On January 13, 2020 Applied DNA Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: APDN) ("Applied DNA" or the "Company") reported that LineaRx, Inc. ("LineaRx"), its majority-owned subsidiary focused on next-generation biotherapeutics and cancer diagnostics, has signed a licensing agreement with LifeSensors, Inc. ("LifeSensors"), to incorporate LifeSensors’ high expression SUMO-fusion technologies into the Company’s linear DNA amplicons designed and produced for therapeutic applications (the "Agreement") (Press release, Applied DNA Sciences, JAN 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234553089]). LifeSensors’ SUMO-fusion technologies enable the attachment of the C-terminus of SUMO (Small Ubiquitin Like Modifier) to the N-terminus of a protein of interest that can dramatically improve protein solubility, achieve native protein folding, and increase total yield by improving expression and decreasing degradation.
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Under the terms of the Agreement, LineaRx will have a worldwide license to the applicable LifeSensors intellectual property to make, have made, use, and sell DNA constructs incorporating the SUMO-fusion technologies for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
"We have already demonstrated expression levels for our linear DNA that meets or exceed that of plasmid-produced DNA," stated Dr. James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA. "The incorporation of the SUMO-fusion technologies into our linear amplicons we believe will further optimize protein expression and deliver yet another strength to linear DNA. We are in discussions with therapeutic companies on incorporating the SUMO-fusion technologies into their custom amplicon for the therapy of interest."
"A roadblock to successful gene therapy today is the ability to effectively express and present the therapeutic product in the target cell. Fusion of gene constructs and chimeric genes with SUMOstar overcomes the hurdles of poor gene expression," said Brenda Bausher, Manager of LifeSensors, Inc.
The companies will work together on initially developing and releasing two high expression amplicons; one for the generic Luciferase protein and one for our licensed anti-CD19 therapy.
Data showing the increased expression levels resulting from incorporation of SUMO-fusion technologies are expected to be available over the next few months.
"This Agreement demonstrates the commitment we have to optimize PCR-produced linear DNA for therapeutic applications. We expect the LifeSensors’ proven technology will further strengthen our higher performing alternative to plasmids for nucleic acid-based therapies," concluded Dr. Hayward.