GenoMed is a Next Generation DMtm company that uses medical genomics to improve patient outcomes. GenoMed is working to translate knowledge of medical genomics–the study of which genes cause disease–into clinical practice. We combine biotechnology with Disease Management (DM). We develop new and better drugs, we use existing drugs for new disease indications, and we uncover disease before symptoms arise. By studying disease genes, we hope to make medicine more proactive and disease prevention more effective.
Who We Are
What We Do
Drug discovery: Once GenoMed identifies a disease gene without any existing therapy, the company pursues strategic alliances with large, research-oriented pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs against the target.
Using existing drugs for new clinical indications: Occasionally, knowing a disease gene can make an existing drug more effective. For example, GenoMed has demonstrated that a proprietary regimen of an existing ACE inhibitor can dramatically delay the progression of end-stage kidney disease due to Type 2 diabetes or hypertension in both African American and Caucasian men, as well as the progression of peripheral vascular disease, and even emphysema. This is the first time an ACE inhibitor has been found to be useful for emphysema.
Gene-based diagnostic tests: Knowing the genes which cause a disease allows a physician to diagnose that disease before symptoms ever become visible. In clinical medicine, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the clinical outcome.
Competitive Position
Like the science of genomic medicine, GenoMed takes a targeted and efficient approach to finding and commercializing disease genes. Our past experience in medical genomics has helped us to identify a class of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that we believe has strong associations with all common diseases. We use the least expensive, fastest throughput genotyping currently available in the world. Our ability to move much more quickly than larger, more bureaucratic corporations maximizes our intellectual property produced per dollar spent.
History
GenoMed was inspired by Dr. David Moskowitz’s research on the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene during the mid 1990s. His lab discovered that ACE was a “master” disease gene. ACE was found to be associated with about 160 common, serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, common cancers (except for prostate and breast), and psychiatric diseases. Moskowitz, a nephrologist, treated 1,000 of his own patients based on his knowledge of diseases caused in part by ACE. His early efforts produced dramatic results — the rate of progression of kidney disease due to high blood pressure was reduced by an average of 300% in both African American and Caucasian male patients. Through this new treatment, patients who normally reached dialysis in 4 years were not predicted to reach end-stage kidney disease for 16 years. Patient outcomes for kidney failure due to type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease, and emphysema (COPD) were equally exciting. In February 2001 Moskowitz founded GenoMed with the help of industry veterans Jerry White, Richard Kranitz and Peter Brooks.
Code of Ethics
It is the policy of GenoMed, Inc. (the “Company”) that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer and controller (or persons performing similar functions) adhere to, advocate and promote the following principles:
- Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
- Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and other public Compliance with laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company.
Reporting and Treatment of Violations
Persons who become aware of suspected violations of this Code should report such suspected violations promptly to the Chairman or Secretary of the Company’s Board of Directors. To assist in the response to or investigation of the alleged violation, the report should contain as much specific information as possible to allow for proper assessment of the nature, extent and urgency of the alleged violation. Without limiting the foregoing, the report should, to the extent possible, contain the following information:
- the alleged event, matter or issue that is the subject of the alleged violation;
- the name of each person involved;
- if the alleged violation involves a specific event or events, the approximate date and location of each event; and
- any additional information, documentation or other evidence available relating to the alleged violation.
The Board of Directors or any committee thereof subsequently created for the purpose of managing alleged violations of the Code of Ethics shall have the power to monitor, investigate, make determinations and recommend action to the Board of Directors with respect to violations of this Code. In determining whether a violation of this Code has occurred, the following may be taken into account:
- the nature and severity of the violation;
- whether the violation was a single occurrence or involved repeated occurrences;
- whether the violation appears to have been intentional or inadvertent;
- whether the person in question had been advised prior to the violation as to the proper course of action;
- whether the person in question had committed other violations in the past; and
- such other facts and circumstances as the Audit Committee shall deem advisable in the context of the alleged violation.
Consequences of Violations
If a violation is substantiated, the Board of Directors, may impose such sanctions or take such actions as it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Disciplinary action (including censure, re-assignment, demotion, suspension or termination);
- Pursuit of any and all remedies available to the Company for any damages or harm resulting from a violation, including injunctive relief; and
- Referral of matters to appropriate legal or regulatory authorities for investigation and prosecution.
Requests for Waivers and Changes in Code
A waiver of a provision of this Code shall be requested whenever there is reasonable likelihood that a contemplated action will violate the Code. Any waiver (including an implicit waiver) that constitutes a material departure from a provision of this Code shall be publicly disclosed on a timely basis, to the extent required by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. In addition, any amendments to this Code (other than technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments) shall be publicly disclosed on a timely basis, to the extent required by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC.