Sequitur Inc announced its agreement to provide Rigel Pharmaceutical Inc with access to its antisense functional genomics technology. The multi-year agreement provides for the supply of Sequitur's antisense compounds, sequence selection and transfection methods to Rigel as well as collaborative research to be performed at Sequitur Inc. Rigel will pay research support, antisense material charges and licensing fees.

Sequitur's antisense functional genomics technology accelerates drug discovery by helping to identify the triggers of disease. Sequitur's technology is a tool for determining the function of the human genetic code, which is being decoded as part of the international human genome project. Antisense determines gene function and validates small molecule drug targets by specifically inhibiting gene expression. Sequitur's Antisense Functional Genomics Program offers highly potent and specific second-generation antisense compounds, target site selection, collaborative research and cell transfection optimization.

Tod Woolf, Sequitur's President, noted, "We are pleased that Rigel has joined our program. We believe that Sequitur's target validation technology in combination with Rigel's technology integrates into a powerful tool for rapidly identifying novel drug targets."

Sequitur's client base funds continued development of its technology platform. Subscribers to Sequitur's program obtain non-exclusive research rights to Sequitur's current and evolving Antisense Functional Genomics Technology. Sequitur's clients include Incyte, Amgen, Pharmacia, GlaxoSmithkline, Genome Therapeutics, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Wyeth Ayerst, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Procter & Gamble and others.