MEDIA RELEASE PR35221
Pangu BioPharma, aTyr Pharma's Subsidiary in Hong Kong, Files Three Patent Applications
SAN DIEGO, June 29 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
aTyr Pharma Targets for Novel Biotherapeutics Based On
Naturally Resected tRNA Synthetases
Pangu BioPharma, a subsidiary of aTyr Pharma in Hong Kong, today
announced the filing of its third patent application on proprietary,
naturally occurring, resected human tRNA synthetases. Although tRNA
synthetases are universal and essential components of protein synthesis
machinery found in all organisms, human synthetases have naturally occurring
resected variants with potent cell signaling activities that are vital to
normal functioning of humans. The work at Pangu BioPharma is focused on
identifying and characterizing new examples of the tRNA synthetases
resectome. In just the first year of operations, Pangu BioPharma has built a
strong patent portfolio that provides fundamental components of aTyr Pharma's
portfolio of biotherapeutic candidates that can be used to treat a wide
variety of diseases, such as cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic
disorders.
Pangu BioPharma is the result of an innovative partnership between aTyr
Pharma and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), with
project funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of Hong
Kong. James Cai, President of Pangu BioPharma, notes that, "Hong Kong's
government and universities are working together to attract exciting drug
discovery and development companies to make Hong Kong a new frontier in the
biotechnology industry. We based Pangu BioPharma here in Hong Kong in order
to capitalize on this unique position in Asia as well as to tap into the
highly educated population and support of new technology industries. We are
very excited about the productivity and the science being generated by the
scientists in our labs here in Hong Kong, and believe that HKUST has been an
essential partner in generating this mutual success."
According to Jeff Watkins, CEO of aTyr Pharma, "In just over a year from
incorporation in Hong Kong, Pangu BioPharma has demonstrated how well the
government, university and industry partnership works. In that short time,
with the support of HKUST and funding from the ITC, we have attracted a
highly skilled group of scientists, established a well quipped lab at HKUST
with the latest technology, and built an IP generating platform at the Pangu
BioPharma operations that has already yielded data to support three new
patent applications. These inventions are key components of aTyr Pharma's
product generating engine, and are proof of the strong support Pangu
BioPharma receives from the Hong Kong government and HKUST."
Professor Paul Schimmel of The Scripps Research Institute is a visiting
scholar at the Institute of Advanced Science at HKUST and a co-founder of
aTyr Pharma as well as Pangu BioPharma. Professor Schimmel was the driver
behind building the partnership between aTyr and HKUST. An expert on tRNA
synthetases, Paul Schimmel has also been the co-founder or founding director
of numerous successful biotechnology companies, including Sirtris
Pharmaceuticals, Alnylam, Repligen Corporation, Alkermes, Inc., Momenta
Pharmaceuticals and Cubist Pharmaceuticals, which were taken public on the
NASDAQ and are well established as companies that develop and market new
medicines. "This is an exciting time to launch a biotechnology endeavor in
Hong Kong. The government and university system in Hong Kong have a powerful
vision to translate their strengths in research into a thriving biotechnology
industry that opens the door to the valuable resources of China. aTyr Pharma
and Pangu BioPharma are at the forefront of this effort and are pleased to
have the ITC and HKUST as partners. We particularly value the contributions
of Professors Mingjie Zhang and Nancy Ip of the Biochemistry Department at
HKUST, as well as Matthew Yuen of HKUST's Research and Development group,"
says Professor Schimmel. Pangu BioPharma is planning to expand its drug
discovery efforts in Hong Kong with continued support from HKUST and ITC.
SOURCE: aTyr Pharma
CONTACT: Cheryl Quinn
Director of Business Development of aTyr Pharma
+1-858-731-8390
cquinn@atyrpharma.com;
or
Jennifer James of Alta Partners
+1-415-362-4022,
jjames@altapartners.com
NEWS 
