genOway and bluebird bio report genOway acquisition of an exclusive worldwide license for the RMCE technology (developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the field of genetically modified rodents.

RMCE technology, combining a recombinase system with genetic modification, enable the reliable and quick introduction of a DNA sequence (gene, mutated sequence, etc) at a specific locus. This
technology involves combining a recombinase system with genetic modification enabling the reliable and quick introduction of a DNA sequence (gene, mutated sequence, etc) at a specific locus.

This technology was developed and patented by Prof Leboulch at MIT. Targeted insertion has now substituted most classical transgenic models (random insertion) and RMCE has become an essential tool in the making of knock in rodents such as humanized models, disease models, etc.

Nick Leschly, CEO of bluebird bio, said: “We are very happy to provide genOway with this exclusive license with the right to grant sub-licenses. Through its expertise and well-recognized international reputation, we expect that they will make the RMCE technology one of the reference technologies for Knock in models. Consequently we are providing genOway with a world wide exclusive license in the genetically modified rodent business.”

Alexandre Fraichard, CEO of genOway, indicated: “We are proud to be the only company or institution in the world able to sell RMCE models. This technology is very important for the reliable and quick development of more predictive animal models. The technology is already frequently used by transgenic facilities and companies but we believe that genOway stands out as the best partner to market this unique technology rapidly and globally. As the leader in the development of sophisticated and highly predictable genetically modified rodents, we will market this unique technology and enable any scientist worldwide, in both academia and biopharmaceutical companies, to have access to this technology. We have already noticed a great deal of interest from the pharmaceutical industry, in particular since we will guarantee our licensees with a total freedom to operate for their R&D activities. This technology represents a clear competitive advantage by strengthening our proprietary technology portfolio and increasing the uniqueness of our commercial offering.”

bluebird bio is developing innovative gene therapies for severe genetic disorders. At the heart of bluebird bio’s product creation efforts is its broadly applicable gene therapy platform for the development of novel treatments for diseases with few or no clinical options.

RMCE technology, is a patented technology Europe: EP0914457, USA: US 5,928,914 & US 6,534,314, Japan: JP2009-0262993 & JP 1998-0501738, Hongkong: HK1020752 and Australia: AU733016.

genOway is a biotechnology company developing genetically modified and high value-added research models for the bio-pharmaceutical, chemical, agrochemical and food industry as well as for academic research.