RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif. - (Business Wire)
DxTerity Diagnostics (Rancho Dominguez, CA) (
www.DxTerity.com) and
City of Hope (Duarte, CA) will collaborate on the development of therapeutic applications for DxTerity’s proprietary NEAT™ technology.
NEAT™ is a versatile genomics testing platform that enables gene-controlled ligation (joining) of oligonucleotide probes inside of cells (in-situ). This highly specific technique will be used to develop in-situ assembled antisense therapeutics. Unlike traditional therapeutics that work by binding to proteins, antisense therapeutics work at the genomic level to prevent the production of the unwanted protein by blocking the translation of mRNA. The DxTerity approach differs from normal antisense therapeutics because the initial materials are designed to be inactive requiring in-situ activation that is dependant on the expression of the target gene. If successful, the resulting new class of molecules could display exquisite specificity with reduced side effects.
“Our goal is to utilize the unique properties available with the NEAT™ technology to overcome some of the current limitations associated with antisense therapeutics,” said Arthur. D. Riggs, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases Research and Emeritus Director, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope.
According to Dr. Bob Terbrueggen, President and founder of DxTerity Diagnostics, “DxTerity is excited to be collaborating with City of Hope, whose recognized experience and expertise in developing drugs should accelerate the progress of this new class of antisense therapeutics. Our hope is that their well-developed model systems and scientific expertise will enable the rapid identification and evaluation of new drug candidates.”
Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
About DxTerity Diagnostics:
DxTerity Diagnostics is a provider of genomic testing solutions for the research, diagnostic and therapeutic markets. DxTerity Diagnostics has developed NEAT™, a genomic testing platform that uses a robust chemical reaction for target and signal amplification, replacing enzymatic alternatives, to enable the development of simple and affordable nucleic acid based tests. Further information on DxTerity Diagnostics can be obtained at http://www.DxTerity.com
About City of Hope
City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics.
DxTerity Diagnostics
Cindy Coty, 310-537-7857
http://www.DxTerity.com
