Targeted Genetics presents advances in synthetic gene delivery te...( plasmid or the LPD-control gene did n...)

"We are making significant progress in our synthetic gene delivery programs," said Dr. Barrie J. Carter, Executive Vice President and Director of Research and Development at Targeted Genetics. "We have shown that LPD enables systemic delivery of therapeutic genes, an important step in the evolution of gene delivery technologies. LPD complexes have several advantages, namely they are compact, stable, efficient and resistant to blood components and thus best suited for intravenous delivery. Systemic delivery of E1A may provide a new approach to treating patients with metastatic disease as well as other cancers that are not amenable to treatment by direct injection. Moreover, the properties of LPD are such that they allow the addition of molecules that can target the complexes to specific tissues. Systemic, targeted delivery has been a long sought after approach to gene therapy and is the foundation of our joint venture with Elan plc (NYSE: ELN), Emerald Gene Systems."

In July 1999, Targeted Genetics and Elan plc established a joint venture, Emerald Gene Systems, to develop advanced gene delivery technologies. The joint venture combines the company's expertise in vector development and manufacturing with Elan's leadership in novel drug delivery technologies. The addition of Elan's targeting technologies to delivery vehicles such as LPD may provide targeted, systemic approaches for the delivery of therapeutic genes.

"These data provide further validation of Targeted Genetics' expertise in the development of gene delivery systems," said Michael Sember, Executive Vice President, Business Development, at Elan. "We believe that systemic gene delivery will catalyze the development of novel treatments for a broad array of significant diseases. Targeted
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Contact: Page Sargisson
p.sargisson@noonanrusso.com
415-677-4455 x229
Noonan/Russo Communications
8-Dec-1999