BeniTec.com
Title
Benitec :: Leader in Gene Silencing Technology
Description
Benitec Limited is a leading international biotechnology company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with research & development and clinical operations centered in the Silicon Valley in California, USA. Benitec was founded in 1997 to commercialize research from Queensland's Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Benitec is one of the pioneers of RNA interference (RNAi) technology, which can be used to precisely destroy RNA viruses and silence the expression of defective genes. Benitec’s core patents provide key technologies to trigger RNAi in human cells and in live animals and are jointly owned with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). Benitec holds exclusive worldwide rights for development and commercialization for all human applications.
The corporate goal of Benitec is to develop RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics for serious diseases such as Hepatitis C Viral infection and AIDS caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Benitec’s RNA-based HIV therapeutic, co-developed with the City of Hope in Duarte, California, will enter Phase I clinical trials in early 2006. Benitec has identified lead HCV drug candidates that will advance to the clinic in late 2006.
