NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., July 3 NJ-Senesco-Polyplus
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., July 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Senesco
Technologies, Inc. ("Senesco" or the "Company") (Amex: SNT) announced today
that it has contracted with Polyplus-transfection (Illkirch, France) to supply
Polyplus's "in vivo-jetPEI" for systemic delivery of Senesco's combination
therapy of siRNA against Factor 5A and a plasmid of the Factor 5A gene.
Senesco has previously reported positive preclinical in vivo results using
its combination siRNA and plasmid delivered with "in vivo-jetPEI" against
subcutaneous multiple myeloma tumors in immunodeficient mice.
"This supply agreement will help Senesco move toward the necessary
preclinical toxicology study and ultimately the planned clinical trial
targeting multiple myeloma," commented Bruce Galton, Senesco's President and
CEO. "Polyplus' PEI technology is already being used in clinical oncology
trials by other companies and we look forward to working with them and using
their technology to deliver our Factor 5A technology."
"We are proud that Senesco has chosen our delivery system targeting
multiple myeloma and that we have an agreement to supply the company according
to this agreement," said Joelle Bloch, CEO of Polyplus-transfection. "We are
delighted that our 'in vivo-jetPEI' will be used as delivery vehicle for a
combination of siRNA and plasmid DNA in this therapeutic approach."
About Polyplus-transfection
Polyplus-transfection is focused on developing innovative solutions for
delivery of biomolecules. The company has been marketing its transfection
reagents worldwide since 2001 and is reinvesting most of its revenues in
research and development.
Transfection consists in introducing a gene or a small interfering RNA
into cells. This technique makes it possible to cross the cellular barriers
and deliver such biomolecules into the cells for research or therapeutic
purposes.
Customers of Polyplus-transfection's products and services include
biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies as well as life science academic
laboratories. Polyplus-transfection offers high quality consultancy,
personalized scientific support and expertise in regulatory affairs related to
the use of its reagents in clinical trials. Phases I/II cancer gene therapy
and AIDS trials are underway in Israel, USA, Sweden and Germany using GMP-
compliant reagents from Polyplus-transfection.
The Strasbourg-based company is recognized as a leading innovator in the
transfection market, with ISO 9001:2000 certification, exclusive licenses from
the CNRS and numerous patent applications pending. Polyplus-transfection R&D
has well-established partnerships with biotech companies and is also involved
in several European research collaboration networks, such as GIANT (Gene
Therapy, an Integrated Approach to Neoplastic Treatment) and RIGHT (RNA
Interference Technology as Human Therapeutic Tool).
Polyplus-transfection recently extended its field of expertise to the
development of new cationic oligonucleotides, ZNA (Zip Nucleic Acid), for
molecular biology and diagnostics.
For more information, visit: http://www.polyplus-transfection.com
About Senesco Technologies, Inc.
Senesco Technologies, Inc. is a U.S. biotechnology company, headquartered
in New Brunswick, NJ. Senesco has initiated preclinical research to trigger or
delay cell death in mammals (apoptosis) to determine if the technology is
applicable in human medicine. Accelerating apoptosis may have applications to
development of cancer treatments. Delaying apoptosis may have applications to
certain inflammatory and ischemic diseases. Senesco takes its name from the
scientific term for the aging of plant cells: senescence. Delaying cell
breakdown in plants extends freshness after harvesting, while increasing crop
yields, plant size and resistance to environmental stress. The Company
believes that its technology can be used to develop superior strains of crops
without any modification other than delaying natural plant senescence.
Senesco has partnered with leading-edge companies engaged in agricultural
biotechnology and earns research and development fees for applying its gene-
regulating platform technology to enhance its partners' products.
Certain statements included in this press release are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from such statements
expressed or implied herein as a result of a variety of factors, including,
but not limited to: the Company's ability to raise capital to fund its
research and development efforts; the development of the Company's gene
technology; the approval of the Company's patent applications; the successful
implementation of the Company's research and development programs and joint
ventures; the success of the Company's license agreements; the acceptance by
the market of the Company's products; success of the Company's preliminary
studies and preclinical research; competition and the timing of projects and
trends in future operating performance, our ability to maintain our continued
listing standards for the next 12 months, as well as other factors expressed
from time to time in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). As a result, this press release should be
read in conjunction with the Company's periodic filings with the SEC. The
forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of
this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly
update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or
circumstances.
Company Contacts:Investor Relations Contact:
Senesco Technologies, Inc. FD
Bruce Galton Brian Ritchie
Chief Executive Officer (brian.ritchie@fd.com)
(bgalton@senesco.com)(212) 850-5600
(732) 296-8400
For further information about Polyplus-transfection, please contact:
Andrew Lloyd & Associates
Marie-Laure Melchior
(marielaure@ala.com)
Tel: +33 1 56 54 07 00
SOURCE Senesco Technologies, Inc.
