Successful Developments in Macrogen Cancer Therapy

Oxford Biomedica PLC
2 February 2000


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OXFORD BIOMEDICA ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL 
DEVELOPMENTS IN MACROGEN(TM) CANCER THERAPY 

Oxford BioMedica reports favourable preclinical results from its MacroGen(TM)
programme in the current issue of the scientific publication, Gene Therapy.

The article describes the successful use of human macrophages, a cell type
from the immune system, to selectively deliver anti-cancer genes to solid
tumours in vitro. These results represent the first example of using
macrophages as a targeting system to selectively deliver therapies to regions
of low oxygen found in tumours. 

Macrophages are naturally attracted to tissues that have low concentrations of
oxygen and Oxford BioMedica has been exploiting this feature.  In this case,
the macrophage targets the poorly oxygenated regions of tumours and delivers
anti-cancer genes where they are required. The anti-cancer gene is then
switched on using BioMedica's proprietary hypoxia response element, a piece of
DNA that triggers the activation of genes in response to low oxygen
concentrations. In preclinical models, this results in the tumour being
destroyed.  This targeted approach could result in a cancer therapy with
substantially reduced side effects.

The anti-cancer gene that the Company is using is also present in its
MetXia-P450 product, which is currently in Phase I/II clinical trials for
breast cancer. 

Commenting on the results, BioMedica's Chief Executive, Prof. Alan Kingsman,
said:
'These results show that cell-mediated targeting may be feasible as a
treatment for diseases associated with reduced oxygen levels, including cancer
and cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis. We
have some way to go before this approach reaches the clinic. However, our
recently announced collaboration with IDM to jointly develop cell-based
therapies could accelerate the product development process.'


Notes to Editors

1. Oxford BioMedica plc
Established in 1995, the Company specialises in the development and
application of gene-based therapeutics using advance gene delivery
technologies for the treatment of disease in the areas of oncology, viral
infection and neurodegenerative disease.  Oxford BioMedica plc was floated on
the UK Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in December
1996.

2. MetXia-P450
Oxford BioMedica's product, MeXia-P450 is currently in phase I/II trials to
treat late-stage breast cancer.  The treatment delivers a gene to tumour
tissue which enhances the effectiveness of the established chemotherapeutic
drug, cyclophosphamide.

3. Collaboration with IDM
On 20 January 2000 Oxford BioMedica announced a collaboration with the French
biotechnology company IDM S.A. to jointly develop cell-based therapies - a
powerful approach to fighting diseases, including cancer, that uses cells from
a patient's own immune system. It works by removing cells from a patient,
manipulating them to increase their immune potential, and re-introducing them
to the patient. 

The collaboration with IDM brings together Oxford BioMedica's advanced
gene-based systems including MacroGen(TM) with IDM's proprietary cell
processors, which are currently being used by IDM in clinical trials. The
combination of these two leading technologies is expected to drive innovative
cell-based therapies against cancer and other diseases rapidly into clinical
development.

4. Research paper
To read the original research paper, please see Gene Therapy (Volume 7 Issue 2
pages 255-262) or go to www.stockton-press.co.uk/gt

5. Oxford BioMedica website
This release is also available on the World Wide Web at: 
http://www.oxfordbiomedica.co.uk