Gates Foundation Funds Functional Genetics, Inc. to Study TSG101 Antibody Targeting of HIV-Infected Cells

Gaithersburg, MD, November 23, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Functional Genetics, Inc. today announced a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to pursue an innovative approach for antibody-based targeting of HIV/AIDS. Under the terms of the agreement, Functional Genetics will investigate the use of TSG101 antibody targeting of HIV-infected cells for its potential use a novel HIV vaccine strategy. "This grant from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will greatly assist our mission of developing passive and active immunotherapeutics that target a broad-spectrum of different virus types,” said Michael Goldblatt, Chief Executive Officer of Functional Genetics. "Functional Genetics is committed to developing broad-spectrum, host-oriented therapeutics for the treatment of infectious diseases."

The initiation of this project is another step in Functional Genetics’ ongoing commitment to develop innovative broad-spectrum anti-infectives. This project will continue the development of TSG101 antibody-based, broad-spectrum therapeutics for viral disease. TSG101 was originally discovered using Functional Genetics’ RHGP discovery platform and has been shown to be hijacked in cells that have been infected with many different types of viruses, including HIV and other enveloped viruses. Functional Genetics’ approach of host-based targeting of viral disease is designed to overcome issues that have previously eluded anti-infective therapies, including acquired drug resistance and the relatively narrow spectrum of current therapies.

About Functional Genetics, Inc.
Functional Genetics, Inc. (FGI) is a privately-held, development stage biotechnology company, headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD. We use innovative science to develop better medicines to treat or prevent infectious diseases and cancer. Our unique scientific approaches have allowed us to develop novel antiviral drugs that demonstrate beneficial activity against a broad-spectrum of different viruses, including HIV, RSV, Influenza, HBV, HCV and bio-threat pathogens, such as Ebola. For more information, visit Functional Genetics’ website at www.functional-genetics.com.

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