GeneThera Expands Diagnostic Testing Component

GeneThera has reported a major expansion of its previously reported efforts to commercialize a diagnostic platform for Johne’s disease.

The company said that it is preparing to enter into a formal license agreement with two Italian Universities – University of Rome Tor Vergata (UNIROMA 2) and University of the Sacred Heart (UCSC), which have jointly developed a potential therapeutic solution for the disease.

GeneThera has been preparing to lead a major testing effort of a new Johne’s disease diagnostic platform in Monterrey, Mexico.

The company has reached an agreement with Roche, which will provide specialized robotic equipment and real-time thermo cyclers that will serve as the molecular diagnostic platform for the testing.

In addition to that, GeneThera has also signed an agreement with UNAM, which will support its diagnostic testing programs, in part, by providing access to livestock.

Tony Milici, founder and CEO of GeneThera, said: Newly developed liposomes have been tested by two leading Italian universities and have revealed potentially therapeutic benefits in the treatment of Johne’s disease. Our objective is to study the immunotherapeutic value of these liposomes in cattle that test positive for the disease through our upcoming diagnostic testing program.

The expansion of our diagnostic testing to include a potential therapeutic solution has obviously slowed our previously announced developmental timelines. However, we believe the potential benefits of introducing a comprehensive solution for both the identification and treatment of Johne’s disease will more than justify these delays. The company hopes to announce a final licensing agreement with the two Italian universities in the next six to eight weeks, he added.