The Hypoallergenic Cat: A Timeline
Feb. 4, 2004
The beginnings of the allergy-free cat. Simon Brodie and David Avner agree on a business plan for using RNAi to knock out the gene for the major cat allergen fel d 1.
Sept. 24, 2004
Brodie and Avner agree to form a company called Allerca.
Oct. 12, 2004
Brodie backs out of his partnership with Avner.
Oct. 26, 2004
Brodie incorporates Allerca without Avner.
Oct. 28, 2004
Brodie sends out press releases promising hypoallergenic cats based on RNAi by 2007. "For the first time, people who have been unable to own a cat because of their allergies will be able to have a pet of their own without the associated risks and costs of allergy treatments."
Dec. 14, 2004
Avner sues Brodie for stealing and publicizing his trade secrets, soliciting his customers, and usurping investors, "because it appears, from the public's perspective,...

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