Replies to post #1411 on Biotech Values

[swampboots]

DEW- RE:"...... announced a two-year extension of a collaborative agreement on the joint discovery and development of novel genes and proteins as pharmaceutical targets and therapeutics, including further research related to interleukin-9 (IL-9)."
Is it the "........including research related to interleukin-9 (IL-9)". that may be a stealth substitute for uh a former, but is worded as a beeezy business as usual extention, that sets off those alarms?

[winchem21]

Today's news seems to be a positive long-term development. I am glad to see GENR's continued partnership with Ludwig, since they have so much technical expertise in this area.

Ludwig also recently (Nov 11, 2003) was awarded a patent for IL-9 conjugates (6,645,486).

"The methods of this invention relate to immunizing animals with conjugates of cytokines and a carrier to induce a prolonged high titre antibody response specific for the cytokine."

It seems that GENR has been trying to obtain/license IP outside of the MEDI agreement for some time; my guess because of the greater long-term profit potential and interest.

There are also questions in the literature--that have not been answered in subsequent articles--on the effectiveness of treating asthma by targeting only IL-9. Success will likely require going after multiple targets simultaneously. It seems that Ludwig may be well suited for this.

wc21