Oragenics,
Inc. (NYSE MKT: OGEN) announced today that through its Exclusive
Channel Collaboration (ECC) with Intrexon
Corporation (NYSE:XON), a leader in synthetic biology, it has
successfully engineered a genetically-modified (GM) host to generate
analogs of Oragenics’ lead lantibiotic compound Mutacin 1140 (MU1140).
The successful production of the first generation analogs using the GM
host demonstrates significant progress and proof-of-concept toward the
eventual production of a pipeline of novel antibiotics. The MU1140
analogs may offer superior antibacterial activity and pharmacologic
properties as compared to the native molecule.
In June 2012, Oragenics and Intrexon entered into an ECC to develop and
commercialize lantibiotics, a novel class of broad-spectrum antibiotics,
for the treatment of infectious diseases. The collaboration recently
demonstrated initial success in producing improved titers of Oragenics’
lead compound MU1140 through a genetically engineered host, progressing
toward the goal of commercial lantibiotic production. Lantibiotics are a
class of antibiotics with a novel mechanism of action that are active
against several multi-drug resistant infectious agents. The
intractability of lantibiotic-sensitive organisms to acquire or develop
resistance to lantibiotics has aroused significant interest in these
molecules as novel therapeutic agents.
Dr. John N. Bonfiglio, Chief Executive Officer of Oragenics, remarked,
"We anticipate that this proof-of-concept will enable eventual
production of a pipeline of new MU1140 analogs and other lantibiotics,
and marks an important milestone towards the goal of generating
critically needed novel antimicrobicidal therapeutics."
About Oragenics, Inc.
Oragenics, Inc. is focused on becoming the world leader in novel
antibiotics against infectious disease and probiotics for oral health
for humans and pets. Oragenics, Inc. has established an exclusive
worldwide channel collaboration for lantibiotics, a novel class of broad
spectrum antibiotics, with Intrexon Corporation Inc., a synthetic
biology company. The collaboration allows Oragenics access to Intrexon's
proprietary technologies for accelerating the development of much needed
new antibiotics that are efficacious against resistant strains of
bacteria. Oragenics also develops, markets, and sells proprietary
probiotics specifically designed to enhance oral health for humans and
pets, under the brand names Evora
and ProBiora
in over 13 countries worldwide.
For more information about Oragenics, visit www.oragenics.com.
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Safe Harbor Statement: Under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release includes forward-looking
statements that reflect the Company’s current views with respect to
future events and financial performance. These forward-looking
statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and
information currently available. The words “believe,” “expect,”
“anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project” and similar expressions
that do not relate solely to historical matters identify forward-looking
statements. Investors should be cautious in relying on forward-looking
statements because they are subject to a variety of risks,
uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking
statements. These factors include, but are not limited to our ability to
raise additional capital to sustain our operations, our inability to
produce sufficient quantities of MU1140 or an analog for viable
commercialization of lantibiotics and those set forth in our most
recently filed annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form
10-Q, and other factors detailed from time to time in filings with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We expressly disclaim any
responsibility to update forward-looking statements.
Copyright Business Wire 2013