Polyplus-Transfection and ExcellGene Enter Into a Supply Agreement for PEI-Based Transfection Reagents

STRASBOURG, France, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Polyplus-transfection SA, a privately-held company developing innovative technologies for molecular and cellular biology, announced today that ExcellGene SA, a privately held company providing rapid and low-cost solutions for protein manufacturing and process development based on mammalian cells to the Pharma/Biotech industry, has signed an extended supply agreement for Polyplus-transfection polyethylenimine (PEI) based transfection reagents.

Polyplus-transfection will supply ExcellGene with batches of high quality linear PEI transfection reagent which is specifically formulated and subject to appropriate quality controls (transfection activity and microbiological tests) that ensure reliable, safe and reproducible protein production in medium to large scale. In addition, by purchasing PEI from Polyplus-transfection, ExcellGene benefits from an implied license regarding Polyplus' intellectual property rights for the use of PEI in transient and stable transfection.

"We are truly delighted to sign a supply agreement for PEI for transfection with ExcellGene, a recognized leader in providing process solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry in the field of recombinant expression technologies," said Mark Bloomfield, CEO of Polyplus-transfection. "This agreement demonstrates the superiority of Polyplus PEI for bioproduction and the value of our intellectual property rights and knowhow in the field of PEI-mediated nucleic acid delivery."

"Known for our highly innovative approaches in protein production from mammalian cells we have studied extensively a large variety of DNA transfer systems and have found Polyplus polyethylenimine of highest quality and serving best our needs," said Dr. Maria De Jesus, Chief Operating Officer of ExcellGene.

Prof. Florian Wurm, founder and interim CEO of ExcellGene added: "In our highly regulated industry, the reliable sourcing of materials for any type of manufacturing is key to the confidence we wish to establish with our clients, since the final goal of our work is the provisioning of highest value protein therapeutics to the treating doctor and the patient in need."

Financial terms were not disclosed.

About Polyplus-transfection SA

Polyplus-transfection SA is a biotechnology company that develops, markets and sells innovative solutions for the in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo delivery of nucleic acids in research, bioproduction and therapeutics. Located close to the University of Strasbourg in Eastern France, Polyplus-transfection has been ISO 9001-certified since 2002 and supplies its proprietary range of reagents for the transfection of genes, oligonucleotides and siRNA through a worldwide distributor network. Polyplus reagents are involved in a growing number of clinical trials worldwide. In addition, Polyplus-transfection holds a broad estate of patents and licenses including original methods for therapeutic siRNA delivery.

For more information, please visit the Polyplus-transfection web site at: http://www.polyplus-transfection.com

About ExcellGene SA

ExcellGene SA is an established, science and technology driven Service Provider to the Pharma/Biotech industry. It pioneered innovative technologies resolving problems of expression and manufacture of recombinant proteins from mammalian cells. ExcellGene's technologies cover vectors, gene transfer systems, cell hosts, screening platforms for cells and processes, scale-up principles and bioreactors. Over hundred international client companies have been satisfied with ExcellGene's services. Recently, ExcellGene received approval for API production from the Swiss Regulatory Agency for its cGMP manufacturing facility which features bioreactors of up to 250 L scale of operation.

For more information, please visit the ExcellGene web site at http://www.excellgene.com

    
    For further information, please contact:
    Andrew Lloyd & Associates
    Andrew Lloyd / Neil Hunter
    Tel: +44(0)1273-675100
    allo@ala.com / neil@ala.com