Artemis to distribute genetically modified mouse models

The mouse models have innovative modifications in certain key genes which code for proteins or enzymes known as kinases. Protein kinases have profound effects on the cells of the human body. They play an essential role in signaling pathways and disregulated kinase activity is a frequent cause of severe illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

The transgenic models, designed by a research team at the MRC PPU, serve as valuable exploration tools to discover the mechanisms or pathways underlying human disease. They can be used in academic research and drug discovery to identify and characterize new inhibitors of particular kinases. These inhibitors may then be developed as potential treatments for a wide range of disease.

Artemis will distribute the kinase models to pharmaceutical and biotech companies as well as academic institutions. In addition Artemis will be able to use the kinase models together with its own proprietary gene modification technologies.

“We are delighted with this agreement, which will enable our models to be distributed much more efficiently to the pharmaceutical industry and other research institutions worldwide,” commented Sir Philip Cohen, director of the MRC PPU. “The revenue we generate under this agreement will be ploughed back to expand other academic research programmes in this area.”