Gene Switching Technology Meets Immunotherapy—Argonex, Rohm And Haas Embark On Joint Venture

Argonex Inc. (Charlottesville, VA) and Rohm and Haas Co. (Philadephia) have formed RHeoGene, a joint venture to develop tools for human gene therapy applications. The joint venture brings together the proprietary gene-switching technology of Rohm and Haas with Argonex's immunotherapeutic product discovery technology, business expertise, and experience in the human health field.

RHeoGene's gene-switching technology, also known as ligand-induced gene expression, regulates the expression of therapeutic genes in target cells, a critical step in the development of effective gene therapies. The gene-switching technology uses ecdysone-based receptor switches to turn on genes of interest, in conjunction with proprietary ligands developed with safety in mammals in mind. Rohm and Haas' fifteen-year study of ligand chemistry and receptor biology has reaped a number of exclusive licenses on key receptor technologies and patents on ligand chemistry.

RHeoGene represents the first venture to which Rohm and Haas is making its gene-switching platform technology available. The venture will focus on developing mammalian applications of the ecdysone gene-switching technology and coupling it with gene delivery and targeting technologies. RHeoGene will develop these products in collaboration with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

"RHeoGene was formed to capitalize on the extensive scientific base of Rohm and Haas and the entrepreneurial experience and bioscience capability of Argonex to create a world class provider of gene therapy delivery and control tools," said Charles Tatum, chief technology officer for Rohm and Haas. "Partnering with Argonex to form RHeoGene is an example of how we are increasing the impact of our broad-based chemical expertise while enhancing the growth and productivity within Rohm and Haas," he added.

"Argonex's immunotherapeutic antigen discovery program complements the powerful gene-switching technology of Rohm and Haas and enables the development of innovative gene therapy products," stated Argonex founder, first CEO, and now chairman, Sheridan Snyder. "This represents a unique opportunity to apply promising new technologies to address the critical need for human gene therapy products."

For more information: Shari Samuels, Rohm and Haas Co., 100 Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2399. Tel: 215-592-3560. Fax: 215-592-3377. Email: Shari_M_Samuels@rohmhaas.com.