About Polyplus-transfection
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| Profile |  |
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Polyplus-transfection is a research-focused biotechnology company developing and marketing innovative solutions for transfection and therapies based on nucleic acid delivery.
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| Technology | |
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Transfection allows the introduction of nucleic acids, such as a gene or small interfering RNA (siRNA), into cells using chemical compounds. The technique is widely used in experimental research and in protein production.
Introducing a gene into a cell nucleus triggers the expression of the corresponding protein. Conversely, transferring siRNA will block the production of a protein.
Inappropriate gene expression is the root cause of numerous diseases. As a result, the ability to control those genes through gene therapy or RNA interference opens up new therapeutic approaches where efficient intra-cellular drug transfer is key to success.
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| Research & Development | |
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Using its know-how in nucleic acid delivery, the R&D department at Polyplus-transfection is focused on the development of innovative synthetic compounds designed to take account of the latest advances in the transfer of biomolecules, especially the in vivo delivery of small interfering RNA. Polyplus-transfection is one of the technology leaders in the transfection market.
Polyplus-transfection has established a number of R&D partnerships with biotechnology companies involved in therapeutics. It also plays an active role in European research networks such as GIANT (Gene therapy, and Integrated Approach to Neoplastic Treatment) and RIGHT (RNA Interference Technology as Human Therapeutic Tool).
Polyplus-transfection has recently moved into the development of new oligonucleotide-based diagnostic tools. It is driving OligoPlus, a program approved for French government aid as part of the Therapeutic Innovations “Competitiveness Cluster”.
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| Product Portfolio | |
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Polyplus-transfection has been selling its products and services through an international distribution network since 2001. Its customers include biotechnology companies, big pharma and research laboratories. The company established a sales subsidiary in the USA in 2006. The company also offers high quality consultancy and personalized scientific assistance. Polyplus-transfection has given a high priority to quality management since 2002 when it acquired the ISO 9001:2000 certification. Polyplus-transfection markets transfection agents for research: o jetPEI™: in vitro gene transfection o in vivo-jetPEI™: in vivo nucleic acid transfection o Fecturin™ : protein and virus production in synthetic media o INTERFERin™: in vitro siRNA transfection o FectoFly™: in vitro transfection in insect cells o PULSin™: in vitro delivery of proteins, antibodies and peptides Polyplus-transfection also offers GMP-compliant reagents. The company has acquired a widely-acknowledged expertise in the regulatory and technical issues regarding clinical trials using its products. Such trials are currently being carried out in Israel and the USA (cancer therapeutics) and in Hungary (AIDS vaccine).
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| Current developments | |
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o Implementation of GMP-compliant production for in vivo-jetPEI™ in May 2007 followed by first clinical trials o Setting up of the Polyplus in vivo Consortium, an international network, run by Polyplus-transfection, for scientists and clinicians using Polyplus-transfection compounds in gene therapy. The network aims to encourage and accelerate the development of new clinical projects. o Development of new diagnostic tools using real time PCR or molecular hybridization, made possible by the new class of modified oligonucleotides resulting from the OligoPlus program.
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| Main objectives for 2008 | |
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o Consolidate the leadership of the company in the field of in vivo transfection through the development of innovative solutions and through its Polyplus in vivo Consortiumo Increase market share, particularly in Asia and the USA and through commercial partnerships o Establish partnerships to develop new diagnostic applications as part of the OligoPlus program
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| Intellectual Property | |
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3 exclusive licenses from CNRS, 8 patents granted and several applied for.
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| Other key facts | |
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o Founded in 2001
o Staff: 22
o Funding raised; EUR 2.6 million between 2001 and 2004
o Investors: Vizille Capital Innovation, FCPI Avenir Finances, Finances & Stratégie
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| Partnership | |
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Polyplus-transfection and TRANSAT combine their expertises in RNA interference research
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Polyplus-transfection and Transat have decided to combine their expertises in RNA interference and nucleic acid delivery technologies in order to provide state-of-the-art quality products and services. Transat, based in Lyon, France, is a biotechnology company specializing in functional genomics, which develops customized innovative cellular models. Transat is able to validate siRNA molecules and to create and produce specific cellular models or customized interfering molecules libraries (shRNA).
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Profile
