StemCells Inc. and genOway, a biotechnology company have entered into a license agreement under which StemCells has granted genOway a worldwide, exclusive license to StemCells' Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES) technology for use in the development and commercialization of genetically engineered mice. Financial conditions were not disclosed.

The IRES technology enables the dual expression of a protein of interest and a selectable marker, thereby enabling researchers to genetically modify any mammalian cell and monitor the activity of a particular gene of interest in living cells or tissues without blocking the normal function of the gene. The IRES technology is particularly important for evaluating the success of gene knock-outs or knock-ins in stem cells and for the successful creation of transgenic rodent disease models. The IRES technology has been used to develop hundreds of genetically modified models in the past decade, and the technology is now considered to be the reference technology for transgene expression in some key rodent animal models, such as humanized models, reporter models, and cell trafficking models.

“We are very happy to have entered this license agreement with genOway, who are well-recognized for their experience and expertise in the field of genetically engineered mouse models,” said Martin McGlynn, president and CEO of StemCells, Inc. “This exclusive license gives genOway a very powerful and unique tool to expand their product offerings to the research market.”

“We are proud to be the only company or institution in the world able to sell IRES mouse models,” said Alexandre Fraichard, CEO of genOway. “This technology is already frequently used for transgenic research, and this license represents a clear competitive advantage as it strengthens our proprietary technology portfolio and increases the uniqueness of our commercial offerings. As the leader in the development of sophisticated and highly predictable genetically modified rodents, genOway is well positioned to bring this unique technology to any scientist worldwide, in academia or industry, and we will guarantee our customers the freedom to operate for their R&D activities.”

StemCells, Inc. is engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of cell-based therapeutics and tools for use in stem cell-based research and drug discovery.

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