Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Wednesday that it hasobtained exclusive licenses to glia maturation factor (GMF) andto a family of chimeric neurotrophic molecules.

The Tarrytown, N.Y., company announced at the Merrill LynchHealth Care conference in New York that it has obtained theGMF rights from Rhone-Poulenc Rorer and the University ofIowa.

GMF is a naturally occurring protein found in the humannervous system. It has demonstrated in vitro and in vivobiological activities in both glia and nerve cells, and could leadto new neurotrophic compounds that will complementRegeneron's brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3and neurotrophin-4, said Dr. Leonard Schleifer, president andchief executive officer.

Regeneron also said it had licensed from Dr. Heken Persson ofthe Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, discoveries andtechnology relating to an array of chimeric neurotrophicmolecules. It may be possible to design proprietary moleculesthat are specific to certain neuronal diseases orpharmacological applications, Schleifer said.

Terms were not disclosed for either license.

Regeneron (NASDAQ:REGN) also said it has completed a pilot plantfor making recombinant proteins that will supply the company's clinicaltrials of ciliary neurotrophic factor. Regeneron intendsto file an investigational new drug application on CNTF fortreatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the secondquarter.

Regeneron also released results for the year ended Dec. 31. Thecompany lost $4.5 million, or 29 cents per share, on revenuesof $12.5 million, compared with a loss of $3.3 million, or 23cents, on revenues of $5 million in 1990.

For the fourth quarter, Regeneron lost $2.1 million, or 14 cents,on revenues of $3.6 million. In the comparable 1990 quarter, itlost $993,446, or 7 cents a share, on revenues of $2 million.

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