WellGen, Inc. Obtains License to Obesity Genes
Forms Strategic Alliance With HMGene, Inc.
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ, February 10, 2005 - WellGen, Inc., a biotechnology company using nutrigenomics to develop proprietary wellness products, has signed a research contract and licensing agreement with HMGene, Inc., a company focused on the genetics of obesity. Under the terms of the research agreement, HMGene will screen WellGen's proprietary bioactive compounds against HMGene's proprietary panel of genes involved in adipocyte development. Adipocyte development is the body's natural mechanism for making fat cells. The screening process will identify new, natural bioactive compounds that will be targeted to weight loss and the control of obesity. Any resulting products will be commercialized by WellGen.
David A. Evans, WellGen's CEO, said,
"We're very pleased to have HMGene as a partner. The combination of our patented screening technology with HMGene's anti-obesity technology enables us to identify and develop a new generation of bioactive compounds that target obesity. These bioactives would stop formation of fat cells by blocking the genes required for fat cell development, and could be included in functional foods, beverages and dietary supplements."
WellGen uses patented gene expression technology to identify bioactives with the ability to selectively modify expression of genes associated with disease. The Company already has initiated and plans to complete two human clinical trials in 2005, for bioactives that target genes involved in colon cancer and arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Dr. Kiran Chada, HMGene's President and a Professor of Biochemistry at UMDNJ said,
"Our relationship with WellGen provides us with an excellent opportunity to pursue commercial applications of our many years of research on the genetics of adipocyte development."
For further information please contact
WellGen
Patricia Lucas-Schnarre
+1 (732) 214-8834 ext 319
Amphion Innovations plc
Josh Berkman, Media Relations
+1 (646) 747-7158
Financial Dynamics
Ben Atwell / John Gilbert
+44 207 269 7169
About WellGen
WellGen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that is developing products for food, therapeutics, and dietary supplement markets. WellGen\'s technical platform is a method of screening the effect of food and related substances on the expression of genes associated with human health conditions. The company has developed proprietary substances that help reduce risk and severity for a variety of diseases.
On the web: www.wellgen.com
About HMGene
HMGene, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of novel therapies for metabolic disorders. HMGene is a spin-off company from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).
About Amphion Innovations plc
Amphion Innovations plc recently listed on the AIM Exchange in London under the symbol AMP.L. Amphion's business is the formation, financing, management, and development of life science and technology companies, working in partnership with corporations, governments, universities, and entrepreneurs seeking to commercialize their intellectual property.
On the web: www.amphionplc.com
