Functional Genetics Announces Two Separate Awards from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to Develop Broad Spectrum Antivirals

Gaithersburg, MD, June 29, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Functional Genetics, Inc. today announced the awarding of two different Phase II SBIR awards from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to pursue innovative approaches for antibody-based targeting of infectious diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Functional Genetics will initiate the development of two monoclonal antibody products that target host proteins that are uniquely modified in virus-infected cells. "This grant from NIAID validates our mission of developing host-directed monoclonal antibodies with application to a broad-spectrum of different virus types,” said Michael Goldblatt, Chief Executive Officer of Functional Genetics. "Functional Genetics is committed to developing fundamentally new products that could be used to treat many different diseases and which are not sensitive to the resistance mechanisms that often limit conventional antiviral treatments."

The initiation of these projects is another step in Functional Genetics’ ongoing commitment to develop innovative broad-spectrum anti-infectives. These programs will initiate the development of monoclonal antibodies that target two different host molecules, Nedd4 and Robo1, which are selectively “hijacked” in virus-infected cells. The antiviral potential for these targets was first 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 influenza, HIV, RSV and other 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.

Functional Genetics, Inc.
Phone: +1.240.631.6790
Email: info@functional-genetics.com

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