Rhone-Poulenc And Gene Logic Expand Pharmacogenomics Collaboration

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc. and Gene Logic, Inc. are expanding their collaborative efforts in the field of pharmacogenomics. Under the expanded collaboration, Gene Logic will continue to analyze genes for gene therapy clinical trials sponsored by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer's RPR Gencell division. Gene Logic is using genomics to stratify patient populations to determine which patients are most likely to benefit from a particular therapy.

In RPR/Introgen trials, Gene Logic will determine how patients' responses to RPR's cancer gene therapy correlate with various mutations, within the tumor, of the p53 gene that normally inhibits the growth of tumors. Certain mutations to this gene allow cells to divide out of control. With more than one-half of all human cancers containing a mutation to the p53 gene, it is the most common genetic defect found in human cancers.

"We expect pharmacogenomics to play an increasingly important role in drug development," said Dr. Michael J. Brennan, Gene Logic's president and chief executive officer. "RPR Gencell's decision is further confirmation that pharmaceutical companies see significant value in pharmacogenomic information. With the broad technology platform and resources that Gene Logic can now offer, we are in a position to offer collaborators a wide range of pharmacogenomics technologies, such as mutation analysis of the ras cancer gene and analysis of differential gene expression," he said.

For more information: Gene Logic Inc., 708 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA. Telephone: 301-987-1700. Fax: 301-987-1701.