Exemplar Genetics to Present on Novel Research Models for Oncology at the World Preclinical Congress

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Exemplar Genetics announced its President, John Swart, Ph.D., will present today at the 15th Annual World Preclinical Congress during the Preclinical Models in Oncology session.  Dr. Swart's presentation titled 'Genetically Engineered Miniswine Models of Cancer' will provide an overview of Exemplar's novel ExeGen^® TP53^R167H and ExeGen^® KRAS^G12D/+/TP53^R167H/+ miniswine research models developed for oncology to help bridge the pre-clinical gap from small animal models to humans.

Dr. Swart commented, "We believe the development of these new genetically engineered miniature swine models will resolve inadequacies with traditional rodent models of cancer, which while valuable in certain aspects of research, have been inefficient at translating to human clinical trials."

As described in the Journal of Clinical Investigation publication, "Development and translational imaging of a TP53 porcine tumorigenesis model", current cancer research models are informative yet fail to accurately recapitulate human disease, and pre-clinical results utilizing these models often have poor translational value to the clinic.  In particular, the lack of a large-animal model that accurately replicates human cancer pathologies has been a significant barrier to the development of effective diagnostics, as well as surgical and therapeutic interventions.  

Exemplar's genetically engineered ExeGen^® TP53^R167H model expresses a mutation in the gene that encodes p53 (TP53), which is orthologous to one commonly found in humans.  It is estimated p53 function is compromised in the vast majority of human tumors, through either TP53 gene mutation or alterations targeting the numerous regulators of p53 signaling.  Studies with the TP53^R167H model demonstrated tumor formation and characteristic chromosomal instability similar to what is seen in humans with mutant p53 alleles.  Additionally, Exemplar has developed the ExeGen^® KRAS^G12D/+/TP53^R167H/+ model which contains a conditional KRAS mutation on the background of TP53-targeted pigs that should allow for the inducement of human-like tumors in a tissue specific manner.

In April 2016, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) exercised enforcement discretion in regard to Exemplar's ExeGen^® low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) miniswine clearing it for commercial use as a research model.  As the first genetically engineered miniswine model reviewed and cleared by the FDA, this powerful investigational platform is available to researchers and drug developers helping forge a more reliable, consistent path from pre-clinical testing through human studies.  Exemplar continues to work closely with the FDA to make each of the miniswine research models in its broad, extensive pipeline for use in the evaluation of several human health conditions including rare diseases, cancer, cystic fibrosis, neuromuscular/neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular disease, available to researchers working on solutions for these devastating diseases.

About Exemplar Genetics

Exemplar Genetics, a subsidiary of Intrexon Corporation (NYSE: XON), enables discovery by providing models and services that aid scientists in the development of next-generation procedures, devices and therapeutics. Through its innovative models and AAALAC-certified facilities, Exemplar Genetics assists researchers in making advances in the discovery of human disease mechanisms. For more information, visit www.exemplargenetics.com.

For more information contact:

Exemplar Genetics Contact:
Troy Arends
712-722-2767 (office)
712-441-0147 (mobile)
[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160614/379462LOGO

SOURCE Exemplar Genetics

Related Links

http://www.exemplargenetics.com