Cenix BioScience Delivers on Target Discovery Collaboration
as Bayer HealthCare AG Acquires Potential Novel Therapeutic Targets
Identified by RNAi Screening

Dresden, Germany, August 09, 2005 - Cenix BioScience GmbH (Dresden), the leading specialist in advanced RNA interference (RNAi)-based research services, today announced that it has delivered a collection of potential novel therapeutic targets to one of its pharmaceutical partners, Bayer HealthCare AG (Leverkusen).

The targets were identified as part of a RNAi-based discovery collaboration whereby cell-based assays originally developed by Bayer scientists to probe therapeutically-relevant processes for several disease indications were adapted and optimized by Cenix to be run as high throughput (HT) RNAi screens. Cenix implemented the screens over more than 5,000 human genes, applying its industry-leading expertise in combining HT-RNAi with high content microscopy-based readouts, and using siRNA molecules designed by Cenix and produced by Ambion, Inc. (Austin, TX, USA). The method of identification, based on detailed analysis of RNAi-induced loss-of-function phenotypes in living human cells, conveys upon these targets a significantly stronger patho-physiological relevance than that typically seen for targets identified by less probative “first-wave” genomics methodologies of recent years. As such, the higher level of validation delivered by Cenix inherently offers superior predictive value regarding the future therapeutic potential of drug candidates developed from these targets.

“We are delighted that our expertise has proven useful in this particularly gratifying collaboration, bringing such promising, but also quite challenging, projects to fruition” said Dr Christophe Echeverri, CEO and CSO of Cenix BioScience GmbH. “We are confident that the success of future drug development efforts driven by these new ‘RNAi targets’ could lead to a fundamental paradigm shift in the target discovery field.”

According to the collaboration announced in December 2003, Bayer acquired the first option to secure all rights to new target-related intellectual property generated by the project. As a result, Bayer’s decision to seek patent protection on the present targets triggered unspecified milestone payments to Cenix.

Cenix BioScience GmbH
Cenix BioScience GmbH is a pioneer and leader in high throughput (HT), genome-driven applications of RNA interference (RNAi) for the discovery and validation of new therapeutic drug targets. Founded in 1999 as the first biotechnology company specializing exclusively in HT-RNAi, Cenix has accumulated unparalleled depth and breadth of experience in this field, combining high content phenotypic analyses with proprietary genome-wide RNAi libraries for use in key experimental systems, including a wide range of human and rodent cells. Cenix is now making its unique expertise accessible to industry and academic researchers through highly customizable research services. Please contact Cenix or visit the company’s web site www.cenix.com for more information.

Bayer HealthCare AG
Bayer HealthCare AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry. In 2004, the Bayer HealthCare subgroup generated sales amounting to some 8.5 billion Euro. The company combines the global activities of the divisions Animal Health, Biological Products, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. Bayer HealthCare employed 35,300 people worldwide in 2004. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture innovative products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. The products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating disease.

Contact:

Zisi Fotev, Ph. D. Chief Business Officer Cenix BioScience GmbH Tel: +49 (0) 351 4173 0 info@cenix.com