Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Arrowhead to Fund Stem Cell Research at Caltech

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Abstract:
Arrowhead Research Corporation (Nasdaq:ARWR), announced today that it will sponsor the continued research of Dr. Eric Davidson's laboratory at the California Institute of Technology focused on the re-engineering of the internal control systems of cells. This field of inquiry is expected to have applications for the controlled differentiation of stem cells and could, in the longer-term, have therapeutic applications for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Arrowhead to Fund Stem Cell Research at Caltech

PASADENA, CA | Posted on January 25th, 2007

"Dr. Davidson and his colleagues have made recent breakthroughs in understanding the large networks of interacting regulatory genes that govern the development of cells," said R. Bruce Stewart, Arrowhead's Chairman. "These advances could open up a whole new paradigm in applied nanomedicine—similar to the discovery of genetic engineering and RNAi. We are honored to be associated with Dr. Davidson, whose distinguished career in this field has spanned four decades."

A better understanding of the genetic mechanisms of cell differentiation is expected to provide the basis for more precise manipulation of cell development. Dr. Davidson's research employs a rational approach focused on understanding the control mechanisms of the cell.

Dr. Davidson is the Norman Chandler Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology. He has been a member of the National Academy of Sciences since 1985 and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science since 1980. He has published over 350 papers and is the author of two textbooks on developmental biology, Genomic Regulatory Systems. Development and Evolution. Academic Press, 2001 and The Regulatory Genome. Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Evolution. Academic Press, 2006.

"Eric Davidson is a world leader and pioneer in learning how the biological circuitry of life functions," said Lee Hood, M.D., Ph.D., President of the Institute for Systems Biology "His work will lead eventually to understanding how to reengineer human disease-perturbed networks with drugs to make the sick become well."

The agreement between Arrowhead and the California Institute of Technology provides for $255,000 annually for three years and an exclusive right for Arrowhead to license the resultant technology.

In addition to funding Dr. Davidson's research, Arrowhead operates two nanomedicine subsidiaries, Insert Therapeutics, Inc., now in clinical trials with its initial anti-cancer therapeutic, and Calando Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading developer of RNAi therapeutics. Arrowhead also sponsors research at Stanford University in the laboratory of Dr. Nick Melosh who is developing a device to control the behavior of stem cells.

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About Arrowhead
Arrowhead Research Corporation ( http://www.arrowheadresearch.com ) is a publicly-traded nanotechnology company commercializing new technologies in the areas of life sciences, electronics, and energy. Arrowhead is building value for shareholders through the progress of majority owned subsidiaries founded on nanotechnologies originally developed at universities. The company works closely with universities to source early stage deals and to generate rights to intellectual property covering promising new nanotechnologies. Currently, Arrowhead has four subsidiaries commercializing nanotech products and applications, including anti-cancer drugs, RNAi therapeutics, carbon-based electronics and compound semiconductor materials.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the recent economic slowdown affecting technology companies, the future success of our scientific studies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K and 10-K/A, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and 10-Q/A, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, our Registration Statements on Form S-3, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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Contacts:
Arrowhead Research Corporation
Virginia E. Dadey, 212-541-3707

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