CombiMatrix and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Collaborate on Influenza A ``Bird Flu'' Screening.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers BIOWIRE2K NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 2004 Acacia Research Corporation (Nasdaq:CBMX) (Nasdaq:ACTG ACTG Acting ACTG AIDS Clinical Trial Group ACTG Actuating/Actuator ) announced today that its CombiMatrix Group and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, founded in 1962, is a leading pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children's catastrophic diseases. It is located in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1996, Peter Doherty, Ph.D., of St. have entered into a collaborative research agreement to study the genetic variation in the H9 variant of Influenza A influenza A n. Influenza caused by infection with a strain of influenza virus type A. influenza A Infectious disease An avian virus, especially of ducks–which in China live near the pig reservoir and 'vector'; ("Bird Flu bird flu: see influenza. bird flu or avian influenza viral respiratory disease, mainly of birds including poultry and waterbirds but also transmissible to humans. "). There is a concern that H9, wide spread among poultry populations, has the potential to become the next influenza pandemic in humans, representing a threat in addition to H5N1, which has already been seen in humans. The collaboration will investigate the use of chip-based, whole-genome screening of virus strains as a tool to monitor the emergence of new strains. Such screening is a quick way to discover, investigate, and track mutations. At St. Jude, the collaboration is headed by virologist virologist microbiologist specializing in virology. Richard J. Webby, Ph.D. Dr. Webby is a leading researcher into emerging infectious diseases such as influenza A. According to Dr. Webby, "The influenza A virus continually evolves through mutation and genetic re-assortment. Any technologies that allow us to quickly screen viruses for such changes will be invaluable in surveillance and identification of novel, potentially dangerous strains." "Dealing with rapidly mutating emerging viruses is a major public health concern. Since we design and build custom DNA microarrays, we are eager to apply our technology to this field," said Dr. Amit Kumar, President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of CombiMatrix. "This project enables us to get ahead of the disease. If the H9 virus spreads into humans, we hope to have it characterized as much and as early as possible." ABOUT ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION Acacia Research Corporation comprises two operating groups: Acacia Technologies Group and CombiMatrix Group. The CombiMatrix group is developing a platform technology to rapidly produce customizable active biochips, which are semiconductor-based tools for use in identifying and determining the roles of genes, gene mutations and proteins. CombiMatrix's technology has a wide range of applications including DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. synthesis/diagnostics, siRNA synthesis, drug discovery, and immunochemical im·mu·no·chem·is·try n. The chemistry of immunologic phenomena, as of antigen-antibody reactions. im detection. CombiMatrix provides DNA arrays to researchers under the CustomArray(TM) brand. CombiMatrix's Express Track(sm) drug discovery program is a systems biology approach, using its technology, to target common viral diseases with siRNA compounds. The Acacia Technologies Group develops, acquires, and licenses patented technologies. Acacia's DMT See DSL. technology, which is supported by 5 U.S. and 31 foreign patents, relates to audio and audio/video transmission and receiving systems commonly known as audio-on-demand, video-on-demand, and audio/video streaming, and is used for distributing digital content via several means including Internet, cable, satellite and wireless systems. Acacia Research-Acacia Technologies (Nasdaq:ACTG) and Acacia Research-CombiMatrix (Nasdaq:CBMX) are both classes of common stock issued by Acacia Research Corporation and are intended to reflect the performance of the respective operating groups and are not issued by the operating groups. Information about the Acacia Technologies Group and the CombiMatrix Group is available at www.acaciaresearch.com. Safe Harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the economic slowdown affecting technology companies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. , recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. |
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