Bioo Scientific and Texas Tech Collaborate to Suppress the Progression of HIV Using Targeted RNAi

Austin, TX, November 15, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Dr Premlata Shankar, Professor and Co-Director, Center of Excellence of Infectious Disease Research at Texas Tech University, who has developed RNAi-based treatment methods for HIV infection, recently entered into a collaborative research agreement with Bioo Therapeutics, a division of Bioo Scientific, to leverage their T3™ technology to facilitate the targeted delivery of siRNA into T cells. Dr. Shankar has already successfully used RNAi to dramatically suppress HIV infection in mice by knocking down three key genes which prevented the HIV infection from spreading.

Bioo Scientific’s T3 Technology will allow Dr Shankar to precisely target the delivery of siRNAs in vivo into T-cells, although it can be used to target any cell type. The patent pending T3 Technology functions by conjugating an RNAi agent carrier to a monoclonal antibody to produce a conjugate, which is then loaded with an RNAi agent such as siRNA or miRNA molecules. The RNAi agent loaded conjugate is administered to an animal where it binds to and is internalized by cells recognized by the monoclonal antibody. The RNAi agent is then released to reduce the expression of its intended target. T3 technology can propel the validation of animal experimentation, leading to a better understanding of cellular pathways, the identification of novel drug targets, and the ability to more efficiently deliver RNAi agents as drugs.

“I am delighted to join forces with Bioo Scientific in the development of an advanced monoclonal antibody based technology for targeted delivery of siRNA to T cells and potentially other cell types” Dr. Shankar said. “By combining our scientific expertise and resources, we can speed up the development of robust enabling platforms for efficient delivery to desired cells and tissues in vivo which is critical for translating siRNAs into a novel class of drugs to treat human diseases.”

About Bioo Therapeutics
Bioo Therapeutics is a division of Bioo Scientific, is an Austin, TX based biotechnology company that provides innovative solutions to the life science industry. Bioo Therapeutics was launched to leverage Bioo Scientific’s proprietary drug delivery vehicles and extensive experience in antibody and small molecule research to use as a basis to develop therapeutic agents to combat cancer and other diseases.

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