Kosan Announces Issuance of U.S. Patents for ChemoBiosynthesis Technology.Business Editors/Biotechnology Writers HAYWARD, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 2, 2001 Kosan Biosciences announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued U.S. Patent Nos. 6,066,721 and 6,080,555, which are exclusively licensed to Kosan by The Leland Stanford Jr. University. These patents claim methods, recombinant cells and 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. vectors for producing novel polyketides by "ChemoBiosynthesis." Kosan's ChemoBiosynthesis technology involves providing chemically synthesized building blocks to genetically engineered genetically engineered adjective Recombinant, see there polyketide-producing cells to form novel, hybrid polyketides that have not been made by man or nature. The technology permits Kosan to significantly modify the bio-activities of polyketides, or to make proprietary versions of known high value polyketide pharmaceuticals. Using this technology, Kosan scientists have produced macrolides that have been selected as lead compounds in its anti-infective program. "ChemoBiosynthesis allows us to make polyketides that can be made no other way," said Daniel V. Santi, M.D., Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Kosan. "This technology also allows us to marry the best of combinatorial chemistry Combinatorial chemistry involves the rapid synthesis or the computer simulation of a large number of different but structurally related molecules. Introduction Synthesis of molecules in a combinatorial fashion can quickly lead to large numbers of molecules. with the vast reservoir of polyketide natural products," added Brian Metcalf, Ph. D., chief scientific officer of Kosan. Kosan Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company that has proprietary gene-engineering technologies for the manipulation and production of polyketides, a rich source of pharmaceutical products. Kosan uses its platform technologies to develop product candidates that target large pharmaceutical markets. Therapeutic targets for the Company's compounds include infectious disease Infectious disease A pathological condition spread among biological species. Infectious diseases, although varied in their effects, are always associated with viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, multicellular parasites and aberrant proteins known as prions. , gastrointestinal motility motility /mo·til·i·ty/ (mo-til´ite) the ability to move spontaneously.mo´tile Motility Motility is spontaneous movement. disorders, mucus hypersecretion, cancer, nerve regeneration nerve regeneration Physiology The regrowth and reconnection of viable and functional neural connections damaged by transection or other trauma and immunosuppression immunosuppression Suppression of immunity with drugs, usually to prevent rejection of an organ transplant. Its aim is to allow the recipient to accept the organ permanently with no unpleasant side effects. . This news release contains forward-looking statements, including those regarding Kosan's technologies, clinical plans, product opportunities and target markets. Actual results could differ materially. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the results of Kosan's research and pre-clinical and clinical testing, its ability to maintain or establish collaborations and proprietary rights and avoid claims of infringement of third party proprietary rights and the risk factors included in Kosan's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
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