GeneThera Announces Plans To Add Therapeutic Testing Component To Johne's Disease Diagnostic Program

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Article Date: 26 Aug 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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GeneThera, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: GTHR), an international biotechnology company, announced a major expansion of its previously reported efforts to commercialize a diagnostic platform for Johne's disease, an infectious, fatal and as yet incurable bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract in livestock. The Company said it is preparing to enter into a formal license agreement with two Italian universities, Universita di Roma "Tor Vergata" (UNIROMA 2) and Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC), which have jointly developed a potential therapeutic solution for the disease. As previously announced, GeneThera also is working in collaboration with the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) on a diagnostic test for the disease.

Dr. Tony Milici, founder and CEO of GeneThera, said, "Newly developed liposomes have been tested by two leading Italian universities and have revealed potentially promising therapeutic benefits in the treatment of Johne's disease. Our objective is to study the immunotherapeutic value of these liposomes in cattle that test positive for the disease through our upcoming diagnostic testing program."

Dr. Milici added, "The successful development of both a diagnostic and therapeutic solution to Johne's would be of major benefit to the global dairy and livestock industries, both of which have experienced extensive financial losses due to this disease. Our ability to commercialize these platforms would be a milestone achievement for GeneThera, our industry and academic partners, as well as our shareholders."

GeneThera has been preparing to lead a major testing effort of a new Johne's disease diagnostic platform in Monterrey, Mexico. The Company has reached an agreement with Roche Diagnostics, which will provide specialized robotic equipment and real-time thermo cyclers that will serve as the molecular diagnostic platform for the testing. GeneThera also has entered into an agreement with UNAM, which will support GeneThera's diagnostic testing programs in part by providing access to livestock.

"The expansion of our diagnostic testing to include a potential therapeutic solution has obviously slowed our previously announced developmental timelines," Dr. Milici said. "However, we believe the potential benefits of introducing a comprehensive solution for both the identification and treatment of Johne's disease will more than justify these delays." Dr. Milici said the Company hopes to announce a final licensing agreement with the two Italian universities in the next six to eight weeks.

About GeneThera, Inc.

GeneThera, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the development of molecular assays. The Company is currently in the process of developing therapeutic vaccines for the detection and prevention of food contaminating pathogens, veterinary diseases, and diseases affecting human health. More information about the Company can be found at: http://www.genethera.net.

Source
Pfeiffer High Investor Relations, Inc.

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