Cancer Research Technology Grants Geneservice Ltd. Distribution Rights of RNA Interference Library Generated at the Netherlands Cancer Institute
London, UK; Cambridge, UK; Amsterdam, Netherlands 27 September 2006 – Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT), the oncology-focused development and commercialisation company, today announce that they have granted Geneservice Limited (Geneservice) a worldwide exclusive licence to distribute the pSUPER RNA interference (RNAi) vector system and pRETROSUPER vector-based short hairpin RNA (shRNA) library generated by researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI).
The pSUPER RNAi vector system, developed by Dr Reuven Agami at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), enables stable and prolonged inhibition of target gene expression in mammalian cells. The pRETROSUPER vector-based library, consisting of almost 24,000 shRNAs complementary to approximately 8000 genes, was developed by Drs Rene Bernards and Roderick Beijersbergen and their team, also based at the NKI. With an emphasis on oncology-related genes, the library includes a high proportion of candidate drug targets. The library, contains three target sequences per gene, is sequence validated and is available in single well format, thereby facilitating high-throughput target validation in mammalian cells. The pRETROSUPER platform allows introduction of shRNA expression vectors by transfection and retroviral infection.
Geneservice will be supplying vector, library and individual clones to both academic and commercial parties. Initially, a kinase-focused subset will be available, which will be followed by distribution of the full-sized library. Revenues will be shared by Geneservice, the NKI and CRT.
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For further information:
Cancer Research Technology Limited
Dr Roisin NicAmhlaoibh, Business Manager +44 207 269 3640
rnicamhlaoibh@CancerTechnology.com
About Geneservice Ltd
Geneservice Ltd was launched in August 2005 following a successful management buyout of the UK Medical Research Council Biological Resource Centre (MRC Geneservice). Geneservice offers access to high quality genomic products and leading contract research for applications in the life sciences, clinical research and development. Visit the Geneservice website at www.geneservice.co.uk for more information.
About The Netherlands Cancer Institute
The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AVL) combines a scientific research laboratory with a specialised clinic. It is the only dedicated cancer center in the Netherlands. The primary objective of the NKI-AVL is to make a substantial contribution to combating cancer through a unique interaction of scientific research and clinical application. For more information, please visit www.nki.nl.
About Cancer Research Technology
Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) is an oncology-focused development and commercialisation company that realises cancer patient benefit from publicly-funded research worldwide. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists, their institutes and funding bodies to protect, develop and commercialise oncology-related discoveries. CRT is wholly owned by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world. Further information about CRT can be found at www.CancerTechnology.com.
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