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Xenometrix Grants Eighth License Agreement for Gene Expression Profiling

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Xenometrix, a biotechnology company specializing in gene expression profiling technology, has granted its eighth license agreement to SmithKline Beecham, giving the pharmaceutical company access to claims covered in issued U.S. and European patents. This non-exclusive license covers the collection of gene expression profiles using all methods, including high-density microarrays. The licensing agreement marks a significant milestone for Xenometrix, with Steve Sullivan, Chairman, stating that SmithKline Beecham's addition to the licensee list is a valuable one, considering the company's strides in the genomics area. Xenometrix has granted licenses to several other companies, including Aurora Biosciences, Cerep S.A., Phase-1 Molecular Toxicology, and Rosetta Inpharmatics, and is exploring strategic partnerships to address its cash flow and debt concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • Xenometrix has granted its eighth license agreement for gene expression profiling to SmithKline Beecham, providing the pharmaceutical company with access to claims covered in issued U.S. and European patents.
  • The non-exclusive license covers the collection of gene expression profiles using all methods, including high-density microarrays.
  • Xenometrix has granted licenses to nine companies since 1998, including Aurora Biosciences, Cerep S.A., Phase-1 Molecular Toxicology, Affymetrix, Gene Logic, and Rosetta Inpharmatics, in addition to Incyte Pharmaceuticals in 1999.
  • The company is seeking strategic partnerships to address its cash flow and debt concerns, including considering the sale of the company.
  • Xenometrix's proprietary gene expression profiling technology and genotoxicology technology are used to help pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology companies accelerate the selection of the most promising drug and chemical leads.
  • The company has filed a Form 10-KSB with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended June 30, 1998, which lists several risk-related factors that could impact its financial results.

Statistics:

  • Xenometrix has granted eight license agreements for gene expression profiling, with seven of them being issued in 1998.
  • The company has received licenses from nine companies in total, including Aurora Biosciences, Cerep S.A., Phase-1 Molecular Toxicology, Affymetrix, Gene Logic, and Rosetta Inpharmatics, in addition to Incyte Pharmaceuticals in 1999, and SmithKline Beecham.
  • Xenometrix has a cash flow and debt concern, with the company exploring strategic partnerships to address these issues.
  • The company has a significant presence in the genomics area, with Steve Sullivan stating that SmithKline Beecham's addition to the licensee list is a valuable one.

Sources:

  • HealthWire, "Xenometrix Announces Eighth License Agreement for Gene Expression Profiling" (February 11, 1999)
  • Xenometrix, Inc., Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended June 30, 1998.

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