relates to the use of oligonucleotides in cancer treatment.
• The agreement also includes grants of unrestricted sublicenses to these patents, allowing Genta to expand antisense technology to other companies working in this area.
• Genta's lead compound, Genasense, is a Bcl-2 inhibitor designed to reduce resistance of cancer cells to current cancer treatment, with "Fast Track" designation from the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of advanced melanoma.
• Genta aims to become a direct marketer of its pharmaceutical products in the United States, with its website offering more detailed information.

Statistics:

• 1981: The parent application for the patents was filed.
• 7/6/99: Patent 5,919,619 was issued.
• 7/11/91: Patent 5,023,243 was issued.
• 2 decades: The span of research projects related to the antisense technology portfolio.
• 5,919,619 and 5,023,243: The two key patents covering antisense oligonucleotide technology.

Sources:

• [PRNewswire, "Genta Incorporated and Molecular Biosystems Inc. License Antisense Patent Portfolio," June 5]
• [Patent 5,919,619 (issued 7/6/99)]
• [Patent 5,023,243 (issued 7/11/91)]