Therapeutic Genes for Treatment of Cancer Acquired
Oxford Biomedica PLC
2 May 2000
For further information, please contact:
Oxford BioMedica plc
Professor Alan Kingsman, Chief Executive Tel: +44 (0)1865 783 000
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OXFORD BIOMEDICA ACQUIRES NOVEL THERAPEUTIC GENES
FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER AND OTHER DISEASES
Oxford, UK - 2 May 2000: Oxford BioMedica announced today that it has signed
an agreement with the UK Microbiological Research Authority Centre for Applied
Microbiology and Research (CAMR) granting BioMedica exclusive rights to a
series of novel genes isolated by CAMR scientists.
The genes encode a family of enzymes known as nitroreductases which can be
used in enzyme/prodrug activation, a potent gene therapy strategy. A prodrug
is a compound that is taken in an inactive form. After administration to a
patient, it can be converted into an active, often very powerful drug.
Using BioMedica's proprietary gene delivery systems, nitroreductase genes can
be delivered to the site where therapy is needed. The nitroreductase enzyme
encoded by the gene then converts a prodrug in the target tissue into an
active form that mediates the therapeutic effect.
This approach means that the active drug is only present in high concentration
in the tissue where it is needed. This maximises the efficacy of the drug and
minimises adverse side effects. Diseases such as cancer, heart disease and
arthritis may be treated in this way using gene therapy.
The agreement between BioMedica and CAMR gives BioMedica exclusive rights to a
number of genes in return for research funding, an up-front fee, milestones
and royalties on future revenues.
Commenting on the agreement BioMedica's Chief Executive, Prof. Alan Kingsman
said:
'This is an excellent deal that complements our existing strengths in enzyme
prodrug therapy. The CAMR team has done a magnificent job in isolating and
characterising these enzymes and their genes. These CAMR nitroreductases are
the most active of their kind that are available. They are many times more
potent than other enzymes that have been used before and we anticipate taking
them into clinical trials very quickly'.
Dr Roger Gilmour, Chief Executive of CAMR said:
'Oxford BioMedica is the UK's premier gene therapy company, and we are
delighted to have them as partners for this important technology, given their
proven expertise in the clinical development of gene-based enzyme/prodrug
activation therapies.'
Notes to Editors
1. Oxford BioMedica: Established in 1995, the Company specialises in the
development and application of gene-based therapeutics using advanced gene
delivery technologies for the treatment of disease in 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. CAMR is an UK Government research organisation which is internationally
recognised for its unrivalled experience with pathogenic organisms, providing
a combination of specialist expertise and resources. Core activities are
centred on the research, development and production of highly purified
biopharmaceutical products, vaccines and other biologically active compounds.
It is also rapidly developing a reputation for efficient management and
licensing of commercially useful technology.
3. Oxford BioMedica's enzyme/prodrug clinical trials: Oxford BioMedica is
currently conducting a Phase I/II clinical trial of MetXia-P450(TM), a
proprietary product for the treatment of solid tumours, in late-stage breast
cancer patients. A second Phase I/II clinical trial of MetXia-P450(TM) in
ovarian cancer patients has been approved by the UK Medicines Control
Authority and is planned to start shortly. MetXia-P450(TM) is a gene therapy
product which delivers the CYP2B6 gene to solid tumours. The cytochrome P450
enzyme encoded by CYP2B6 activates the anti-cancer prodrug cyclophosphamide.
4. This release is also available on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.oxfordbiomedica.co.uk
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