Repligen Receives Research Grants to Support Friedreich's Ataxia Developme...( WALTHAM Mass. Sept. 4 /- Repligen...)

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Repligen Corporation (Nasdaq: RGEN) today announced that the Company has received $1.125 million in research grants to support the development of new treatments for Friedreich's ataxia. The grants are comprised of $1 million from the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and $125,000 from the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Foundation (FARA) and the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF). The grants will further the development, characterization and selection of a drug candidate for human clinical trials as well as support the development of tools ("biomarkers") to monitor the desired biological impact of the drugs in clinical trials.

"We are very pleased to receive support from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Foundation and the National Ataxia Foundation, national organizations recognized for their commitment to innovative research aimed at providing new therapeutic options for patients," stated Walter C. Herlihy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Repligen Corporation. "We believe that establishing partnerships with these non-profit organizations will result in a number of mutual benefits as the program matures and we prepare for human clinical trials."

Friedreich's ataxia is an inherited neurodegenerative disease in which a single gene defect results in inadequate production of the protein frataxin, leading to progressive damage to the nervous system and loss of muscle function. Prior research has demonstrated that production of frataxin protein can be increased in tissue samples and animal models by a family of compounds, suggesting the potential utility of these compounds in slowing or halting disease progression.

In April 2007, Re
'/>"/>