Expression Augmenting Sequence Element (EASE) Technology Provides High Level
Expression of Recombinant Proteins
SEATTLE, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunex Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX)
announced today that the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has issued the company
three patents, Nos. 6,027,915, 6,309,841, and 6,312,951, on a gene expression
technology that enhances expression, or production, of recombinant proteins.
This technology, as well as other aspects of Immunex's expression technology
platform, is part of an effort to significantly increase commercial
manufacturing yields of ENBREL(R) (etanercept), and other therapeutics in
development.
"Our new discovery improves results by reducing time and resources
necessary to produce a high expression cell line required for the development
and manufacture of commercial biologics," said James Thomas, Ph.D., Immunex
vice president of process sciences. "The identification and application of
the expression augmenting sequence element (EASE) is an example of a new
technology our scientists in process science are using to significantly
improve our manufacturing processes. Immunex continues to invest in
developing robust and commercially viable manufacturing processes that deliver
high-quality and consistent protein-based products such as ENBREL."
The inventors of this technology, Arvia Morris, Ph.D., Immunex senior
staff scientist, and Dr. Thomas, identified and cloned a genomic DNA fragment
from a mammalian cell line. This novel regulatory sequence, called
"expression augmenting sequence element," or EASE, facilitates high expression
of proteins in mammalian cells in a shorter period of time, and is available
for licensing.
Immunex Corporation is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
improving lives through immune system science innovations.
NOTE: Except for the historical information contained herein, this news
release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and
uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results or timelines
to differ materially are risks associated with research and clinical
development, regulatory approvals, our supply capabilities and reliance on
third-party manufacturers, product commercialization, competition, litigation
and other risk factors listed from time to time in reports filed by Immunex
with the SEC, including but not limited to risks described under the caption
"Important Factors That May Affect Our Business, Our Results of Operations and
Our Stock Price" within our most recently filed Form 10-Q. The forward-
looking statements contained in this news release represent our judgment as of
the date of this release. Immunex undertakes no obligation to publicly update
any forward-looking statements. An electronic version of this news release --
as well as additional information about Immunex of interest to investors,
customers, future employees and patients -- is available on the Immunex home
page at http://www.immunex.com.
SOURCE Immunex Corporation
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CONTACT:
media, Kris Greco, +1-206-470-4871, or
investors, Mark Leahy, +1-206-389-4363, both of Immunex
Corporation
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