CytoGenix Inc. announced the filing of a US Patent application entitled, "Oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) library, their use in screening for antibacterial agents, and catalytic ODN sequence for use as an antibacterial agent."

This gene silencing technology is very different from presently used antibiotic agents. Now, scientists can identify and target genes that can kill pathogenic bacteria, stop their reproduction or prevent expression of their toxins.

"The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens has created an urgent demand for the discovery and development of antibacterial agents directed toward new targets. We have developed a novel method of identifying and blocking the expression of essential genes in bacterial cells, showing potential for developing highly specific and efficacious antibacterial agents. We believe that antibacterial agents developed with this new technology will be very safe and effective especially in hard to treat conditions such as sepsis, staph and strep infections," states Dr Yin Chen, CytoGenix' vice president of Research and Development.

Dr Malcolm Skolnick, CytoGenix president and CEO, adds, "This new technology can be used against many dangerous bacteria including potential bioterror pathogens. We are making this technology readily available for this purpose and we will share it with others and encourage anti-bioterror researchers to contact us about using this invention."

CytoGenix Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and markets innovative products and services based on its proprietary DNA expression technology.