Proteonomix, a Hawthorne, N.J.-based biotechnology company focused therapeutics based upon the use of human cells and their derivatives, has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement for a novel source of primary human cells that secrete a factor capable of inhibiting tumor cell growth and causing tumor cell death.

The technology, developed by Ian McNiece, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Proteonomix, consists of methods for isolation and propagation of the primary human cells, gene profiles obtained from the cells identifying candidate micro RNAs and growth factor genes, and methods for generating culture media conditioned by these cells for isolation of the inhibitory factor or factors.

“Recent experiments demonstrated the ability of these novel human cells and even the culture media conditioned by these cells to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, ultimately leading to their death,” said Steven Byle, chief technology officer of Proteonomix. “This technology has the potential to identify molecules that can kill tumor cells and provides insights into the potential delivery of these inhibitory factors in vivo.”

Terms of the license included an upfront license fee, an agreement with a related party and payments due upon achieving clinical and regulatory milestones based on success in developing products, as well as a royalty on sales of products resulting from this technology.