Deltagen, Schering-Plough Collaborate On Small Molecule Drug Target Validation

Deltagen Inc. (Menlo Park, CA) signed a DeltaSelect research agreement with Schering-Plough Research Institute (Kenilworth, NJ) to validate small molecule drug targets. Under the terms of the agreement, Schering-Plough will provide target gene sequences to Deltagen, which will use its proprietary mammalian gene knockout and comprehensive phenotypic analysis technologies to enable Schering-Plough to define each gene's function in vivo. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

According to William Matthews, Deltagen's CEO, the DeltaSelect program provides rapid access to crucial information on in vivo gene function. This approach to target validation ensures a higher probability of eventual clinical success and reduces the risks associated with drug development.

Other pharmaceutical companies to sign research agreements with Deltagen include Merck & Co. Inc., Pfizer Inc., Roche Bioscience, and Tularik Inc.

Deltagen Inc., a privately held genomics company, is a provider of essential data on the mammalian functional role of newly discovered genes. The company's DeltaBase target validation product is the world's most comprehensive library of in vivo derived, mammalian gene function information. In addition to DeltaBase, corporate partners can collaborate in Deltagen's DeltaSelect program to define the function of selected genes and Deltagen's Delta-GT program to discover rare or novel secreted protein drug candidates.

For more information: Lars Barfod, Vice President of Commercial Development, Deltagen Inc., 1003 Hamilton Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025. Tel: 650-752-0247. Fax: 650-752-0248.

Edited by Jim Pomager