The deal aims to build on applying ZFP technology to enhance protein pharmaceutical production having previously been utilised to great success. Many analysts are sure that it's potential have yet to be recognised.
ZFPs are the dominant class of naturally occurring transcription factors in organisms from yeast to humans. Transcription factors, which are found in the nucleus of every cell, bind to DNA to regulate gene expression.
Though there are many kinds of transcription factors, only zinc finger DNA-binding proteins are amenable to engineering and precise targeting to a particular gene or genes of interest.
By engineering ZFPs that recognise a specific DNA sequence Sangamo scientists have created ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TFs) that can control gene expression and consequently, cell function.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will fund further research at Sangamo, who will use its zinc finger DNA-binding protein (ZFP) technology to develop additional cell lines for enhanced protein production.
"Over the past year we have enjoyed a productive collaboration with Pfizer," said Edward Lanphier, Sangamo's president and chief executive officer. "We believe that the expansion of this agreement is evidence of the application of this technology to facilitate the generation of improved production cell lines with altered traits."
The deal builds on the existing agreement, which was formed in January 2005, in which Sangamo agreed to generate new cell lines and vector systems for protein production as well as novel technology for rapid and robust creation of new production cell lines. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
By engineering ZFPs that recognize a specific DNA sequence Sangamo has created ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TF) that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function.
As proof of its effectiveness, Sangamo BioSciences recently announced that data from its program to develop a ZFP Therapeutic for HIV/AIDS demonstrated that cells could be made resistant to HIV infection by using its zinc finger DNA-binding protein nucleases (ZFN), which disrupt the CCR5 gene.
Industry experts believe that the introduction of new protein pharmaceuticals and growth in demand for current protein pharmaceuticals could lead to a significant shortfall in capacity over the next five years.
Protein pharmaceuticals manufactured with genetically modified cells accounted for more than $13.3 billion (€10 billion) in annual worldwide sales in 2001. Of this total, monoclonal antibodies accounted for approximately $2.6 billion.