GeneMedicine Inc. announced today that it has entered into alicensing agreement with the University of Texas System forthe low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene.

Under the agreement, the Houston company got the right to usethe LDL gene in human gene therapy from the University ofTexas Southwestern Medical System in Dallas. GeneMedicine'spresident and chief executive, Eric Tomlinson, said thecompany plans to develop gene medicines for the treatment ofcertain cardiovascular diseases.

"The LDL receptor is believed to promote cellular uptake ofcholesterol, reducing serum cholesterol levels," he said.

Terms of the non-exclusive agreement allow GeneMedicine touse the LDL receptor gene in return for undisclosed milestoneand royalty payments to UT Southwestern.

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