Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc announced that its GeneTrove division has entered into a target validation agreement with GlaxoSmithKline. Through the collaboration, GlaxoSmithKline will functionalize and validate gene targets using Isis' proprietary antisense inhibitors and take a license to Isis' intellectual property for its internal antisense-based functional genomics program. Specific financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"This new partnership with GlaxoSmithKline is in alignment with our business plan for GeneTrove and recognizes Isis' leadership position in antisense intellectual property. Additionally, this partnership further promotes our goal of being the preferred provider of antisense technology and functional genomics expertise," said Richard K. Brown, Isis' Vice President and GeneTrove President. "GlaxoSmithKline already has a robust antisense program and we are pleased that GeneTrove continues to make great progress in maximizing the application of its technology and services within the pharmaceutical industry."

As a division of Isis, GeneTrove collaborates with pharmaceutical industry partners to meet critical and timely needs for target validation. In GeneTrove's Custom Target Validation collaborations, the division aids corporate partners in identifying the role of a specific gene (gene functionalization) and whether a specific gene is a good target for drug discovery (target validation). Gene Trove currently provides services to Eli Lilly and Company, Celera Genomics, Abbott Laboratories, Amgen Inc, Chiron Corporation, Merck & Co. Inc, Pharmacia Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, and Aventis.

Isis' functional genomics patent suite is comprised of approximately 50 patents and applications. Central components of the patent suite are intellectual property surrounding RNase H and second generation antisense inhibitors designed to work through the RNase H mechanism of action. RNase H is the most common and potent mechanism of action employed by antisense when used as a functional genomics tool. The company's functional genomics suite of patents represents a subset of Isis' overall intellectual property estate of more than 1000 issued patents that Isis owns or exclusively licenses, covering RNA-based drug discovery and development.