CHAPEL HILL, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) today announced that it has entered into a non-exclusive cross-license agreement with Genzyme, a Sanofi company, in which Genzyme receives rights to AskBios Duplex gene therapy vector technology for its internal product development and external sublicensing.

AskBios Duplex vector technology allows a gene therapy Adeno-Associated Viral vector (AAV) to package and deliver more potent therapeutic DNA cargo to a patients cells. The Duplex vectors have been shown to bypass an intracellular-synthesis step necessary for converting a single-stranded DNA genome into a double-stranded genome. This advancement results in faster onset and higher levels of gene expression. Genzyme plans to use the Duplex vector technology for its internal product development research.

Additionally under this agreement, AskBio receives rights to Genzymes Intra-Strand Base-Pairing technology, which also supports packaging of DNA double-stranded genomes within an AAV-based gene therapy vector. The rights obtained from Genzyme by AskBio strengthen and broaden the basis with which AskBio may continue its use and sub-license of Duplex vectors for internal clinical development, as well as external partnerships and collaborations.

We appreciate the collaborative approach with which both companies entered into this cross-license, and believe it broadly strengthens the value potential for future advancements within the field of AAV gene therapy. This cross-license with Genzyme represents our ninth license of the Duplex vectors, and further validates AskBios platform of vector technologies, and their significance and potential for future patient benefit, stated AskBios Vice President Jade Samulski.

Genzyme has been committed to gene therapy for more than twenty years, today with a focus that includes clinical programs in Parkinsons Disease and age-related macular degeneration, said Genzymes Head of Gene Therapy R&D, Sam Wadsworth. We believe our efforts will be enhanced through AskBios technology, as we continue to pursue targeted solutions to address unmet medical needs.

About Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc.

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), is a private clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in the development of novel, gene transfer-mediated therapies using a proprietary AAV-based vector technology platform. This technology is being used to deliver a broad range of therapeutics including therapeutic DNA, monoclonal antibodies, RNAi, and vaccines, among others. The companys mature intellectual property portfolio is based on the scientific work of Professor R. Jude Samulski & colleagues at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The company is currently engaged in gene therapy-based clinical development programs. For additional information, visit AskBios web site atwww.askbio.com.

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Asklepios Enters Cross-License Agreement with Genzyme

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