Timeline: The Hypoallergenic Cat

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, 200

Kerry Grens

Jan 1, 2007 | 2 min read

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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