Valentis has obtained a non-exclusive license to in vivo electroporation technology from Genetronics for use in the development of certain Genemedicine products. Financial terms for the license were not disclosed.
Electroporation enhances the ability of cells to take up large molecules such as DNA. When combined with Valentis' GeneSwitch gene regulation system, electroporation allows researchers to control the level and duration of gene expression for up to several months. Valentis is currently developing the GeneSwitch system with electroporation as a component of a regulated erythropoietin Genemedicine product for the stimulation of red blood cell production.
"Valentis has had a very productive collaboration for some time with Genetronics in the area of electroporation for DNA delivery to muscle," stated Gregory McKee, Valentis' Senior Director of Business Development. "We anticipate developing a number of commercially attractive Genemedicine products in the fields of infectious disease and oncology using the combination of Genetronics' electroporation technology and Valentis' expertise in gene therapy, gene regulation and product development."