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IntegraGen, a company focused on the development and delivery of
genetic tests for complex diseases has announced the successful
closing of its second financing round raising 8 million Euro, which
brings the total capital raised by IntegraGen to date to 20 million
Euro. The international syndicate of investors comprising both
existing and new investors participating included CDC Entreprises
Innovation, AGF Private Equity, Bioam, SGAM Alternative Investments,
and Baytech Venture Capital.
Commenting on the financing, Dr.Jan Mous, president and CEO said:
"We are delighted that existing investors have continued their
commitment to the Company and welcome the new investors. IntegraGen
has made spectacular progress over the last few years and we are at
an exciting time in the Company’s evolution as we move from a
research-intensive phase into commercialization of our predictive
genetic tests. Such tests will play a significant role in the
personalized healthcare regimes of the future, contributing to
improved health through lifestyle and disease management."
IntegraGen is focused on the development of diagnostic and
prognostic genetic tests for a range of complex diseases using its
novel technology platform for gene identification (Genome HIP™).
Since its creation in 2000 it has made significant discoveries in
its focus areas of Diabetes, Obesity and Autism. It has partnerships
in other disease areas, including a deal with Aventis for the
discovery of genes associated with schizophrenia. Earlier this year,
the Company opened its first Expert Centre, in Bonn, Germany where
it conducts its MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) testing.
The new investment will be used to further develop the Company’s
genetic tests and to launch them into the market. IntegraGen plans
to bring its genetic test for autism to market in 2006 and
anticipates launching a genetic test for late onset type 2 Diabetes
in 2008. The Company has several other proprietary tests under
development, which will form the basis of its future pipeline of
IntegraTests™.
Remi Droller, AGF Private Equity said: “IntegraGen is at the
forefront of the development of genetic tests for common diseases to
enable personalized medicine. It has a strong and experienced
international management team working to address unmet clinical
needs based on a very innovative technology platform. We are
confident that the Company will be successful in creating
significant markets for its new tests as they are commercialized.”
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