Molecular Engines Laboratories Gains Exclusive Access to Ingenium's INGENOtypes(R) Mouse Model for Cancer Gene -- Model Represents Novel Opportunity to Understand Function of TSAP6 Gene -- PARIS, and MUNICH, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Ingenium Pharmaceuticals AG and Molecular Engines Laboratories (MEL) announced today an agreement under which MEL gains exclusive rights to Ingenium's INGENOtypes(R) TSAP6 genetic mouse model. TSAP6 is a gene discovered by MEL's scientific founders to have a role in cancer tumor reversion. Ingenium discovered the TSAP6 mouse model through its Deductive Genomics(R) approach, which screens animals with random alterations in the genome. The model was selected from the screen due to its specific phenotype. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. "Ingenium's expertise in rodent genetics allows us to offer completely novel disease models that are extremely valuable for functional genomics research and for target validation and compound profiling," said Michael C. Nehls, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Ingenium. "As demonstrated for the first time with this agreement, Ingenium has the ability to provide these models on an exclusive license basis, which represents a significant advantage for companies such as Molecular Engines, who are establishing their leadership position in a particular therapeutic area." "Molecular Engines is further validating its specific approach to cancer, namely by working on genes that play a role in the cellular reprogramming process leading to suppression of tumorigenicity," stated Pierre Attali, CEO of the company. "We believe that TSAP6 is one of these genes and therefore are very pleased to have complete access to this INGENOtypes(R) model which we anticipate to play a crucial role in our further target validation studies," said Robert Amson and Adam Telerman, founders and CSOs of MEL. About the INGENOtypes(R) platform Ingenium has developed and biologically characterized multiple proprietary mouse models of human disease called INGENOtypes(R). These models represent an important tool in biomedical research for drug target validation and for testing therapeutic hypotheses and drug compounds. Ingenium derives its unique models from its proprietary Deductive Genomics(R) and INGENOtyping(TM) platforms. INGENOtypes(R) are either completely novel models of human disease or display modifications of known genes where models have previously not been broadly available. The basis of Ingenium's business is its knowledge and expertise in generating the biological information critical to the discovery, validation and development of therapeutics. Ingenium's Deductive Genomics(R) technology combines genome-covering mutagenesis in the murine model system with a proprietary, therapeutic goal-oriented biological screen. From the breadth of knowledge generated by Deductive Genomics(R), Ingenium is currently advancing a pipeline of novel models and biologically validated drug targets in the areas of inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes/obesity, and neurological disorders. The company's INGENOtyping(TM) platform offers an alternative to producing genetically-altered murine models. Ingenium has research partnership agreements with Elan Corporation, Bayer AG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Sequenom Inc., Oxagen Limited and Lynkeus BioTech GmbH, in addition to numerous international academic collaborations. Molecular Engines Laboratories (MEL) is a private biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop novel therapeutics for cancer. MEL's strategy, as conceived by Drs. Adam Telerman and Robert Amson, is to characterize most of the genes associated with tumor reversion and to understand their mechanism of action in order to induce the reversion of malignant cells to suppressed- phenotype cells. MEL is currently completing a drug discovery program on its first target, based on tumour reversion process. Ingenium, INGENOtypes and Deductive Genomics are registered U.S. trademarks. DATASOURCE: Ingenium Pharmaceuticals AG CONTACT: Gretchen L.P. Schweitzer, Vice President, Ingenium Pharmaceuticals AG, 49 89 8565 2398, ; or Pierre Attali, Chief Executive Officer of Molecular Engines Laboratories, 33 1 44 64 04 64, Web site: http://www.ingenium-pharmaceuticals.com/

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