Ingenium Pharmaceuticals AG and Molecular Engines Laboratories (MEL) announced an agreement under which MEL gains exclusive rights to Ingenium's INGENOtypes TSAP6 genetic mouse model. TSAP6 is a gene discovered by MEL's scientific founders to have a role in cancer tumor reversion. Ingenium discovered the TSAP6 mouse model through its Deductive Genomics approach, which screens animals with random alterations in the genome. The model was selected from the screen due to its specific phenotype. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Ingenium's expertise in rodent genetics allows us to offer completely novel disease models that are extremely valuable for functional genomics research and for target validation and compound profiling," said Michael C. Nehls, Chief Executive Officer of Ingenium. "As demonstrated for the first time with this agreement, Ingenium has the ability to provide these models on an exclusive license basis, which represents a significant advantage for companies such as Molecular Engines, who are establishing their leadership position in a particular therapeutic area."

"Molecular Engines is further validating its specific approach to cancer, namely by working on genes that play a role in the cellular reprogramming process leading to suppression of tumorigenicity," stated Pierre Attali, CEO of the company. "We believe that TSAP6 is one of these genes and therefore are very pleased to have complete access to this INGENOtypes model which we anticipate to play a crucial role in our further target validation studies," said Robert Amson and Adam Telerman, founders and CSOs of MEL.