genOway and Griffith University Sign Research Partnership and World-Wide Exclusive License for Olfactory Stem Cells Technology

genOway reports an agreement with the Griffith University (Brisbane, Australia) on a eight-months research partnership with its Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies focusing on autologous olfactory adult stem cells. This research program is coupled with a worldwide exclusive license to genOway for the rodent transgenic business.

This technology using adult stem cells of the olfactory bulb has been characterized on humans, mice and rats. Germline transmission has been demonstrated in mice, thus validating their use for the creation of animal models. The eight-month research program aims at establishing germline transmission in rats using existing rat olfactory adult stem cells. This technology would provide a unique tool for rat models and certain mice strains, which remained unreachable using embryonic stem cells.

According to the terms of the agreement, both partners will each bear the cost of their R&D efforts and genOway will have an exclusive license on the technologies for the creation and distribution of mouse and rat genetically modified models.

Mr. Nicholas Mathiou, Director of Griffith Enterprise, Griffith University’s technology commercialization office, said: “Adult stem cells will revolutionize diagnostics, drug development and therapy. This technology really constitutes a leap forward this goal. We believe that genOway through its world unique expertise and rich customers’ portfolio stands out as the best partner to develop and market this technology.”