Chemicon International, Inc. Expands Its Exclusive Agreement For Patented Compounds And Methods For Embryonic Stem (ES) Cell Research
The new license affirms Chemicon's exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, sublicense and distribute LIF and LIF based products in the research market worldwide and expands the company's ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize diagnostic products. The new exclusive license also gives Chemicon access to patents and applications that cover LIF production and uses in various biotechnology applications. Through this agreement, Chemicon expands its rights to access Amrad's LIF and embryonic stem cell intellectual property portfolio, which now totals 45 granted and 7 pending patents for both LIF and ESGRO® applications. Amrad has retained all other rights under the LIF patents and patent applications for therapeutic applications and associated research activities.
Chemicon is the exclusive manufacturer of recombinant murine and human LIF and LIF based stem cell culture supplements, such as ESGRO® for diagnostic and research applications. LIF products are widely used as tools for the in vitro development, maintenance, and expansion of different stem cell types, including embryonic, neural, and hematopoietic stem cells. Long-term maintenance of mouse and, in many cases, human embryonic stem cells requires specialized media containing recombinant LIF or ESGRO®.
"We are pleased to have entered into this new agreement, which will allow us to introduce new, high-profile LIF based products for the stem cell research community," said Jeffrey D. Linton, President of Chemicon International. "The new license is an extension of our strong and successful long-term collaboration with Amrad and WEHI in the development, manufacture and commercialization of recombinant LIF and its improved formulations in non-therapeutic fields."
"This agreement is further testament to Amrad's continued strategy of focusing on its core capabilities associated with developing therapeutic products that modulate cytokine activity, and out-licensing non-core technologies to partners with the greatest ability to realize their maximum potential. Along with our academic colleagues at the WEHI, where LIF was first discovered, we are delighted to have expanded our agreement with Chemicon on LIF," said Dr. Pete Smith, CEO of Amrad Corporation.
Chemicon International, Inc. offers a broad range of research products, including specialty reagents, kits, antibodies, and custom products and services, to customers working in the areas of neuroscience, stem cell biology, cancer, and infectious disease research. It is also a leading supplier of monoclonal antibodies, conjugates, antibody blends and molecular-based detection kits for use in diagnostic laboratories. Chemicon focuses on basic and biomedical research, drug discovery, and diagnostics, allowing it to serve thousands of customers worldwide in the academic, clinical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors. Acquired in 2003, Chemicon is a Serologicals company, based in Temecula, CA.