Enzo Biochem Awarded Patent for Novel Vectors Involving Gene Therapy Treatments for Cancer, Virus Infections and Genetic Diseases

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has awarded the Company Patent No. 8,846,893, covering novel vectors for gene therapy treatments for cancers, virus infections and genetic diseases.

Specifically, the patented technology describes delivery of nucleic acids to specific cells in order to direct gene therapy to the sites where it would be most useful. It involves use of a complex of a cell-specific antibody uniquely capable of being linked to a nucleic acid sequence selected for its ability to interfere with the disease process or to correct a genetic deficiency. Apart from its therapeutic applications, the technology can also be applied to research studies of virus infections and genetic diseases.

“This important discovery utilizes a nucleic acid in the patient that could provide therapeutic benefits for specific diseases, for use to correct a deficiency or its utilization for a new property, such as resistance to a virus,” said Elazar Rabbani, PhD, Enzo Chairman and CEO, one of the inventors. “It thus may allow direct application of the reagents to patients, as opposed to the removal of target cells and ex vivo treatments, as is currently done with most gene therapy applications.”

About Enzo Biochem

Enzo Biochem is a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, leading the convergence of clinical laboratories, life sciences and therapeutics through the development of unique diagnostic platform technologies that provide numerous advantages over previous standards. A global company, Enzo Biochem utilizes cross-functional teams to develop and deploy products systems and services that meet the ever-changing and rapidly growing needs of health care both today and into the future. Underpinning Enzo Biochem’s products and technologies is a broad and deep intellectual property portfolio, with patent coverage across a number of key enabling technologies

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management, including those related to cash flow, gross margins, revenues, and expenses are dependent on a number of factors outside of the control of the company including, inter alia, the markets for the Company’s products and services, costs of goods and services, other expenses, government regulations, litigations, and general business conditions. See Risk Factors in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 20123 Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.

For Enzo Biochem, Inc.
Anreder & Company
Steven Anreder, 212-532-3232
steven.anreder@anreder.com
or
CEOcast, Inc.
Michael Wachs, 212-732-4300
mwachs@ceocast.com

Source: Enzo Biochem, Inc.

Released October 7, 2014