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Cenix BioScience and Schering AG Sign Research Agreements
to Advance Several Disease Programs
Dresden, Germany, February 28, 2005 - Cenix BioScience GmbH
(Dresden), the leading specialist in advanced RNA interference (RNAi)-based
research services, and Schering AG (Berlin, Germany), one of the leading
pharmaceutical companies worldwide, announced that they have signed research
service agreements to accelerate the latter’s target discovery and validation
efforts in several human disease programs.
Both projects, which started in the last quarter of 2004, focus on the
cell-based validation by Cenix of collections of candidate genes previously
identified by Schering AG as possible therapeutic drug targets. Cenix is
applying its industry-leading expertise in combining high throughput (HT) RNAi
with high content (HC) phenotype analyses in mammalian cells to deliver an
efficient, detailed characterization of target-specific loss-of-function
phenotypes. These data, along with associated insights into the functions of
these targets, will provide Schering AG with the solid, patho-physiologically
relevant criteria needed to prioritize targets for advancement in their drug
development programs.
“Having already recognized Schering AG’s leading research efforts in several
major disease areas, as well as their very strong internal RNAi research
capabilities, we were delighted to get this opportunity to assist them by
enhancing and accelerating their target selection processes through our own
HT-RNAi offerings” said Dr. Christophe Echeverri, CEO/CSO of Cenix BioScience.
Cenix will apply streamlined HT validation of RNAi reagents and proprietary
HT-RNAi assays including functional readouts based on rich, multi-parameter
analyses. The project, which will make use of several human and mouse cell lines,
will advance research programs at Schering AG. No financial terms were disclosed.
About Cenix BioScience GmbH
Cenix BioScience GmbH is a pioneer and leader in high throughput (HT),
genome-driven applications of RNA interference (RNAi) for the discovery and
validation of new therapeutic drug targets. Founded in 1999 as the first
biotechnology company specializing exclusively in HT-RNAi, Cenix has accumulated
unparalleled depth and breadth of experience in this field, combining high
content phenotypic analyses with proprietary genome-wide RNAi libraries for use
in key experimental systems, including a wide range of human and rodent cells.
Cenix is now making its unique expertise accessible to industry and academic
researchers through highly customizable research services. Please contact Cenix
or visit the company’s web site
www.cenix-bioscience.com for more information.
About Schering AG
Schering AG is a research-based pharmaceutical company. Its activities are
focused on four business areas: Gynecology & Andrology, Oncology, Diagnostic
Imaging as well as Specialized Therapeutics for disabling diseases. As a global
player with innovative products Schering AG aims for leading positions in
specialized markets worldwide. With in-house R&D and supported by an excellent
global network of external partners, Schering AG is securing a promising product
pipeline. Using new ideas, Schering AG aims to make a recognized contribution to
medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life: making medicine
work.
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