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 recombinant 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 at the root of numerous diseases. As a result, the ability to control gene expression through gene therapy or RNA interference opens up new therapeutic approaches where efficient intracellular drug transfer is key to success.

Using its know-how in nucleic acid delivery, the R&D department at Polyplus-transfection is focused on the development of innovative 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 of the transfection market.

Polyplus-transfection 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).

The company is also involved in the SHIP-In project, dedicated to the technology of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) for industrial applications.

The company has extended its field of expertise to the development of new cationic oligonucleotides, ZNA™, for molecular biology and diagnostics.

Polyplus-transfection is also conducting the RNAPlus project, whose aim is to develop oligonucleotides capable of silencing a targeted gene by RNA interference without a delivery reagent.

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  ISO 9001 certification.

Polyplus-transfection is marketing the following transfection agents for research:

• jetPRIME™: in vitro gene and siRNA transfection
• jetPEI™: in vitro gene transfection for bioproduction
• in vivo-jetPEI™: in vivo nucleic acid transfection
• Fecturin™ : protein and virus production in synthetic media
• INTERFERin™: in vitro siRNA transfection
• FectoFly™: in vitro transfection in insect cells
• 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, Sweden and Germany (HIV immunogenetherapy).

• Development of a novel design of siRNA in order to improve siRNA delivery in vivo, the “STICKY SIRNA™”. By including longer overhangs, the STICKY SIRNA™ (ssiRNA™) are able to form concatemers in the presence of in vivo-jetPEI™, thereby mimicking the structure of DNA and thus enhancing siRNA delivery (Bolcato-Bellemin (2007) PNAS 104:16050).

• Development of a new class of modified oligonucleotides, ZNA™, which show a greater affinity for nucleic acids than standard oligonucleotides. By enhancing the sensitivity and the efficiency of hybridization, these versatile ZNA™ are new promising tools for nucleic acid detection methods and for molecular diagnostic applications.

• Development of synthetic oligonucleotides capable of silencing a targeted gene by ARN interference without a delivery reagent  (RNAplus project).

• Consolidate the leadership of the company in the field of in vitro and in vivo transfection through the development of innovative solutions
• Establish partnerships to develop ZNA™ and other modified oligonucleotides as new tools for molecular hybridization and diagnostics
• Development of the RNAplus project
• Increase licensing in the field of Bioproduction

• Numerous patents granted in the fields of gene and siRNA delivery, as well as modified oligonucleotides
• 4 exclusive licenses from CNRS, among which the license for the use of polyethylenimine (PEI) for transfection

The use of  polyethylenimine (PEI) or polypropylenimine (PPI) or cationic polymers similar in structure thereto for transfecting cells, as well as compositions comprising these cationic polymers and at least one nucleic acid, are the subject matter of U.S. Patent No. 6,013,240, EP Patent No. 0770140 and foreign equivalents, for which Polyplus-transfection™ is the worldwide exclusive licensee.

• Founded in 2001
• Staff: 23

Gabriel Festoc, PhD, Chairman

Mark Bloomfield,  Chief Executive Officer

Frédéric Perraud, PhD, Deputy CEO, COO

Anne-Lise Monjanel,  Marketing & Communications Manager

Patrick Erbacher, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer

Pascale Belguise, PhD, Business Development Manager

Alain Cuzange, Business Manager

Dwight Navis, MBA, MS, VP Sales & Marketing US

Jean-Paul Behr, PhD, Scientific Adviser

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• Funding raised; EUR 2.6 million between 2001 and 2004
• Investors: Vizille Capital Innovation, FCPI Avenir Finances, Finances & Stratégie