Discovery May Lead to Development of Less Toxic Fungicides
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Paradigm
Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PDGM), a biotechnology company, today announced that
the company has been issued U.S. Patent No. 6,632,631, titled "Methods for the
Identification of Inhibitors of Homocitrate Synthase as Antibiotics." The
patent covers a gene target (homocitrate synthase) in the biosynthetic pathway
by which fungi produce lysine, a nutrient necessary for fungi to thrive, as
well as methods enabling the discovery of chemicals that inhibit enzymatic
steps within the lysine pathway. Chemical compounds discovered by Paradigm's
patented method may lead to the development of novel, less toxic fungicides or
antifungals, which are highly sought after in the agricultural industry.
"The pathway used by fungi to make lysine is not present in humans and
animals, and is very different from the lysine production pathway in plants,"
said Keith Davis, Ph.D., Vice President of Agricultural Research. "By
focusing on fungal-specific pathways, such as lysine production, scientists
can identify more selective and safer antifungal compounds. Our patented gene
target is a critical first step in this powerful approach, and we expect that
large agrochemical companies may be interested in licensing rights related to
this patent for the development of effective, less toxic fungicidal products."
Paradigm used its patented TAG-KO(R) technology (U.S. Patent No.
6,562,624) to identify the target in the lysine pathway. Davis continued,
"This discovery validates our TAG-KO(R) technology as a very compelling tool
for the discovery and development of new antibiotic compounds such as new
fungicides and human antifungals."
About Paradigm Genetics
Paradigm is a biotechnology company that increases R&D productivity by
focusing its integrated suite of technologies on the product development
cycle, from target discovery to subsequent enhancement of the safety and
efficacy profiles of development candidates in agriculture and human health.
Paradigm uses a systems biology approach to understand gene function in the
context of biological pathways, to develop assays and biomarkers for molecular
diagnostic solutions tailored to the needs of our partners. Paradigm's
proprietary Gene to Cell to System(TM) approach has four major components:
gene expression profiling, biochemical profiling (also known as metabolomics),
phenotypic profiling and data integration and coherence. For more
information, visit http://www.paradigmgenetics.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including
statements regarding the Company's ability to increase R&D productivity by
focusing its integrated suite of technologies on the product development
cycle; and to use a systems biology approach to understand gene function in
the context of biological pathways, to develop assays and biomarkers for
molecular diagnostic solutions tailored to the needs of its partners. Such
forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and
are subject to a number of risks, factors and uncertainties that may cause
actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those
referred to in the forward-looking statements. These risks, factors and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Paradigm's early stage of
development, history of net losses, technological and product development
uncertainties, reliance on research collaborations, uncertainty of additional
funding and ability to protect its patents and proprietary rights. Certain of
these and other risks are identified in Paradigm's quarterly report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Company does not intend to update any of the forward-
looking statements after the date of this release to conform these statements
to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as may be required
by law.
SOURCE Paradigm Genetics, Inc.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.paradigmgenetics.com
CONTACT:
Melissa Matson, Director, Corporate
Communications of Paradigm Genetics, Inc., +1-919-425-3000, or
Mark Vincent or Brian Ritchie, +1-212-845-4200, both of Noonan
Russo Presence Euro RSCG
|
