Replies to post #322128 on Avid Bioservices Inc (CDMO)

[asmarterwookie]

I wonder if Roger Lias should receive that list VIA certified mail as well.


I think so.

wook

[biopharm]

#7 #8 PS Targeting Patent - Roche BMS - also stepping on the patents(will have to update the complete list from prior post...)

PS Targeting patents with MOA of targeting flipped PS just may be the MOA of Roche in this patent....what happens first ? Target flipped PS which then results in tim-3 changes....etc

Also OX40 with BMS patents and Dr Jedd Wolchok has the answers where PS Targeting better than OX40 and when will CEO Roger Lias start backing up shareholders and fighting for the IP assets surrounding PS Targeting.
_____________

Publication number WO2016071448 A1
Publication type Application
Application number PCT/EP2015/075820
Publication date May 12, 2016
Filing date Nov 5, 2015
Priority date Nov 6, 2014
Also published as CA2964830A1, CN107001475A, EP3215532A1, US20160257749

Inventors

Valeria Lifke,
Guy Georges,
Victor LEVITSKY,
Oliver Ploettner,
Stefan Seeber,
Barbara Weiser,
Ildiko WUENSCHE,
Adrian ZWICK

Applicant
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ag, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.

https://www.google.com/patents/WO2016071448A1?cl=en

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Justia Patents Alan J. Korman Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications


Patents by Inventor Alan J. Korman
Alan J. Korman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

ANTIBODIES AGAINST TIM3 AND USES THEREOF
Publication number: 20180016336
Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, that bind to T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM3) protein. Also provided are uses of these antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, in therapeutic applications, such as treatment of cancer. Further provided are cells that produce the antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain regions of the antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain regions of the antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof.
Type: Application
Filed: July 13, 2017
Publication date: January 18, 2018
Applicant: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Inventors: Xiao Min SCHEBYE, Mark J. SELBY, Michelle Minhua HAN, Christine BEE, Andy X. DENG, Anan CHUNTHARAPAI, Brigitte DEVAUX, Huiming LI, Paul O. SHEPPARD, Alan J. KORMAN, Daniel F. ARDOUREL, Ekaterina DEYANOVA, Richard HUANG, Guodong CHEN, Michelle KUHNE, Hong-An TROUNG
ANTIBODIES AGAINST GLUCOCORTICOID-INDUCED TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR RECEPTOR (GITR) AND USES THEREOF
Publication number: 20180002432
Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, that bind to glucocorticoid-inducible TNF receptor (GITR). Also provided are uses of these proteins in therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. Further provided are cells that produce the antibodies, polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies.
Type: Application
Filed: July 11, 2017
Publication date: January 4, 2018
Inventors: Changyu WANG, Nils LONBERG, Alan J. KORMAN, Mark J. SELBY, Mohan SRINIVASAN, Karla HENNING, Michelle Minhua HAN, Guodong CHEN, Richard HUANG, Indrani CHAKRABORTY, Haichun HUANG, Susan WONG, Huiming LI
ANTIBODIES AGAINST OX40 AND USES THEREOF
Publication number: 20170306035
Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, that bind to OX40. Also provided are uses of these proteins in therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. Further provided are cells that produce the antibodies, polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies.
Type: Application
Filed: March 30, 2017
Publication date: October 26, 2017
Inventors: Zhehong CAI, Indrani CHAKRABORTY, Marie-Michelle Navarro GARCIA, Thomas D. KEMPE, Alan J. KORMAN, Alexander T. KOZHICH, Hadia LEMAR, Mark MAURER, Christina Maria MILBURN, Michael QUIGLEY, Xiang SHAO, Mohan SRINIVASAN, Kent THUDIUM, Susan Chien-Szu WONG, Jochem GOKEMEIJER, Xi-Tao WANG, Han CHANG, Patrick GUIRNALDA
ANTIBODIES AGAINST CD73
Publication number: 20170253665
Abstract: The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human antibodies, that bind to human Cluster of Differentiation 73 (CD73) with high affinity, and inhibit the activity of CD73, and optionally mediate antibody dependent CD73 internalization. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting the growth of a tumor cell expressing CD73 using the antibodies of the invention, including methods for treating various cancers.
Type: Application
Filed: February 14, 2017
Publication date: September 7, 2017
Inventors: Nils LONBERG, Alan J. KORMAN, Bryan C. BARNHART, Aaron P. YAMNIUK, Mohan SRINIVASAN, Karla A. HENNING, Ming LEI, Emanuela SEGA, Angela GOODENOUGH, Maria N. JURE-KUNKEL, Guodong CHEN, John S. SACK, Richard HUANG, Martin J. CORBETT, Joseph E. MYERS, JR., Liang SCHWEIZER, Sandra V. HATCHER, Haichun HUANG, Pingping ZHANG
TREATMENT OF CANCER USING A COMBINATION OF AN ANTI-PD-1 ANTIBODY AND AN ANTI-CD137 ANTIBODY
Publication number: 20170247455
Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with a cancer, which method comprises administering to the subject therapeutically effective amounts of: (a) an antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to PD-1; and (b) an antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to CD137.
Type: Application
Filed: August 21, 2015
Publication date: August 31, 2017
Inventors: Maria JURE-KUNKEL, David M. Berman, Alan J. Korman, Mark J. Selby, Suba Krishnan
Antibodies against glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) and uses thereof
Patent number: 9745379
Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, that bind to glucocorticoid-inducible TNF receptor (GITR). Also provided are uses of these proteins in therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. Further provided are cells that produce the antibodies, polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies.
Type: Grant
Filed: November 23, 2015
Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
Assignee: BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY
Inventors: Changyu Wang, Nils Lonberg, Alan J. Korman, Mark J. Selby, Mohan Srinivasan, Karla Henning, Michelle Minhua Han, Guodong Chen, Richard Huang, Indrani Chakraborty, Haichun Huang, Susan Wong, Huiming Li
HUMAN MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO PROGRAMMED DEATH LIGAND 1 (PD-L1)
Publication number: 20170158767
Abstract: The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to PD-L1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The disclosure also provides methods for detecting PD-L1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-L1 antibodies.
Type: Application
Filed: January 23, 2017
Publication date: June 8, 2017
Applicant: E.R. Squibb & Sons, L. L. C.
Inventors: Alan J. KORMAN, Mark J. SELBY, Changyu WANG, Mohan SRINIVASAN, David B. PASSMORE, Haichun HUANG, Haibin CHEN
ANTIBODIES AGAINST GLUCOCORTICOID-INDUCED TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR RECEPTOR (GITR) AND USES THEREOF
Publication number: 20170145104
Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, that bind to glucocorticoid-inducible TNF receptor (GITR). Also provided are uses of these proteins in therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. Further provided are cells that produce antibodies, polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies.
Type: Application
Filed: December 5, 2016
Publication date: May 25, 2017
Inventors: Changyu WANG, Nils LONBERG, Alan J. KORMAN, Mark J. SELBY, Mohan SRINIVASAN, Karla A. HENNING, Michelle Minhua HAN, Guodong CHEN, Richard HUANG, Indrani CHAKRABORTY, Haichun HUANG, Susan WONG, Huiming LI
Antibodies against OX40 and uses thereof
Patent number: 9644032
Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, that bind to OX40. Also provided are uses of these proteins in therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. Further provided are cells that produce the antibodies, polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies.
Type: Grant
Filed: May 26, 2016
Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
Assignee: BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY
Inventors: Zhehong Cai, Indrani Chakraborty, Marie-Michelle Navarro Garcia, Thomas D. Kempe, Alan J. Korman, Alexander T. Kozhich, Hadia Lemar, Mark Maurer, Christina Maria Milburn, Michael Quigley, Xiang Shao, Mohan Srinivasan, Kent Thudium, Susan Chien-Szu Wong, Jochem Gokemeijer, Xi-Tao Wang, Han Chang, Patrick Guirnalda
Monoclonal Antibodies to Programmed Death 1 (PD-1)
Publication number: 20170088615
Abstract: The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind to PD-1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for detecting PD-1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-1 antibodies. The present invention further provides methods for using a combination immunotherapy, such as the combination of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, to treat hyperproliferative disease, such as cancer. The invention also provides methods for altering adverse events related to treatment with such antibodies individually.
Type: Application
Filed: October 7, 2016
Publication date: March 30, 2017
Applicants: E.R. SQUIBB & SONS, L.L.C., Ono Pharmaceutical Co., LTD.
Inventors: Alan J. KORMAN, Mohan SRINIVASAN, Changyu WANG, Mark J. SELBY, Bingliang CHEN, Josephine M. CARDARELLI, Haichun HUANG
Antibodies against CD73
Patent number: 9605080
Abstract: The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human antibodies, that bind to human Cluster of Differentiation 73 (CD73) with high affinity, and inhibit the activity of CD73, and optionally mediate antibody dependent CD73 internalization. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting the growth of a tumor cell expressing CD73 using the antibodies of the invention, including methods for treating various cancers.
Type: Grant
Filed: January 13, 2016
Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
Assignee: BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY
Inventors: Nils Lonberg, Alan J. Korman, Bryan C. Barnhart, Aaron P. Yamniuk, Mohan Srinivasan, Karla A. Henning, Ming Lei, Emanuela Sega, Angela Goodenough, Maria N. Jure-Kunkel, Guodong Chen, John S. Sack, Richard Huang, Martin J. Corbett, Joseph E. Myers, Jr., Liang Schweizer, Sandra V. Hatcher, Haichun Huang, Pingping Zhang
Human monoclonal antibodies to programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)
Patent number: 9580505
Abstract: The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to PD-L1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The disclosure also provides methods for detecting PD-L1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-L1 antibodies.
Type: Grant
Filed: July 23, 2015
Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
Assignee: E.R. Squibb & Sons, L. L. C.
Inventors: Alan J. Korman, Mark J. Selby, Changyu Wang, Mohan Srinivasan, David B. Passmore, Haichun Huang, Haibin Chen
Human monoclonal antibodies to programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)
Patent number: 9580507
Abstract: The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to PD-L1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The disclosure also provides methods for detecting PD-L1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-L1 antibodies.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 21, 2016
Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
Assignee: E.R. Squibb & Sons, L. L. C.
Inventors: Alan J. Korman, Mark J. Selby, Changyu Wang, Mohan Srinivasan, David B. Passmore, Haichun Huang, Haibin Chen
Human monoclonal antibodies to programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)
Patent number: 9546216
Abstract: The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to PD-L1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The disclosure also provides methods for detecting PD-L1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-L1 antibodies.
Type: Grant
Filed: July 23, 2015
Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
Assignee: E.R. Squibb & Sons, L. L. C.
Inventors: Alan J. Korman, Mark J. Selby, Changyu Wang, Mohan Srinivasan, David B. Passmore, Haichun Huang, Haibin Chen
Human Monoclonal Antibodies to Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1)
Publication number: 20160362495
Abstract: The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically hind to PD-L1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The disclosure also provides methods for detecting PD-L1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-L1 antibodies.
Type: Application
Filed: June 21, 2016
Publication date: December 15, 2016
Applicant: E.R. Squibb & Sons, L. L. C.
Inventors: Alan J. KORMAN, Mark J. SELBY, Changyu WANG, Mohan SRINIVASAN, David B. PASSMORE, Haichun HUANG, Haibin CHEN
ANTIBODIES AGAINST OX40 AND USES THEREOF
Publication number: 20160347849
Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, that bind to OX40. Also provided are uses of these proteins in therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer. Further provided are cells that produce the antibodies, polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the heavy and/or light chain variable region of the antibodies.
Type: Application
Filed: May 26, 2016
Publication date: December 1, 2016
Inventors: Zhehong CAI, Indrani CHAKRABORTY, Marie-Michelle Navarro GARCIA, Thomas D. KEMPE, Alan J. KORMAN, Alexander T. KOZHICH, Hadia LEMAR, Mark MAURER, Christina Maria MILBURN, Michael QUIGLEY, Maria RODRIGUEZ, Xiang SHAO, Mohan SRINIVASAN, Brenda L. STEVENS, Kent THUDIUM, Susan Chien-Szu WONG, Jochem GOKEMEIJER, Xi-Tao WANG, Han CHANG, Christine HUANG, Maria JURE-KUNKEL, Zheng YANG, Yan FENG, Patrick GUIRNALDA, Nils LONBERG, Bryan C. BARNHART, Aaron P. YAMNIUK, Karla A. HENNING, Michelle Minhua HAN, Ming LEI, Liang SCHWEIZER, Sandra V. HATCHER, Arvind RAJPAL, Praveen AANUR, Mark J. SELBY
Monoclonal antibodies to Programmed Death 1 (PD-1)
Patent number: 9492539
Abstract: The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind to PD-1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for detecting PD-1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-1 antibodies. The present invention further provides methods for using a combination immunotherapy, such as the combination of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, to treat hyperproliferative disease, such as cancer. The invention also provides methods for altering adverse events related to treatment with such antibodies individually.
Type: Grant
Filed: April 9, 2014
Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
Assignees: Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
Inventors: Alan J. Korman, Mohan Srinivasan, Changyu Wang, Mark J. Selby, Bingliang Chen, Josephine M. Cardarelli, Haichun Huang
Methods for treating cancer using anti-PD-1 antibodies
Patent number: 9492540
Abstract: The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind to PD-1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for detecting PD-1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-1 antibodies. The present invention further provides methods for using a combination immunotherapy, such as the combination of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, to treat hyperproliferative disease, such as cancer. The invention also provides methods for altering adverse events related to treatment with such antibodies individually.
Type: Grant
Filed: May 6, 2014
Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
Assignees: Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
Inventors: Alan J. Korman, Mohan Srinivasan, Changyu Wang, Mark J. Selby, Bingliang Chen, Josephine M. Cardarelli, Haichun Huang
HUMAN CTLA-4 ANTIBODIES AND THEIR USES
Publication number: 20160257753
Abstract: The presently subject matter provides novel human sequence antibodies against human CTLA-4 and methods of treating human diseases, infections and other conditions using these antibodies.
Type: Application
Filed: May 24, 2016
Publication date: September 8, 2016
Applicant: E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
Inventors: Alan J. Korman, Edward L. Halk, Nils Lonberg, Yashwant M. Deo, Tibor P. Keler
FULLY HUMAN ANTIBODIES TO BTLA
Publication number: 20160222114
Abstract: The present invention relates to binding compounds specific for BTLA and uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to fully human antibodies that recognize human BTLA and modulate its activity in cancer, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders.
Type: Application
Filed: April 14, 2016
Publication date: August 4, 2016
Inventors: Jennifer Marie MATARAZA, Andrea Van Elsas, Alan J. Korman, Edward L. Halk, Kent B. Thudium, Mark J. Selby, Timothy W. Sproul, Heidi N. Leblanc

https://patents.justia.com/inventor/alan-j-korman

[biopharm]

PS Targeting patents..... Dana Farber even on there and looks like Oncologie big money backers realized the true value to come

[biopharm]

Patents based on PS Targeting (was messaged about me forgetting Salk Institute so will include / build a list of all Biotechs that have PS Targeting interest....)

..
..

We inch further along as Ampersand wonders what is going on ...and for those that have sent in requests to make public the investigations to SEC/ FBI / DOJ / FDA etc much thanks and a little bit more work to do....but anyone looking to maximize shareholder value one must send all requests in again and update with relevant information

I am not going to puy out some template because being hit by all directions and by various letters then it will not be swept under the rug. As now, Ampersand is NOT on the side of the Avid CDMO but on their own side

All one needs to know is Merck will likely try to outpace Biogen in Alzheimer's and PS Targeting required ( those names not being published yet here but they will show up at federal agencies ) so send in again all letters ...till Ampersand proves they are not backing down and taking bribes as Teijin Pharma knows PS Targeting REQUIRED for Alzheimer's

I expect something bigger to happen here within a week

Merck $MRK struck its deal with Japan’s Teijin Pharma, including an upfront and milestones which it didn’t disclose (and rarely does). Now its neuroscience R&D group will take over development, reserving a royalty split if this one ever makes it to the market.

Merck has the most advanced BACE drug – verubecestat, which moves upstream to halt development of amyloid beta – in development. Back in February Merck shuttered its EPOCH trial for verubecestat in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s after the external data monitoring committee concluded that the drug was a bust, with “virtually” no chance of success. But the pharma giant is continuing its work on the drug with a separate Phase III in very early stage prodromal patients.

..
...
https://endpts.com/right-on-the-heels-of-a-phiii-failure-merck-neuroscience-doubles-down-with-a-new-drug-targeting-tau/

[biopharm]

2) Bayer
Inventors:
Maxine Bauzon, Terry Hermiston

filed: March 13, 2014
published online: July 4, 2017

Bayer knows well about Targeting PS

I wonder how it will all go down once the onion is peeled back a layer at a time and all realize that PS Targeting is HUGE

The IP was shifted to Oncologie so some could keep things under wrap but we know Oncologie Inc working with Ginkgo Biotech and we know PS Targeting research led to new knowledge re: oxidative stress / nitrogen fixations to enhance agriculture...

Since Eli Lilly knows ...that means ex Eli Lilly Nathan Bays knows and maybe MANY will Joyn forces trying to sandbox around PS Targeting patents

How many license agreements will Joyn Bio require?

How would John Rolf ( Amgen to Xencor ) or Greg LaBelle ( Amgen to Xencor ) explain John Springs Stafford actions leading up to the PS Targeting IP assets being shifted ...to others like Oncologie Inv?

The onion has many layers and there was a clear, concise plan

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Tuesday - March 20, 2018

Bayer and Ginkgo Bioworks unveil joint venture, Joyn Bio, and establish operations in Boston and West Sacramento
Joyn Bio’s initial efforts focus on nitrogen fixation to enhance sustainability in agriculture / Researchers will broadly explore application of beneficial microbes to plants for next generation solutions to agriculture’s biggest challenges / Dr. Mike Miille appointed as CEO
download
Joyn Bio’s focus is on nitrogen fixation to enhance sustainability in agriculture
Leverkusen / Boston, Massachussetts, March 20, 2018 – Today, Bayer and Ginkgo Bioworks announced the official name of its joint venture, Joyn Bio. Bayer and Ginkgo founded Joyn Bio in September 2017 and have since established research operations in Boston, Massachusetts and opened additional facilities in West Sacramento, California. Joyn Bio was founded with the goal of bringing advanced techniques in synthetic biology to agriculture to support the industry’s sustainability efforts, starting with reducing the environmental impact of nitrogen fertilizer.

The plant microbiome living in roots and soil is vital to global farming practices, as it provides nutrients to plants, protects them from pests, and aids them in difficult environmental conditions. Joyn Bio’s first effort in this arena is focused on improving microbes’ ability to provide cereal crops their nitrogen requirements, offering major benefits for sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for additional chemical fertilizers.

“Nitrogen fertilizer is a key component in modern agriculture, but is costly, damaging to the environment and challenging to dose precisely. We are committed to bringing innovations to the agriculture industry that give growers a smarter and more sustainable way to grow our food,” said Johan Kers, Head of Nitrogen Fixation, Joyn Bio. “I’m thrilled to be Joyn Bio’s first employee and help the team in creating a solution that benefits growers and our environment.”

While nitrogen fixation is Joyn Bio’s first focus area, the company is exploring other disruptive applications of synthetic biology in the agriculture industry.

The name Joyn Bio references the partnering of the two parent companies, as well as the natural symbiosis between plants and microbes, which is the foundation of the company’s mission. In addition to the initial USD 100 million Series A investment by Bayer, Ginkgo, and Viking Global Investors LP, Ginkgo is providing access to its organism design technology, laboratory, and office spaces, as well as outfitting a new facility specifically for Joyn Bio. Bayer is providing exclusive access to its own archive of microbial strains and the necessary development intelligence for the application of microbes onto seeds in agriculture.

“We are excited to engage the broader life science community through Joyn Bio. As we establish the company’s scientific programs, this partnership will provide us with state-of-the-art infrastructure and access to the vibrant biotech innovations of the Boston area and agriculture expertise within the Crop Science division of Bayer and their global network of ag customers,” said Dr. Mike Miille, CEO of Joyn Bio. “Advancing our mission even further, we’re looking forward to bringing together the brightest minds in synthetic biology and AgTech as we grow the company.”

The Joyn Bio team is currently characterizing Bayer’s extensive library of more than 100,000 proprietary microbial strains using the high-throughput advanced analytics of Ginkgo’s foundries. The unprecedented scale of biological data generated using the sophisticated foundry tools is enabling Joyn Bio to identify the strains and characteristics necessary to further develop nitrogen fixing bacteria for sustainable agriculture.

Joyn Bio is the 5th investment of Leaps by Bayer, a unit of Bayer investing in the solutions to some of today’s biggest problems. Previous Leaps investments include Casebia (CRISPR/Cas technology) and BlueRock (induced pluripotent stem cell technology).

Joyn Bio has recently entered into an agreement for approximately 20,000 square feet of laboratory and office space within Ginkgo’s Boston Seaport facility hosting up to 30 employees and forming the company headquarters. Additional research efforts are performed at the West Sacramento facility, a global Bayer R&D site for microbial-based solutions in agriculture with 160,000 sq ft, over 200 researchers, a state of the art pilot plant, and greenhouses. Joyn Bio’s West Sacramento presence will initially be housed in the recently opened “CoLaborator”, which is Bayer’s newest biotech startup lab space, dedicated to housing and fostering innovative ventures to transform modern agriculture.

To date, Joyn Bio has 10 employees split across the two sites and is actively recruiting for scientific positions related to synthetic biology, plant-microbe interactions, and soil ecosystems. Joyn Bio will have its own scientific leadership and management team enabling the company to run as an independent and sustainable organization. For more information, visit www.joynbio.com.

About Joyn Bio
Joyn Bio is a joint venture founded by Bayer and Ginkgo Bioworks developing probiotics for plants to provide growers with next generation solutions to their biggest challenges. Joyn Bio’s first area of focus will be on engineering microbes that provide cereal crops with their nitrogen needs to reduce agriculture’s reliance on nitrogen fertilizer and its environmental impact. Joyn Bio brings together microbiologists, synthetic biologists, plant scientists, and ecologists at its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts and its plant research facility in West Sacramento, California. For more information, visit www.joynbio.com.

About Ginkgo Bioworks
Headquartered in Boston, Ginkgo Bioworks uses the most advanced technology on the planet – biology – to grow products instead of manufacture them. The company’s technology platform is bringing biotechnology into consumer goods markets, enabling fragrance, cosmetic, nutrition, and food companies to make better products. For more information, visit www.ginkgobioworks.com.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35.0 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.