Sigma-Aldrich, Sangamo Extend License Agreement

Sigma-Aldrich and Sangamo BioSciences have announced the expansion of their existing license agreement to include the exclusive rights to develop and distribute zinc finger DNA binding protein (ZFP)-modified cell lines, for commercial production of protein pharmaceuticals.

Additionally, Sigma-Aldrich licensed rights to certain ZFP-engineered transgenic animals for commercial applications.

Jai Nagarkatti, chairman, president and CEO of Sigma-Aldrich, said: “The zinc finger technology platform developed by Sangamo is a core component of Sigma-Aldrich’s growth strategy into high-value biologic tools. We have experienced tremendous interest from the academic and biotechnology research community in our CompoZr zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) platform of reagents.”

Edward Lanphier, president and CEO of Sangamo, said: “We are delighted with our partnership with Sigma-Aldrich. Sigma-Aldrich has been aggressively developing, marketing and distributing ZFP-based products through their CompoZr website, and we anticipate the same success in these expanded markets of cell line engineering and transgenic animal products.”

Sigma-Aldrich’s biochemical and organic chemical products and kits are used in scientific and genomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and in pharmaceutical and other technology manufacturing.

Sangamo BioSciences is focused on the research and development of novel DNA-binding proteins for therapeutic gene regulation and modification.